Livingston MP Gregor Poynton has demanded the Scottish Government reverse its opposition to spending on the manufacture of munitions, warning Scotland risks being left behind as the UK commits billions to strengthening national security.

The Labour MP has written to Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes, calling for urgent reform of the Scottish National Investment Bank’s restrictive policies that prevent it from backing Scotland’s defence companies. ‌

The intervention follows Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s announcement of new defence investments, including £15 billion for the UK’s sovereign warhead programme and plans to build up to 12 new attack submarines. ‌

The letter to the Deputy First Minister follows an announcement that defence spending will rise to £79.7 billion by 2027/28, wit

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