Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay has called on the UK Labour government to honour its defence spending pledge amid growing concerns over national security.
During a visit to defence manufacturer Thales in Glasgow, Mr Findlay criticised reports suggesting Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer may renege on his commitment to boost defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2030.
Mr Findlay warned that backtracking on this promise would undermine the UK’s global standing and weaken support for Scottish engineering and manufacturing firms.
He accused Labour of sending “entirely the wrong message on the global stage” at a time when threats to security are increasing in both number and complexity.
The Conservative leader said that keeping the promise is vital to reassuring allies and deterring adversaries like Vladimir Putin.
Mr Findlay also highlighted the potential impact of Labour’s recent budget measures, particularly the rise in employer national insurance contributions, which he claims will burden companies like Thales.
He praised Scotland’s defence sector as home to “some of the best and most innovative manufacturers in the world,” urging the government to support their growth and contribution to the economy.
Findlay did not miss the chance to criticise the SNP, accusing them of “hostility to the defence sector” and “reckless opposition” to the UK’s independent nuclear deterrent.
He argued that the SNP’s stance undermines Scotland’s role in national security and threatens vital defence jobs across the country.
Mr Findlay called for “common sense” from Sir Keir Starmer, urging him to “keep his word for a change” and uphold the defence spending pledge.
He also stressed the importance of creating opportunities for aspiring workers within Scotland’s thriving defence industry.
Findlay argued that defence manufacturers like Thales play a crucial role in both safeguarding the nation and driving economic growth.
With rising global tensions, he insisted that the UK must stand firm and invest in its security infrastructure.
Failing to meet defence commitments, he warned, would embolden adversaries and disappoint international allies.
Mr Findlay concluded by urging the Labour government to drop what he described as a “job tax” that threatens businesses already facing economic challenges.