Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what consideration he has given to the development of skills required by the defence industry in Fife.

The UK Government recognises how important the defence industry in Fife is for the UK’s national security, which is illustrated by the Type 31 frigate programme. That is why, alongside the launch of the Scotland Defence Growth Deal on 12 March, we announced £10 million would be invested towards the creation of two Defence Technical Excellence Colleges, including one in the East of Scotland. These colleges will ensure that the training and education pipeline is in place to give the defence industry in Scotland, including in Fife, the skilled workforce it requires.

Although the Scottish Government have not yet confirmed that they are willing to match fund the second Defence Technical Excellence College in Scotland I remain of the view that this is a superb opportunity and I hope constructive conversations can begin soon.