Defence minister Luke Pollard has urged the Scottish Government to end its hesitation over supporting the defence sector, emphasizing the need for closer collaboration between the UK and Scotland. Recent disputes have centered on public funding for arms companies, with Scottish ministers previously refusing direct support for weapon-building projects. However, First Minister John Swinney recently announced a pause on funding for firms supplying regimes accused of genocide, including Israel.

Pollard highlighted the importance of defence industries to Scottish jobs and called for unity regardless of political differences, stressing that national security should be the priority. The UK Government has announced new defence growth deals worth £250 million, with £50 million allocated to Scotland, and hinted at further investment in the sector. The focus of upcoming deals will be on skills and innovation, aiming to create more opportunities for young people and strengthen the economy.

The announcement follows a major £10 billion warship order from Norway, to be fulfilled at the Glasgow shipyard, underlining Scotland's ongoing significance in defence manufacturing.