LONDON, Aug. 7 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news:
On his first visittoScotland as Defence Secretary, WesStreeting hastoday underlined the nation's vital role in the UK's defence.
During the visit, Mr Streetingsawfirst-hand how UK defence investment is supporting national security, skilledjobsandservice families, withnearly12,000jobs inScotlandsupported by defence.
Whilein Rosyth, the Defence Secretary toured Babcock's facility, where the Royal Navy's Type 31 frigates are being built, meeting workers and apprentices supporting one of the UK's major shipbuilding programmes.
The Type 31 programme sustains2,500skilled jobs across Scotland and the UK supply chain,including 400apprenticeshipsestablishedthrough partnershipswith localcolleges in Fife andacross Scotland, supportingregional economic growth.
Defence Secretary Wes Streeting MP said:
From the skilled workers and apprentices building the next generation of Royal Navy warships at Rosyth,totheservice families who support our Armed Forces every day, Scotland sits at the heart of our national security.
It is inspiringtosee proud heritage combining with modern technologytomake our country fit for the future. That also presents huge opportunities for jobs and reindustrialisation.
Alongside this, we are committedtodelivering better homes for the personnel and families who serve our country.
The Defence Secretary alsometServicePersonnelandfamiliesin Edinburgh, visiting homes thathavebenefittedfromrefurbishment works,including aroofing project at Redford Gardens and homes undergoing full upgrades at Adams Well Estate.
The Governmentis undertaking agenerational renewal ofArmedForces housing,backed by£9 billionover the next decade. This will see 40,000 military homes, 9 in 10 of thetotal estate,upgraded,modernisedorrebuilt.
A new Defence HousingServicehas alsobeenestablished toput forcesfamiliesfirst, meetingnew, modernproperty standardsandaccelerating housingdelivery onsurplus defence land.
Scotland is at the heart of defending Britain, withnearly 10,000Armed Forces personnel stationed there and key strategic bases playing an increasingly vital role in protecting the North Atlantic from Russian aggression. Typhoon fighter jets scramble from RAF Lossiemouth in responsetopotential threats, while HMNB Clyde is hometothe Royal Navy's submarine fleet.
The visit underlines the Government's commitmenttomaking Defence an engine for growth, while renewing the nation's contract with those who serve by improving the lived experience of Armed Forces personnel and their families.
As part of the Defence Investment Plan, the Government has confirmed £26 billiontomodernise critical naval base infrastructure, including £15.1 billiontoregenerate HMNB Clyde with world-class facilitiestoincrease maintenance delivery, modern waterfront infrastructure, trainingfacilitiesand new accommodation.
Harry Holt, CEO of Babcock International Group, said:
A capable and adaptable Royal Navy fleet is essentialtothe security of the UK, NATO and our allies around the world, and we were delightedtowelcome the Defence Secretary heretoRosythtosee first-hand the excellent progress being made on the Type 31 frigate programme.
The defence industry makes a vital contributiontoScotland's economy, sustaining thousands of skilled jobs and apprenticeships.Our workforce and operations at Rosyth are a clear demonstration of this,delivering sovereign capability, supporting economic growth, and contributingtoUK reindustrialisation.
We look forwardtoworking with the Defence Secretary and the Ministry of Defence as they implement the Defence Investment Plan, further strengthening our sovereign and export capabilities andthe defence of our nation.
Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.
