Kate Forbes
Scottish National Party · Scotland
“We are committed to securing a just transition for Grangemouth. We have provided more than £12 million in funding to support the creation of up to 279 jobs. We are also committed to supporting workers who have been made redundant as a result of commercial decisions at Grangemouth.”
“The unions, especially Unite the Union, have been constructive throughout and have put the needs of their members before anything else. What role has our Government played to create a future for the workers who have been abandoned and discarded by the United Kingdom Labour Government?”
“It has worked with us to establish the Grangemouth jobs prioritisation scheme, which ensures that redundant workers are prioritised for new opportunities arising at Grangemouth as a result of the Grangemouth just transition fund.”
“Kate Forbes: I agree that attracting a varied and diverse range of investors who are able to meet the needs of companies across all projects and stages is vital. We have seen huge growth in start- ups, and now the focus needs to turn to scale-ups.”
“High streets are going to be hammered again by inaction on business rates that, in many cases, are doubling or trebling. Has the Government done any analysis of the impact of those increases on business closures and vacancy rates, and what they will do to the streets? Should the Government not look again at pausing the process?”
“Oliver Mundell: I associate myself with comments from colleagues across the chamber about the Deputy First Minister. I am concerned that the Scottish National Party- led Dumfries and Galloway Council is undoing all that hard work by continuing with its obsession with wasting £70 million of taxpayers’ money on the deeply unpopular Whitesan…”
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“I will begin by saying that it is a matter of deep regret that Petroineos has closed the Grangemouth refinery. My immediate thoughts— and I am sure that I speak for the Parliament—are with those workers who will be made redundant over the coming months. I reiterate the responsibility that the business has to support the workforce at this time. The decision will have a devastating impact on hundreds of workers at Grangemouth and across the wider supply chain. We believe that the decision is premature and means that Scotland risks losing skills that are critical to our efforts to deliver a just transition to a net zero economy. We are already supporting the workforce at this difficult time, and today must fundamentally be about reassuring everybody who is employed at the refinery and in the supply businesses that they have a future.”
“It is orchestrated sleight of hand by a failing Government that is desperate to change the subject. The Parliament was created to be accountable to the people of Scotland for devolved responsibilities around health, education, transport, housing, justice and local government.”
“Does the member not appreciate that improving the wellbeing and prosperity of the people relies on exports? Let us take the visit to the UAE as one example. In terms of single- country sales forecasts for Scottish companies, the UAE is now second only to the US. He knows how exposed we are to the turbulence that is caused by US tariffs. Does he not think that it is in the interests of the people of Scotland to improve exports? Stephen Kerr: Of course I agree that export sales are an important part of a prosperous and growing economy, but this debate has been deliberately framed as being on the international situation. We are spending valuable time on it in the chamber, and we have only a few hours of debating time in the chamber each week. With all respect to the First Minister and the Deputy First Minister, this debate is a distraction.”
“The businesses and the workforce at Grangemouth represent decades of energy-intensive expertise that is ready to be harnessed as new technologies become more viable. Together, project willow and the Grangemouth just transition plan are a blueprint for what is possible at Grangemouth. We now have to get on with the work to deliver it. The Presiding Officer: The Deputy First Minister will now take questions on the issues that were raised in her statement. I intend to allow around 20 minutes for questions, after which we will move on to the next item of business. I would be grateful if members who wish to ask a question would press their request-to-speak buttons now.”
“We are grateful to both Forth Valley College and Unite the Union for their dedication in ensuring that we leave nobody behind. Further to that, we have been clear that the valuable input of trade unions must be central to any efforts to progress the vision that is set out in project willow. I am committed to ensuring that unions and the voice of the workforce continue to have strong representation as we take the next steps. Their skills and experience are critical to securing the future of Grangemouth. Grangemouth can and will remain at the forefront of industrial manufacturing in Scotland for years to come, provided that it is supported throughout the next phase of its journey.”
