PM thanks personnel giving up family time at Christmas on visit to RAF Lossiemouth

The Prime Minister has visited military personnel at RAF Lossiemouth where he paid tribute to the men and women from all three services who are giving up time with their families over the festive period to be on duty.

Rishi Sunak chatted to aircrew, ground crew and support staff during his visit to the base, which is one of two RAF Quick Reaction Alert stations that protect UK airspace.

Mr Sunak heard stories of their work over the past year to support the security of people in Scotland and the wider UK.

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Scotland's defence industry has more than 10,000 employees and is a leading force in securing the long-term future of UK shipbuilding, with eight new frigates being constructed on the Clyde and five Type 31 Frigates at Rosyth.

The ships will sustain around 2,500 jobs, with around half in Scotland and the other half throughout the rest of the UK.

Mr Sunak will also be hosting a video call with members of the Armed Forces who are abroad over Christmas.

He is expected to wish them a happy Christmas and tell them their commitment will be at the front and centre of his mind during the festive season.

Last Christmas around 6,000 personnel were deployed across the world, serving in 33 military operations in 28 countries.