"Scotland is powering Britain's future defence" says Defence Secretary on first visit to Rosyth Shipyard and forces housing
Defence Secretary Wes Streeting highlighted Scotland’s central role in UK defence during a visit to Rosyth Shipyard and Edinburgh housing projects, emphasising ongoing investment in shipbuilding and military accommodation.
Defence Secretary Wes Streeting visited Babcock’s Rosyth Shipyard to inspect the construction of the Royal Navy’s Type 31 frigates, a programme supporting 2,500 jobs across Scotland and the UK supply chain, including 400 apprenticeships. The visit underscored the shipyard’s contribution to national security and regional economic growth through skilled employment and modern shipbuilding infrastructure. The Type 31 programme is part of broader UK defence investment aimed at sustaining sovereign naval capabilities and strengthening the defence industrial base.
During the visit, Streeting also toured refurbished Service Family Accommodation in Edinburgh, including projects at Redford Gardens and Adams Well Estate, as part of a £9 billion government initiative to upgrade 40,000 military homes over the next decade. The programme aims to modernise 90% of the Armed Forces housing estate, with a new Defence Housing Service established to improve living standards for service personnel and their families. The upgrades are intended to meet modern property standards and accelerate housing delivery on surplus defence land.
Scotland’s strategic importance to UK defence was further highlighted by the presence of nearly 10,000 Armed Forces personnel and key bases such as RAF Lossiemouth and HMNB Clyde. RAF Lossiemouth hosts Typhoon fighter jets for rapid response missions, while HMNB Clyde serves as the homeport for the Royal Navy’s submarine fleet, supporting NATO and allied security operations in the North Atlantic.
The visit coincided with the announcement of a £26 billion Defence Investment Plan, including £15.1 billion to modernise HMNB Clyde with new facilities, infrastructure, and accommodation. The plan aims to enhance the Royal Navy’s operational capability and support economic growth through sovereign defence capabilities and export opportunities. The government reaffirmed its commitment to making defence an engine for growth while improving the lived experience of Armed Forces personnel and their families.