Defence - summary leaflet
Published 13 March 2014
© Crown copyright 2014
This publication is licensed under the terms of the Open Government Licence v3.0 except where otherwise stated. To view this licence, visit nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3 or write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gov.uk.
Where we have identified any third party copyright information you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holders concerned.
This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/defence-summary-leaflet/defence-summary-leaflet
Scotland: Defence
Protecting all parts of the UK
The first duty of any state is to protect its people, territory, economy and interests from internal and external threats. The UK’s integrated approach to defence protects all parts of the UK, while offering significant economies of scale, as well as contributing to conflict prevention and resolution, and to humanitarian operations overseas.
At some £33 billion, the UK’s annual defence budget is one of the largest in the world
As part of the UK, Scotland benefits from the full range of UK defence capabilities that this budget provides.
Defence sector crucial to Scotland’s industry
The defence sector is a crucial part of Scotland’s industry, directly employing around 12,600 people. However, this industry is highly dependent upon domestic defence spending.
Scotland benefits from and contributes to the security provided through integrated UK-wide defences
Scotland plays an integral part in all aspects of the UK’s defence. By 2020 Scotland will have:
- One of three Royal Navy main bases, including all its submarines
- One of the British Army’s seven Adaptable Force Brigades.
- One of three Royal Air Force fast jet bases.
- 12,500 regular armed forces in Scotland (8.8% of the UK total).
- 4,250 trained volunteer reserves in Scotland (12% of the UK total)
The UK has consistently committed a high level of expenditure to defence - £34 billion in 2012-13. Scotland benefits from every single pound of this expenditure.
An independent Scottish state could not simply co-opt existing units which are an integral part of the UK Armed Forces
Personnel may not wish to leave the UK Armed Forces to join much smaller forces, not least because of strong bonds of loyalty.
Scotland benefits from security and influence around the world through the UK’s international alliances and relationships.
The UK’s longstanding alliances and partnerships mean the UK is well placed to exercise global influence in support of its national interests.
Reduced choice
An independent Scottish state would have less rather than more choice in the conduct of its international affairs. Smaller states are more reliant for their defence and security on the goodwill of their allies. The Scottish defence industry benefits from the opportunities provided through the UK’s domestic defence market
Sustainability
The sustainability of the defence industry in Scotland would be a considerable concern in the event of a vote in favour of leaving the UK. The Ministry of Defence spent over £20 billion with UK industry in 2011-12, just under half of which was with the manufacturing sector. This provided significant employment opportunities and contributions to national and local economies.
UK contracts
Companies based in an independent Scottish state would no longer be eligible for contracts that the UK chose to place domestically for national security reasons. Where they could continue to compete, they would be pitching for business in an international market dominated by major economic powers.