“It will inform the next steps of project willow as well as wider activity that is focused on developing and growing the highly skilled workforce and support for the Grangemouth community. I am grateful to all those who took the time to respond to our recent public consultation, ensuring that the final plan will best represent a broad range of views and ambitions. The First Minister recently made reference to the “economic crisis” facing the cluster, and we are taking decisive action. We are providing support to the workforce, who are facing redundancy as a result of the refinery’s closure. We are providing a comprehensive retraining offer, which is delivered by Forth Valley College and is equipping workers right now with the skills to transition into in-demand industries.”
“To put it plainly, we want to understand any and all barriers to investment and the steps that the Scottish Government can take to remove them. Our efforts to secure a sustainable, prosperous and fair future for Grangemouth do not end with project willow. It is vital that the benefits of transitioning Grangemouth are felt across the totality of industry there, as well as by the workforce and, indeed, the wider community, which has an intrinsic relationship with industry. Our Grangemouth just transition plan, which has been developed in partnership with all those stakeholders, will be published next month, and that first-of-its-kind plan will outline both the strategic framework and the vision for the future of the industrial cluster.”
“Furthermore, the much-delayed and long- awaited decision by the UK Government on the Acorn project is essential for the future of the Grangemouth industrial cluster. The lack of clarity and commitment from the UK Government is inhibiting, and will continue to inhibit, investment. I therefore call on the UK Government to show that it is serious about supporting Grangemouth’s transition and confirm Acorn now. As I have set out, we have already heard from businesses and potential investors with an interest in supporting new activities at Grangemouth. Now that project willow has been established, our commitment is to engage and work with investors and a broad range of stakeholders to fully understand the changes that they need to enable the deployment of low-carbon projects.”
“That is reinforced by project willow, which makes a series of policy recommendations to Government, with the majority being directed at UK ministers due to the reserved nature of these matters. Officials will work collaboratively with the UK Cabinet Office to ensure that each and every recommended policy change that is required at a UK level is given due consideration. We need UK ministers to take seriously the significant shift in existing policy that will be required to deploy longer-term technologies such as biofuels refining in Scotland. I therefore call on the UK Government to take urgent action to ensure that there is a viable route forward for the production of transition fuels, such as sustainable aviation fuel, at Grangemouth. That includes legislating before the summer to allow revenue mechanisms to be established.”
“I can confirm that initial interest has already been strong, with both Scottish Enterprise and Petroineos confirming that they have received numerous expressions of interest. Although project willow considered the future of the existing refinery site, we are ambitious about the wider cluster’s low-carbon and renewables prospects. Therefore, the task force will also seek to attract investment in proposals not identified under project willow, ensuring that prosperity is felt in all corners of the industrial cluster. It is clear from my discussions with businesses that there is a need for a radical shift in the policy and regulatory landscape if new projects are to be deployed at Grangemouth.”
“It is a call to action for the public and private sectors to work together to harness the potential at Grangemouth, and I assure members that project willow is being progressed. The Cabinet Secretary for Energy and Net Zero and the UK Government Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero have instructed Scottish Enterprise and the UK Office for Investment to jointly establish an investment task force that will identify and attract investors to support the development of the proposals set out in project willow. The task force will report jointly to both Scottish and UK ministers on a six-weekly basis to ensure that progress is being made to support business, the workforce and the community.”
“The fund will seek to catalyse near-term opportunities arising from project willow and will send a clear signal that we will work with businesses to ensure that low- carbon projects at Grangemouth are market investable. I welcome the UK Government’s confirmation that £200 million has been ring fenced within the national wealth fund to support the deployment of projects at Grangemouth. However, many of the proposals outlined in project willow are not yet market investable, which may preclude access to national wealth fund support. I therefore call on UK ministers to provide urgent clarity and confirm that those moneys will be available for Grangemouth as soon as businesses need them. Project willow cannot and will not become a report that merely sits on a shelf.”
