Starmer Criticizes SNP Blocking £11M Rolls-Royce Defence Investment

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has strongly criticized the Scottish National Party (SNP) for blocking a £11 million private investment from Rolls-Royce to create a specialist welding centre, citing the SNP’s longstanding policy of refusing public funds for projects linked to munitions. Starmer described the SNP’s stance as "staggering," emphasizing the missed opportunities for apprenticeships and job creation, especially amid global conflict. Additionally, Starmer condemned the SNP's calls for the UK to unilaterally scrap its nuclear deterrent, Trident, calling it the "single most important part" of the UK's defense and critical for Scotland's security. He highlighted government plans to boost defense spending, protect Scottish jobs, and invest in new munitions factories and nuclear warhead programs. The SNP, led by First Minister John Swinney, maintains its opposition to using public funds for weapons-related projects and continues to advocate for nuclear disarmament despite recent global threats. Starmer's critiques come alongside political tensions ahead of a key Scottish Parliament by-election, with Labour positioning itself as the primary challenger to the SNP.