DEFENCE SECRETARY Michael Fallon announced yesterday the building of a new fleet of navy frigates will begin next summer after months of delays.

Announcing the news on a visit to the BAE Systems shipyard in Glasgow, Mr Fallon told workers that the “growing defence budget” meant the Westminster government had “reached agreement in principle with BAE Systems to turn our Type 26 ambition into reality and invest in the most advanced combat ships on the planet.”

But Mr Fallon said that the investment was “on the basis that Scotland will be staying in the United Kingdom.”

GMB Scotland Organiser Gary Cook said the commitment would boost Scotland’s “sluggish economy” and “offer some hope and opportunity for the next generation of workers.”

However Mr Cook added that Westminster “had to be dragged to deliver after months of evasion” by the campaigning efforts of trade union members.

Unite regional co-ordinating officer Kenny Jordan welcomed the news, as it “secures the future of shipbuilding on the upper Clyde, supports skilled jobs in manufacturing and will provide opportunities for apprentices and trainees.”

But Stop the War convener Lindsey German said that “workers on the Clyde should have jobs, but there should be a means of securing jobs which does not entail more military spending.

“Why is there money for war but not for the public services we so desperately need?”