Stephen Daisley argues that the Scottish National Party should abandon what he describes as performative, ideologically driven politics and make defence manufacturing a central economic and strategic priority. He supports Russell Findlay’s warning that undermining Scotland’s defence sector risks national security and contends that politicians should actively champion industries that contribute to the safety of Britain and its allies.

Pointing to rising global instability, including conflicts in Eastern Europe and the Middle East and tensions in the Arctic and East Asia, Daisley says Europe can no longer rely on the United States to shoulder the burden of its security. He argues that years of underinvestment have left European nations exposed and that expanding domestic defence production is now urgent.

Scotland, he writes, is well positioned to become Britain’s defence production capital due to its shipbuilding heritage, role in hosting nuclear deterrence, and strength in software development. With proper political will and cooperation from the United Kingdom Government, the sector could generate high paying jobs and attract major investment.

Daisley criticises the Scottish Government for prioritising social legislation and symbolic gestures over economic and industrial strategy. He concludes that a renewed focus on defence manufacturing would strengthen national security, boost prosperity, and mark a decisive break from what he sees as years of misplaced political priorities.