“It demonstrates that a transformative future for the existing site is achievable if the public and private sectors work together in the coming months and years. The study has identified nine projects that are viable alternatives to existing fossil-based operations. If brought to fruition, those projects could support 800 direct jobs at Grangemouth, along with others across the supply chain. To achieve that transformation for the site, significant investment will be needed to bring those projects to life. Project willow reports that up to £4.25 billion in capital investment will be required in a “base case” scenario. We acknowledge that the public sector has a role to play in leveraging private sector investment in those projects, which is why the Scottish Government will establish a £25 million just transition fund for Grangemouth.”
“Members will be aware that, despite the Government’s best efforts, Petroineos took the decision to close the Grangemouth refinery this year. We remain disappointed by that decision, which will result in the loss of hundreds of highly skilled jobs at Grangemouth, and our thoughts remain with the workers, their families and the community at this difficult time. Last month marked an important milestone in Grangemouth’s future, with the publication of the project willow report, which sets out how the skills, expertise and facilities at Grangemouth can be used to achieve a just transition for the site. That study was jointly funded by the Scottish and United Kingdom Governments, and the public information document sets out the study’s findings and recommendations.”
“Ultimately, the best solutions to eradicating child poverty and the wider problem of poverty are: getting the sick well and giving them a roof over their head; giving everyone, regardless of their background, the education and skills that they need; and generating the all-important economic growth that creates jobs and allows the Government to give a fair deal to all.”
“The Institute for Fiscal Studies has warned that the Scottish Government will find it “almost impossible” to avoid cuts to other services if it chooses not to follow UK welfare reforms. In four years’ time, the Scottish Government will be spending £2 billion more on benefits than it receives through the block grant. The choice that ministers face is crystal clear—unless they reform benefits, they will be forced to cut front-line services and increase taxes. They will not be able to do everything. Last week, the Scottish Government, despite all its extra spending, missed its own legally binding child poverty reduction targets.”
“Oh, come on. Craig Hoy: The Deputy First Minister is shaking her head. She is, in part, an architect of the £800 million black hole in the Scottish budget, which is a result of the Scottish economy not growing in line with the UK economy. The cabinet secretary’s statement proves that the SNP Government is simply not serious about growing the economy and is certainly not committed to cutting the soaring benefits bill. Getting people off benefits and back into work is good for growth, society, individuals and their families. Fixing Scotland’s broken benefits system is not just desirable but essential, which the Scottish Government does not seem to recognise. Michael Marra: Will the member give way? Craig Hoy: I do not have time.”
“Scottish carbon capture has suffered two decades of broken promises at the hands of various iterations of the UK Government, and it is time for the UK Government to finally come good on its promises. South Scotland (Investment in West of Region) 8.”
“Kate Forbes: The importance of the Acorn project for Scotland’s net zero commitments and economic ambitions cannot be overstated, and the continued delays from the UK Government are not helping. I note that Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce, with support from MSPs in the Parliament, has today raised concerns about jobs, energy security and future investment, all of which is being put at risk by the fact that the UK has not taken a positive decision on Acorn. The First Minister and the Acting Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy have both recently engaged with the Prime Minister and the Secretary of State for Energy, Security and Net Zero on the urgent need for a positive decision on Acorn.”
“The Scottish Government set out the opportunities from net zero in its green industrial strategy. The strategy’s mission is to ensure that Scotland realises the maximum possible economic benefit from the opportunities created by the global transition to net zero. The strategy focuses our efforts and resources on specific opportunities, based on an assessment of Scotland’s likely sources of comparative advantage in the net zero economy. Evelyn Tweed: The development of carbon capture and storage, through the Acorn project, for example, will form an important part of our net zero journey. Given that the United Kingdom Government is yet to approve the Acorn project, will the Deputy First Minister outline any on-going discussions between both Governments?”
“The Deputy Presiding Officer: With a reminder that the question relates to Gaelic-medium education in the Glasgow Shettleston constituency, I call Emma Roddick to ask a supplementary question.”
