David Cameron: 'Defence matters. And defence jobs matter'
Prime Minister David Cameron is today visiting a defence industry site in Scotland.
He will meet with and take questions from staff at a defence company.
Stressing the importance of the defence sector to the British economy, he will say:
Defence matters. And defence jobs matter.
Scotland has a world renowned and highly skilled defence sector that employs over 12,600 people and has annual sales in excess of £1.8 billion. It plays a key role in equipping and supporting the UK Armed Forces - from iconic industries like shipbuilding on the Clyde and Rosyth to cutting edge, high tech manufacturing.
Being part of the UK opens doors for the Scottish defence industry around the globe. When we sell Typhoons overseas, this benefits jobs and growth for companies making components in Scotland.
Scotland counts for more on the world stage because it is part of the United Kingdom and Scottish defence jobs are more secure as part of the United Kingdom.
The business community tell me that they want certainty - and I want to offer that certainty by saying that I remain absolutely committed to the defence of the United Kingdom and to the future of defence jobs in Scotland.
Defence matters. We are stronger and safer together.