North-east MP welcomes defence spending announcement
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Banff and Buchan MP David Duguid has welcomed a multi-billion pound boost to the UK defence budget that will “transform” the armed forces and create new military jobs.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced a spending increase of £4 billion each year for the next four years.
The increase is the largest since the end of the Cold War and will bring UK spending up to 2.2 per cent of GDP – above the NATO target and higher than any other member state except the United States.
The UK commitment includes an ambition to expand shipbuilding in Scotland and the creation of a new UK Space Command, with the first rocket due to be launched from Scotland in 2022.
Defence Secretary Ben Wallace has estimated that the budget increase will create 40,000 new jobs across the UK.
Mr Duguid said: “The Prime Minister’s announcement will transform our armed forces, create thousands of new jobs and improve our national security.
“This is very good news for the whole of the UK and Scotland in particular, where so many jobs depend on UK defence spending.
“Boris Johnson was very clear that our historic regiments such as the Black Watch will be protected, while construction of new frigates will continue in Govan and Rosyth.
“News that the first rocket could be launched from a new Space Command in Scotland in 2022 is an exciting prospect.
“There are around 10,000 regular personnel along with 4000 reservists based in Scotland, and the number is growing.
“Scotland has always played a critical role in UK defence and this announcement will ensure that continues for a long time to come.”