“John Mason: The Deputy First Minister’s answer is really encouraging. As she has said, Glasgow will now have four Gaelic-medium schools and, on top of that, an extremely important building in the east end of Glasgow has been saved. Could other councils learn from that example and increase the number of Gaelic- medium schools? Kate Forbes: The most recent census figures and other evidence show that Gaelic-medium education continues to grow in popularity. As a product of that education, I obviously think that it is a great idea that offers pupils great prospects. We stand ready to support local authorities that want to develop Gaelic-medium opportunities and respond to parents who indicate a preference for placing a child in Gaelic-medium education.”
“I commend Glasgow City Council for its commitment to Gaelic-medium education and the good progress that it has made in that regard. Plans are in place for a fourth Gaelic school, which will serve the Glasgow Shettleston constituency and other areas. We understand that planning permission has been granted and that the construction contract is in place. Pupils who will attend the school have already started their Gaelic-medium education at North Kelvinside primary school, and Glasgow City Council expects that they will move to the renovated school in autumn 2026. By means of the £2 billion learning estate investment programme, which is being delivered in partnership with local authorities, we will provide Glasgow City Council with significant funding support for the school project.”
“As she says, the show has provided a pipeline of work for actors and actresses in Glasgow and, in particular, in the Dumbarton location, and she will know that the Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture, Angus Robertson, is very involved in the issue. Only this week, he met Equity members on the matter. The priority is that there should be no detriment to actors, actresses, the pipeline of work or the screen sector from BBC decisions. As Pam Duncan-Glancy knows, there are growing questions about drama commissions in Scotland, which Angus Robertson has raised with the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport,”
“In the past five years alone, the show has launched the careers of 22 Scotland-based writers and 10 directors, most of whom are women. It also plays a key role in university programmes such as those in Glasgow Caledonian University, giving pathways to vital jobs in the industry. The issue is not just a cultural one—it is about skills and the economy, too. What assessment has the Deputy First Minister made of the impact of losing that vital training infrastructure on pathways into the screen sector, particularly for working-class women and mid- career creatives in Glasgow? What action will she take to raise that directly with the BBC? Kate Forbes: I commend Pam Duncan-Glancy and others for their cross-party support of the screen sector and for recognising the role of “River City” as a BBC production.”
“We have demonstrated our commitment to the culture sector with an increase of more than £34 million to next year’s culture budget, which takes us more than halfway to our commitment to increase support by £100 million annually by 2028-29. Notably, our commitment means that, through Creative Scotland’s multiyear funding, organisations in Glasgow will receive almost £60 million in funding over the next three years. Although I have not had specific ministerial discussions regarding the culture sector’s impact on the economy of Glasgow and the west of Scotland, I welcome discussions from all colleagues on that. Pam Duncan-Glancy: The show “River City” has been a vital training ground for the culture sector in Glasgow and the west of Scotland.”
“The member will know that there are a number of high- growth opportunities in the wider Grangemouth site that are looking to attract skilled workers—and the Grangemouth workforce is extremely highly skilled.”
“If all nine of the potential projects are taken forward, which represents the base case, project willow could create about 800 jobs over the next decade and a bit and contribute £600 million to £700 million in gross value added. We have to break down the projects that are closest to being realised quickly in order to protect jobs, with an eye on the horizon for the projects that will be deliverable in the medium term. We are, of course, actively engaged in supporting the workforce, which I accept is under immense pressure right now, through the partnership action for continuing employment—PACE—initiative and so on, to consider other opportunities.”
“Those are real, well-paid jobs that are set to disappear. Meanwhile, the project willow report talks about jobs that might appear in 10 or 15 years’ time. Let us be absolutely clear. Which of the nine proposed projects is likely to secure investment first? What is the realistic timescale for getting that project up and running? When exactly will the people of Grangemouth get the clarity that they deserve on their futures? Kate Forbes: Those are all very important questions. The member will appreciate that I cannot speak for Petroineos, but I can speak for how the Scottish Government will work with it, and we recognise its strategic role. The projects that are projected to be taken forward in the near term focus on the recycling of plastics, acetone-butanol- ethanol biorefining, anaerobic digestion and fuel switching.”
