The UK Government has announced a £15.1 billion investment in HMNB Clyde at Faslane, the largest upgrade to the UK's naval bases since the end of the Cold War. Defence minister Luke Pollard confirmed the funding during a visit to the base on Tuesday, stating it will increase the 'readiness, availability and lethality' of the Royal Navy.
Investment Details and Job Support
The investment is part of the £26 billion Project Royal Oak programme, which also covers HMNB Devonport and HMNB Portsmouth. The funding is expected to support thousands of jobs at Faslane, which is Scotland's largest military establishment and second-biggest employment site with over 6,500 military and civilian personnel.
New training facilities, out-of-water engineering infrastructure, and research and development will be provided through the regeneration and upgrade programme, the Government said.
Additional Defence Spending in Scotland
Mr Pollard also confirmed more than £240 million in RAF sustainment contracts in Scotland, expected to support more than 380 jobs. Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander said: 'Scotland is crucial to UK defence and this £15.3 billion UK Government funding for some of our most critical military assets will make Britain safer at home, stronger abroad and deliver a defence dividend for Scottish communities.'
Alexander added: 'As home to the Royal Navy Submarine Service and the UK's nuclear deterrent, it's only right that Faslane will be transformed ... into a modern, more efficient base, future-proofed for war-fighting.'
Ministerial Statements
Mr Pollard said: 'The threats facing the United Kingdom are real and they are growing. This Government is not waiting – we are acting now to ensure our Royal Navy has the bases and infrastructure it needs to be ready to fight. This £26 billion investment is the largest in our naval bases since the Cold War, and Scotland is central to it.'
He added: 'Clyde is critical to our nation's defence. This investment is securing thousands of jobs up and down the country and strengthening our Armed Forces for the challenges of today and the future.'
Additional Infrastructure Investments
The Ministry of Defence also announced the purchase of the Finnart oil terminal on Loch Long to increase the Royal Navy's capacity to store fuel. Additionally, £20 million will be invested to revitalise Inchgreen Marine Park near Greenock, one of the UK's largest operational dry docks.
Scottish Labour deputy leader Dame Jackie Baillie said: 'The UK Labour Government is making record investment to help transform our Armed Forces to give them the funding and equipment they need to keep our country safe.' She noted the funding would help support more than half a million jobs across the UK by the end of the decade.
