Scotland could face budget reductions as UK ups defence spending, Swinney says

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer unveiled his government’s defence investment plan – but John Swinney raised concerns Scotland’s budget could be cut to pay for it. (Stefan Rousseau/PA) -

John Swinney has warned Scotland could face “budget reductions” to pay for increased spending on the UK’s defences.

While the Scottish First Minister welcomed the UK Government’s delayed defence investment plan (Dip) he said the “enormous investment” made in nuclear weapons made it “more difficult” to strengthen the country’s conventional forces.