“Funding is now available through both Governments, and we will continue to work with Petroineos to secure the opportunities that the report highlights for its site. Stephen Kerr: The Deputy First Minister was very careful in what she said. I respect that, but she did not really answer my direct questions, and that will be a cause of serious concern to the people of Grangemouth. The reality is that Petroineos has seen project willow throughout its journey. As the Deputy First Minister rightly says, the Scottish and UK Governments invested £1.5 million in the report, and the very least that many of us would have expected is that Petroineos would have declared or shown its hand by now. Right now, there are more than 400 highly skilled jobs at Grangemouth that are set to vanish in the coming months.”
“Kate Forbes: I agree with the principle of Stephen Kerr’s question, which is that, now that we have received the project willow report, there is an opportunity, using UK and Scottish Government funding, to work with the private sector to make those investments, and Petroineos remains critical to the success of that process. Mr Kerr will appreciate that Petroineos commissioned the work and has acted as the lead partner, which reflects its role as the owner and operator of the Grangemouth refinery, with UK and Scottish Government funding. We have committed to working with it throughout the next stage, recognising its strategic importance to securing a long-term and sustainable future for the cluster. In short, we recognise the important role that Petroineos plays.”
“Stephen Kerr: I agree with the Deputy First Minister that we need to have as much parliamentary time as possible to discuss and debate the matter. I welcome the publication of the project willow report, but let us be absolutely clear that serious uncertainties remain, the biggest of which, after all this time, is the position of Petroineos. The success of project willow and any real chance of attracting private investment hinge entirely on the availability of the Grangemouth site. If that site is not available, the proposed projects simply will not happen. When will Petroineos finally provide clarity on its intentions? More crucially, has it given the Scottish Government any indication at all that it is actually willing to invest in any of the proposed projects?”
“I thank the member for this opportunity to address the issue. I confirm that the Government was intending to bring a statement on the matter to Parliament. The publication of the project willow report, which sets out a transformative future for Grangemouth, is to be welcomed. It marks an important milestone in our ambition to secure a long-term and sustainable future for Grangemouth that enshrines the industrial cluster’s contribution to Scotland’s economy and makes it a source of high-quality jobs on an on-going basis. On the next steps, Scottish Enterprise and the UK Government Office for Investment will now lead work to bring the suggestions and other projects to fruition by working collaboratively across the private and public sectors to ensure the necessary investment to take them forward.”
“We will consider future vessel contracts from public agencies, but the board is developing its commercial strategy, which will target a range of opportunities. That will be spearheaded by the new chief executive when they come into post, which will, we hope, be shortly.”
“Will the Deputy First Minister agree to meet Alex Logan, the shop steward, and me to discuss Ferguson Marine’s future? Will the Deputy First Minister say whether there is a prospect of the yard being directly awarded work at phase 2 of the small vessel replacement programme? Kate Forbes: I agree with Stuart McMillan about the workforce’s ability and dedication. I would be happy to meet Alex Logan and Stuart McMillan to discuss those matters. I have spoken with Alex on a number of occasions and I hugely value his insights and commitment to the workforce. Stuart McMillan talked about the equipment, which is why we have agreed on and allocated up to £14.2 million over the next two years in order to enhance the yard’s infrastructure and deliver productivity improvements so that it is in a better place to bid competitively.”
“Reaching the final round of bidding demonstrates the strength of our proposal and gives us renewed confidence in our ability to produce Clyde-built ships that are world class.” I understand that the member has also received some direct assurances from CMAL on the process that was carried out. Stuart McMillan: I have never doubted the shop floor workforce’s abilities. That they have built vessels, including the three previous small vessels, with some antiquated equipment highlights their abilities. Quite frankly, the workforce has been let down by the board and yard management. What steps will the Scottish Government now take to ensure that a board and management team are at the helm that can deliver a yard that the workforce deserves?”
“Scottish ministers did not play any part in the review of the bids. CMAL is the procuring authority and has started the 10-day standstill period before the contract can be signed. However, we understand from its feedback that Ferguson Marine scored highly on quality. As noted in the news release, CMAL used a technical quality weighting of 65 per cent for this contract, with 35 per cent for price. David Dishon, the chief financial officer, said: “We are very proud of our bid and although we priced it competitively, we were up against extremely tough competition ... we were pleased to see Ferguson Marine’s bid rated so highly on quality ...”
