THE Ministry of Defence (MoD) spent nearly three times less per head on defence in Scotland than parts of the south of England last year.
The SNP hit out at the figures, saying that it proves Scotland’s defence industry is being “badly short-changed” by Westminster.
The Scotsman reports that the UK Government department paid out £390 per capita north of the Border in 2024-25 compared to £1120 in the South West of England.
Meanwhile, £810 per head was spent in the South East and £330 – less than Scotland per capita – in London.
SNP defence spokesperson Dave Doogan said: “Despite all the condescending bragging from the Prime Minister and a string of Labour Ministers about their supposed investment in Scottish defence – their own official figures now confirm that Scotland’s defence industry is being badly short-changed by Westminster.
“The official figures are in black and white and they don’t lie – they confirm that Westminster is ploughing three times more spending into defence in the south west of England than in Scotland - and yet Westminster politicians repeatedly demand Scotland's unquestioning gratitude despite Scottish taxpayers contributing every penny that we then ultimately receive in defence expenditure.
“While Westminster fails our industry, thankfully international investors continue to show their confidence by placing significant orders - these investments are being won by the engineering excellence, design quality, competitiveness, and innovation of Scottish defence firms.
“For example, the recent £10 billion order from the Norwegian Government will ensure over 2000 jobs at the Glasgow BAE Systems shipyard. It will support over 100 Scottish businesses in the process, and another 2000 jobs across the UK supply chain.
“Scotland has a proud history within the defence sector, and we are home to some of the world’s most advanced manufacturers, engineers and complex warship builders.
"The SNP are committed to developing and investing in these industries in Scotland, despite a Westminster system that constantly short-changes us.”
A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said: “Scotland is crucial to UK defence, with more than £2 billion spent with the Scottish defence sector last year alone.
“While all parts of the UK have a part to play in keeping us safe, Glasgow shipyards will be at the heart of our largest ever warship export deal, with the Type 26 partnership with Norway backing more than 2000 jobs in the city.”
