NICOLA Sturgeon has condemned a decision to open up a £1 billion order for military ships to overseas tenders – branding it “nothing short of a blatant betrayal of Scottish shipyards”.
The UK Government is allowing foreign yards to compete for the chance to build three Royal Fleet Auxiliary ships, despite union leaders claiming the deal could support 6,500 jobs in Britain.
Ms Sturgeon said the move was an “absolute betrayal” in light of promises made in the run-up to 2014’s independence vote.
Speaking during First Minister’s Questions, she said: “That work should be on the Clyde, I argue that that work was promised to the Clyde and should definitely go to the Clyde.
“We should be very clear. What we are now seeing develop around that work and the future of the shipyards is nothing short of a blatant betrayal of Scottish shipyards.
“During the referendum, promises were made to those shipyards by the Tories, and indeed, by all the unionist parties—the shipyards were told of promises of work for years to come.
“The unionist parties specifically said that, if Scotland became independent, it would not be able to secure that work for the Clyde, because contracts could not go to “foreign countries”.
“It is an absolute betrayal and I hope that we will hear all parties across the parliament stand up for shipbuilding on the Clyde.”
The GMB union has called for a UK-only competition to win the lucrative contract, which it estimates would return £285 million to the taxpayer through income tax and other benefits.
The Ministry of Defence said all its warships – such as the Type 26 frigates currently being built in the Clyde – are reserved for UK yards.
But the new vessels are not covered by this policy because they are civilian-manned support ships.
Ms Sturgeon’s comments came after UK Business Secretary Greg Clark was quizzed on the issue during a Holyrood committee.
Scottish Labour’s economy spokeswoman Jackie Baillie claimed awarding the contract to a UK company “could create or secure more than 10,000 jobs”.
She added: “But Tory ministers appear content to let these jobs and investment go overseas. It is absolutely disgraceful that Greg Clark refused to commit to building these ships in the UK.
“Scotland’s shipbuilders are world renowned and deserve every support from the UK and Scottish governments.
“The UK Government must urgently reverse this decision to tender this contract internationally.”
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