“Stuart McMillan: The Deputy First Minister will be aware of the frustration of many people in my community, including the local workforce of Ferguson Marine and me, who want answers to vital questions, such as where Ferguson Marine ranked among the five candidate locations, how its bid compared to other yards in quality and price and what the Scottish Government is now doing to ensure that it has a future. Will the Deputy First Minister answer those three questions now, and if she is not able to do so because of the 10-day standstill period, will she commit to publishing that information when that period concludes? Kate Forbes: I know that Stuart McMillan understands that this is a live procurement, so there are limitations on what I can say or the level of information that I can share at this point in the process.”
“Although there will be disappointment that Ferguson Marine was not identified as lead bidder, for our islands, this is an important milestone in the procurement to build and deliver seven new small vessels for our ferry network. The new vessels will help to improve connectivity and resilience for island residents, businesses and communities, and their electric operation will contribute to a reduction in carbon emissions from Scotland’s ferry fleet and make ferry travel more sustainable. In advance of further questions, I point out that this is still a live procurement process, and we are limited in what we can say during the 10-day standstill period. The process is being led by Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd as the procuring authority.”
“Yet, it seems that lawyers who get involved in a public inquiry have a licence to print money for themselves. Does she agree? Kate Forbes: The Inquiries Act 2005 sets out a statutory duty on the chair of the inquiry, who is appointed by ministers, to act “with regard ... to the need to avoid any unnecessary cost.” We are keen to support the cost-efficient operation of public inquiries. To that end, Scottish Government officials produced guidance for ministers and sponsor teams on the establishment of an inquiry and how it can be supported, and laid it before Parliament in 2024. All of us have a duty to operate within fixed budgets. School Support Staff 4.”
“The cost of a public inquiry varies and is very much determined by the complexity of the issues to be investigated, the number of witnesses and the amount of technical expertise that might be required. Public inquiries that are established under the Inquiries Act 2005 are independent of Government. Given their function of carrying out an investigation into matters or events that are causing widespread public concern and learning lessons for the future, it is essential that that independence is maintained. John Mason: We all support independence, but auditors have independence, too. The Deputy First Minister will know, as I do, that auditors must work within tight timescales and on a fixed budget, as do teachers, cleaners and people in every other job that I know.”
“I move amendment S6M-16667.3, to leave out from “deserve” to end and insert: “benefit significantly from an abundance of direct investment initiatives established under the former UK Conservative administration, including £3 billion in Levelling Up funding, City Region and Growth Deals, Green Freeports, the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, and the British Business Bank; recognises that the importance and significance of these investments demonstrate the commitment that was held by the former UK Conservative administration to supporting economic growth in Scotland; acknowledges the full responsibility that is held by the Scottish Government for economic outcomes deriving from its devolved powers, and calls on the UK Labour administration to hold to the critical pledges made by its predecessors to level up Scotland’s economic prosperity.” 15:16”
“In the same vein, we need to ensure that there is a viable future for oil and gas. Labour has already set its face against oil and gas, and the SNP equivocates when it comes to the proposed new Rosebank and Jackdaw oil fields. We in the Scottish Conservatives are very clear that we need to continue with the extraction of oil and gas from the North Sea, not least to provide energy security and reduce our reliance on imports. The UK Government should be supportive of that approach. There is much to celebrate in the record of the previous UK Government in investing directly in the Scottish economy, and there are great opportunities for the future in energy and defence. We should be seizing those opportunities for Scotland and not carping from the sidelines. Those are the points that I make in my amendment, which I am pleased to move.”
