Defence Secretary Highlights Scotland’s Vital Role in Shaping Britain’s Future Defence During First Visit to Rosyth Shipyard and Military Housing

On his inaugural visit to Scotland as Defence Secretary, Wes Streeting has emphasised the crucial role the nation plays in the United Kingdom’s defence strategy.

During his trip, Mr Streeting witnessed first-hand how investment in UK defence is bolstering national security, creating skilled jobs, and supporting service families. Notably, defence efforts sustain nearly 12,000 jobs across Scotland.

In Rosyth, the Defence Secretary toured Babcock’s facilities, where the Royal Navy’s Type 31 frigates are being constructed. He engaged with workers and apprentices involved in one of the UK’s significant shipbuilding initiatives.

Supporting Economic Growth through Shipbuilding

The Type 31 programme is pivotal, sustaining 2,500 skilled jobs throughout Scotland and the wider UK supply chain. This initiative also includes the establishment of 400 apprenticeships through collaborations with local colleges in Fife and beyond, thereby fostering regional economic development.

Wes Streeting, Defence Secretary, remarked: “From the skilled workers and apprentices building the next generation of Royal Navy warships at Rosyth to the service families who support our Armed Forces daily, Scotland sits at the heart of our national security.”

He added, “It is inspiring to witness the proud heritage merging with modern technology to prepare our country for the future. This also presents significant opportunities for job creation and reindustrialisation.”

Furthermore, Mr Streeting highlighted the commitment to enhancing housing for military personnel and their families. While in Edinburgh, he met with service members and families, visiting homes that have undergone refurbishment, including a roofing project at Redford Gardens and full upgrades at Adams Well Estate.

Investing in Armed Forces Housing

The Government is embarking on a generational renewal of housing for the Armed Forces, backed by a substantial £9 billion investment over the next decade. This initiative aims to upgrade, modernise, or rebuild 40,000 military homes, which constitutes 90% of the total estate.

A new Defence Housing Service has been established to prioritise the needs of service families, ensuring compliance with modern property standards and accelerating housing development on surplus defence land.

Scotland plays a pivotal role in the defence of Britain, housing nearly 10,000 Armed Forces personnel and hosting key strategic bases that are increasingly vital in safeguarding the North Atlantic from Russian threats. RAF Lossiemouth is operational, with Typhoon fighter jets ready to respond to potential dangers, while HMNB Clyde serves as the home for the Royal Navy’s submarine fleet.

Commitment to Defence and Economic Growth

This visit underscores the Government’s dedication to transforming Defence into a catalyst for growth, while renewing the nation’s commitment to those who serve by enhancing the living conditions for Armed Forces personnel and their families.

As part of the Defence Investment Plan, the Government has allocated £26 billion to modernising critical naval base infrastructure. This includes a significant £15.1 billion investment to revitalise HMNB Clyde, providing world-class facilities aimed at improving maintenance delivery, modern waterfront infrastructure, training amenities, and new accommodation.

Harry Holt, CEO of Babcock International Group, expressed, “A capable and adaptable Royal Navy fleet is essential to the security of the UK, NATO, and our allies globally. We were pleased to welcome the Defence Secretary to Rosyth and showcase the excellent progress on the Type 31 frigate programme.”

He continued, “The defence industry is a vital contributor to Scotland’s economy, sustaining thousands of skilled jobs and apprenticeships. Our workforce and operations at Rosyth exemplify this, delivering sovereign capability, supporting economic growth, and aiding in the reindustrialisation of the UK.”

Looking ahead, Holt stated, “We are eager to collaborate with the Defence Secretary and the Ministry of Defence as they roll out the Defence Investment Plan, further bolstering our sovereign and export capabilities and enhancing the defence of our nation.”