By now, no one can doubt the scale of the security and economic challenges facing Scotland, the UK, and Europe.

In no period since the end of the Cold War have we been forced to confront such financial and security headwinds, at the same time as a hostile state rolls its tanks across our continent.

Yesterday, we took an important step on our journey to confront both those threats. Having ended austerity at last year’s budget, the Chancellor’s Spring Statement now moves the whole UK further and faster towards safeguarding our national security and delivering economic renewal.

Jet outside BAEAn extra £2.2bn for defence will improve housing for military personnel and their families, while also providing the weapons and equipment our soldiers, sailors, and aviators need.

That is a direct investment in keeping our country safe, but it is also a massive boost for Scottish industry and workers.

Scottish shipbuilding is already booming thanks to billions of pounds of UK Government investment.

Thousands of workers on the Clyde are building five Type 26 frigates, while on the other side of the country there are five Type 31 frigates being built at Rosyth.

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But yesterday’s announcement goes well beyond........

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