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Scottish Conservative Leader Slams SNP's Defence Industry Handling

Findlay warns of job losses and economic impact. He calls for investment in colleges, apprenticeships, and local shipbuilding.

In this image there is a shipyard with metal structures, lamp posts, containers and ships.
In this image there is a shipyard with metal structures, lamp posts, containers and ships.

Scottish Conservative Leader Slams SNP's Defence Industry Handling

Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay has slammed the Scottish Government's handling of the defence industry and its impact on jobs and the economy. During a visit to Babcock's Rosyth dockyard in Scotland, Findlay praised the firm's contribution to the UK economy and job market, but criticised the government's policies.

Findlay accused the SNP Government of neglecting Scotland's defence and industrial base, making it harder for firms like Babcock to maintain a skilled workforce. He highlighted the reduction in college budgets by about 20%, which has made it difficult for employers to find skilled workers in Scotland.

Findlay also condemned the decision to award contracts for new CalMac ferries to Chinese shipyards, despite Scotland having its own state shipyard, Ferguson Marine. He believes the process around the contract award was corrupt, leading to a 'national scandal' and putting island communities' lives and livelihoods at risk in Scotland.

Findlay's visit to Babcock's Rosyth dockyard underscored the importance of the defence industry to Scotland's economy and jobs. His criticism of the Scottish Government's policies highlights the need for investment in colleges, apprenticeships, and local shipbuilding to support the industry and communities in Scotland.

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