Tory MP brands SNP 'fifth columnists' over weapons funding opposition
The incendiary claim, which refers to fascists within Madrid who would support Francisco Franco's forces when they took the republican-held city during the Spanish Civil War, came during a debate on delays to new reconnaissance planes for the RAF.
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During Wednesday's debate, Cooper (below) said: 'There is something of a hostile environment for defence companies in Scotland, because the SNP Government refuse to put money into what they call 'munitions', which is scarcely credible in the current circumstances.
'Most recently, Rolls Royce wanted to build a welding centre of excellence on the banks of the Clyde, close to where Thales is based, but incredibly the Scottish Government will not put money into it.
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'To their credit, the UK Government have said they will back it to the hilt, which has to be good news, but it is very strange that the Scottish Government are taking an almost fifth-columnist view of the defence of the realm; indeed, it is quite remarkable.'
The Scottish Government does back weapon firms, however it limits how its cash is spent so it does not directly fund the manufacture of weapons.
The Scottish Government was approached for comment.
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