“We are seeing huge investment at present—we debated that just yesterday afternoon—in green technologies and the renewable energy sector. That is very welcome and it is funded by electricity bill payers right across the United Kingdom. It is the UK energy market that provides the money that we need for huge developments, particularly in offshore wind, that drive economic regeneration in the Highlands and across other parts of Scotland. UK Government support underpins the regulatory framework and makes sure that those jobs are coming and developing a new economy for the future. It is just a pity, as I highlighted last week— indeed, this issue came up in yesterday’s debate on Scotland’s renewable future—that the SNP Government’s anti-nuclear stance means that we cannot benefit from jobs in that sector.”
“That was a disgraceful and shocking set of scenes, cheerleadered by a member of this Parliament from the Green Party—frankly, that was disgraceful. If we are to see more opportunities in the defence sector, we, in the Parliament, must be positive about it, otherwise young people will not be encouraged to take up apprenticeships, which are vital. I hope that we will have some leadership from the SNP Government on this issue. We have already seen, for example, the entire Royal Navy submarine fleet relocated to the Clyde, bringing with it jobs. There will be other opportunities for Scotland, too, but we must make sure that the Scottish Government is welcoming of those new jobs and that investment. I will mention one more sector: energy.”
“There will need to be positive engagement from the Scottish Government to make sure that that happens: a celebration of our defence sector, which, frankly, too many colleagues in this chamber seem to be embarrassed about. Yesterday, when the First Minister made his statement on Ukraine, he spoke positively about the opportunities for defence in Scotland. I wish that that positivity was reflected among all the SNP back benchers. Unfortunately, too many of them seem to be ashamed of our defence sector. Some of us will remember the dreadful event that took place more than a year ago in the Parliament, when young apprentices from the defence industries came in and were subject to abuse—they were heckled as they arrived, simply because of the sector in which they worked.”
“Looking at the uncertain world that we now face, there will be a need—recognised by the Prime Minister—to increase our defence spending. That has already been signalled and I expect that it will have to go yet further. That is a tremendous opportunity for Scotland. It will support our economy, develop skills and provide careers and opportunities to expand on what is already a very successful defence sector, in which we lead the world with some of our technology. For example, Leonardo provides radar systems for Lockheed Martin that are sold across the world, supporting thousands of jobs in the Scottish economy. That should have the whole-hearted support of every party in this chamber. Of course, that happens only because of UK Government spend. Scotland benefits from that spend, and if the spend increases, Scotland will benefit even more.”
“The sector employs more than 13,000 people in Scotland and accounts for £2 billion in economic turnover. That number of people—13,000—employed in defence is higher than the number of defence employees in London. The Ministry of Defence spends more per head in Scotland than in the rest of the UK: an average of £380, which is higher than the UK average of £370. That spend in Scotland grew 13 per cent from 2018 to 2021-22. The jobs created by it tend to be highly skilled, in sectors such as shipbuilding, engineering, science and technology. We saw the benefit of the spend on the two new UK aircraft carriers, which were built on the Clyde and the Forth. Babcock in Rosyth, in my region, continues to benefit from the UK Government’s shipbuilding programme.”
“Let us not forget that, initially, the Scottish Government was against the freeports, perhaps due to the influence of the anti-growth Greens who were in government at the time. Fortunately, the Deputy First Minister stepped in and good sense prevailed—and now, thank goodness, we have the freeports. However, that was a UK Conservative Government initiative. We have seen the investment zones and projects to regenerate town centres. On top of that, we see vital local community projects being directly supported by levelling up funding: funding for local sports clubs and cultural projects, all of which have benefited from direct UK Government investment. I want to focus on two sectors in particular. The first is the defence sector, which is relatively more important to the Scottish economy than it is to that of the UK as a whole.”
“The excellent new Perth museum is drawing many more visitors than expected to the centre of Perth, helping the local city centre economy. It showcases the city and surrounding area’s history and is home to the stone of destiny. If members have not visited the museum yet, I encourage them to do so and, while they are, to spend some money. In Invergowrie, the James Hutton Institute, which is world leading in crop innovation, is benefiting from growth deal investment and is creating jobs and delivering world-beating science. Direct investment does not stop there. We have seen a further £1.4 billion in levelling up investment, and the freeports that the minister referred to.”