Defence matters. And defence jobs matter
Today I visited the HMS Victorious as she returned to Scotland. I welcomed home and thanked her returning crew, and I extend that thanks to all those who provide our deterrent: the submariners, the families who support them and the 20,000 people who work onshore. All play their part in maintaining this nation’s ultimate weapon of defence.
I also visited a large defence contractor in Glasgow - Thales - and took questions from workers there. I told them that defence matters. And defence jobs matter Scotland has a world renowned and highly skilled defence sector that employs over 12,600 people and has annual sales in excess of £1.8 billion.
It plays a key role in equipping and supporting the UK Armed Forces – from iconic industries like shipbuilding on the Clyde and Rosyth to cutting edge, high tech manufacturing.
Being part of the UK opens doors for the Scottish defence industry around the globe. When we sell Typhoons overseas, this benefits jobs and growth for companies making components in Scotland.
Scotland counts for more on the world stage because it is part of the United Kingdom and Scottish defence jobs are more secure as part of the United Kingdom.
The business community tell me that they want certainty - and I want to offer that certainty by saying that I remain absolutely committed to the defence of the United Kingdom and to the future of defence jobs in Scotland.
Defence matters. We are stronger and safer together.
head of special operations at mi6 at secret intelligence services
10yI think d/c comment on defence was intresting.we compile such divercity with our long term commitment to this country.i am so greatfull to david for doing so much for one man in oxford,god bless you sir and may a many men be always as truthfull to you as your prodergie.
I'm not sure about your points here, Mr Cameron. Scotland didn't vote for you, your government or party. You have but one Scottish MP in Scotland. Clearly your government or her policies aren't wanted there, so how can you make comments like this about Scotland?
IT Support Analyst at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
11yNice.
Cyber Security focused IT Managed Services for UK Business / Armed Forces Veteran
11yI would love to be able to think like all these people who say we do not need to spend money on defence. They have their own little world where every country is nice, and if we disarm then nobody will ever try to hurt us! It’s a shame people can be so naïve in today’s dangerous world….
Former Trial Attorney @ The Lawrence Kahn Law Group, PS | Juris Doctor
11yThe defense industry in the United States generates significant fundamental research and first stages of engineering and cutting edge technology and especially communications systems that feed into general industry and business often only a few years later and in ways that may not have been anticipated. Keeping the United Kingdom in a competitive position is going to require commitment of resources and defense industries often see the need earlier, because it is perceived as a matter of assuring survival. Many of us are not aware of the risks all around us, but we commit resources (money, thinking, national will and the lives of service members) to being ready to deal with risks. "If you lead a country like Britain, a strong country, a country which has taken a lead in world affairs in good times and in bad, a country that is always reliable, then you have to have a touch of iron about you." ~~ Margaret Thatcher