The UK Government defence review, which will improve national security, provide significant investment for defence and provide a boost for local communities, has received a warm welcome from Jackie Baillie.

The Westminster Government has pledged to increase defence spending, including delivery of up to 12 new submarines and investment in forces housing, alongside funding to secure skills which will support the industry.

It comes as part of the Strategic Defence Review, carried out by experts, including Lord George Robertson, former NATO General Secretary and MPs, who have made a string of recommendations.

Dumbarton MSP Jackie Baillie “applauded” the UK Government’s package of announcements earlier this month, which will benefit communities in Dumbarton, the Vale of Leven, Helensburgh and Lomond.

She said: “I applaud the UK Government’s decision to make this commitment to defence spending, which not only helps keep the nation more secure, but will provide a significant boost for communities in my constituency.

“It is brilliant news for many of those families and service personnel housed by the Ministry of Defence in Helensburgh and Lomond, who will now have accommodation fit for the commitment they provide in serving the nation.

“However, make no mistake, this announcement has reach far beyond the service community in terms of safeguarding and creating jobs and investment in the area and boosting the local economy, which relies significantly on Faslane and Coulport.

“I am absolutely delighted that investment will be delivered by the UK Government, in recognition of the value of the defence industry and our service personnel.”

Defence Secretary John Healey pledged a £400 million spend on MOD Housing in Scotland, as part of a wider £1.5 billion package.

The money will be used to improve the condition of the crumbling defence housing portfolio in service communities, such as those in Helensburgh.

A host of recommendations made by the House of Commons Defence Committee on the urgent need to improve the defence housing estate, made in March, were accepted by the UK Government.

MPs said that decades of under-investment and lack of maintenance had come “home to roost”.

But now the UK Government has thrown their weight behind upgrading the service estate to provide homes “fit for heroes”, which meet modern standards.

The announcement comes as part of a £7 billion defence spend during the term of this UK Parliament.

News of the funding was delivered as part of the Strategic Defence Review, which renews the UK Government’s commitment to service personnel.

In addition, the Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, is expected to announce the delivery of up to 12 new nuclear-powered submarines, in a pact with Australia and the US.

The UK’s nuclear deterrent submarines are based at Faslane, supporting thousands of civilian jobs in the area, linked to the defence industry.

It comes on the back of a £15 billion investment set out for the UK’s nuclear warhead programme.

Defence Secretary John Healey has also pledged to fund a specialist welding skills centre for the Clyde, if the Scottish Government continues to withhold funding.

He accused the Holyrood administration of “student union politics” over the policy of refusing to provide public funding for munitions-related projects.

The centre will provide training for welding specialities, which will also support defence and maritime projects.

Defence contractor Rolls Royce and the Malin Group had hoped to deliver the centre but were knocked back for £2.5million of Scottish Enterprise funding.

However, the UK Labour Government has guaranteed that it will step in if the Scottish Government does not provide the necessary funding.

The Defence Secretary has said the massive investment, which has seen Rolls Royce offer technology worth £11m, would provide “good, skilled jobs for working class kids”.

The package has renewed the UK Government’s commitment to increased defence spending, in the face of growing threats from nations including Russia.

Jackie recently attended a Downing Street event to recognise the dedication of the crew aboard Faslane-based submarine HMS Vanguard, alongside Prime Minister Keir Starmer.