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Written question asked by John Cooper (Conservative) on Wednesday, 7 January 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 12 January 2026. It was answered by Luke Pollard (Labour) on Friday, 16 January 2026 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Defence: Scottish Government

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, in the context of his Department's responsibility for devolution oversight and national security, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of the Scottish Government’s Defence Sector Support Policy, set out to the Scottish Parliament on 3 September 2025.

Answer

This Government recognises the vital contribution that the Scottish defence industry has for the national security of the UK, while also being a key driver of economic growth. This is illustrated by the £2.5 million that this Government is providing to the Welding Skills Centre in Glasgow, which is developing the future skills pipeline needed to deliver the UK’s nuclear deterrent. Along side this we are developing the Scotland Defence Growth Deal that will draw on a share of a £250 million investment fund to support defence industry across Scotland.

It is important that both UK and Scottish Governments, as per their respective responsibilities, have policies in place that supports the growth of the sector. We are liaising with Scottish Government and Scotland’s defence industry to understand the impact assessments that have been conducted on the Defence Sector Support Policy.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
104077
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Defence Devolution National security Scottish Government
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk