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TORY leader Ruth Davidson last night deflected responsibility for protecting

shipbuilding jobs.

She said it was up to the SNP to say what would happen under independence rather than offer her own cast-iron guarantees about warships on the Clyde.

It follows a report for shipyard union the GMB which looks at the importance of the industry to Scotland.

Research by the Fraser of Allander Institute shows nearly 6000 jobs and £162.7million in wages are supported by BAE yards on the Upper Clyde.

More than 3800 jobs and £105.9million in wages are supported by the Rosyth dock on the She said it was up to the SNP to say what would happen under independence rather than offer her own cast-iron guarantees about warships on the Clyde.

The GMB report said: “The findings stress the need for the UK government to urgently deliver on the promised type-26 frigate programme for the BAE Systems yards in Govan and Scotstoun, which GMB Scotland revealed last April was subject to delay.”

The type-26 project has been dogged by claims of delays and fears for jobs, despite earlier pledges from the Tory Government.

Asked for details of recent discussions, a Tory spokesman said: “This research confirms that Scottish shipbuilding is a vital part of our economy.

“Ruth has had discussions with both Theresa May and the Defence Secretary, Michael Fallon, and they are both committed to building complex warships on the Clyde.

“The onus is on the SNP to explain how they would replace the jobs on the Clyde that would be undoubtedly lost if Scotland were to become independent.”

GMB Scotland Secretary Gary Smith said his members are tired of being used a political football.

He said: “One job on the Upper Clyde alone supports an additional 1.18 jobs across Scotland so for the future of Scottish shipbuilding and our long-term economic

prosperity it is imperative that the UK government makes good on the promised frigate programme.

“This report is a reality check and shows that the fragile Scottish economy cannot do without the thousands of jobs and hundreds of millions of pounds in wages supported by navy contracts.”