Source · Select Committees · Scottish Affairs Committee
Recommendation 17
17
Acknowledged
Paragraph: 86
Scotland's geography ensures vital role in UK and NATO North Atlantic defence.
Conclusion
Scotland’s geography means it will continue to play an important role in meeting UK and NATO defence and security objectives in the North Atlantic and the High North. This means that, should the situation in the region change, Scotland could become home to a larger defence presence. We heard that the naval base at Faslane plays a critical role in UK and NATO defence strategy, because of its location close to the strategically critical Greenland-Iceland UK (GIUK) gap and the role it plays in hosting and protecting the Continuous At-Sea Deterrent. We also heard that the RAF base at Lossiemouth provides vital surveillance and threat response capabilities, including Quick Reaction Alert (QRA).
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges Scotland's critical role in UK defence and states it regularly reviews its defence posture across the UK in response to regional changes, without committing to a specific increase in presence.
Paragraph Reference:
86
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
As referenced earlier, Scotland, like every part of the United Kingdom, offers much to our security, sovereignty, and prosperity, and plays a critical role in the collective defence of the UK, our region, and global interests, and contributes to UK prosperity. The UK reviews its defence posture across the UK on a regular basis in response to changes in the region.