MPs hold evidence session exploring Defence in Scotland

At present, over 19,000 people are employed in more than 100 Ministry of Defence establishments around Scotland (including regular armed forces personnel, reserve personnel and civil servants). However, in 2016, the Ministry of Defence announced that it would reduce the size of the defence estate by 30% by 2040, with Scottish bases in Stirling and Rosyth both facing closure this year, and others to follow.

During this scene-setting evidence session, the Committee will be exploring a range of issues facing the defence sector in Scotland. Members are likely to discuss:

• Scotland’s representation in the UK military;
• The impacts of the UK’s changing defence priorities on investment, employment and communities in Scotland;
• The importance of military installations in Scotland for supporting the UK’s military alliances;
• Impact of base closures and redeployments on military personnel and their families;
• Support provided to military personnel and their families, including when moving to and from Scotland.