THE Scottish Affairs Committee is launching a new inquiry into military shipbuilding in Scotland as The UK Government opens up the possibility of more international competition.
The UK Government’s Defence and Security Industrial Strategy, which was published last year, will open the door to Royal Navy warships being built outside of the UK, raising fears for the sector as a whole.
Shipbuilding in Scotland currently supports 7000 jobs, many of which are highly skilled. Concerns have been raised that the income of orders required to maintain this employment, and growth of the industry, may be compromised.
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According to a committee statement, unions have expressed concern that this position undermines the confidence that the industry requires in order to invest.
The Committee will also consider the opportunities for Scotland of exporting design licences for ships, and what more the UK Government could be doing to support the sector.
Scottish Affairs Committee chairman, Pete Wishart, said: “In the next phase of our Defence in Scotland inquiry series, we will be considering military shipbuilding and the much-anticipated National Shipbuilding Strategy refresh.
"The shipbuilding industry in Scotland supports many highly skilled jobs, but its future success could be undermined by UK defence policy.
“During this inquiry, we will look at what challenges changes in defence policy present for the sector, and the potential opportunities which can be opened up for Scottish industry through exports.”
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The announcement comes after it was confirmed earlier this month that the Rosyth Dockyard would not be moved to England if Scotland became independent.
An official from Babcock confirmed in committee proceedings that the site was “a core part of our business strategy” following the company’s £76 million investment into the shipyard.
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