David Cameron: Portsmouth shipyard was closed in the 'national interest' Mr Cameron's official spokesman said: "These are decisions taken in the UK's national interest." At Prime Minister's questions Mr Cameron said: "These are extremely difficult decisions and our first thoughts should be with all of those that are affected." He added: "We want our Royal Navy to have the best and most modern ships and the best technology. That means we will go on building warships on the Clyde, we will be announcing three new offshore patrol vessels, keeping that yard busy rather than paying for it to remain idle as the last government proposed. The shipyard has a rich history encompassing great naval names such as HMS Victory and the Mary Rose. However the firm said it was being hit by a "significant" reduction in workload following the peak of activity on the current aircraft carrier programme. Philip Hammond, the defence secretary, was asked whether the decision to protect Scottish jobs showed that Scotland was better off as part of the UK. He told the Commons: "If Scotland were not a part of the United Kingdom, I would certainly have not been able to make the statement and the announcement that I've made." Responding to a question from Angus MacNeil, a Nationalist MP, Mr Hammond attacked the SNP's plan for independence. He said: "Their policies would drive shipbuilding out of Scotland. He added: "It would be the very last nail in the coffin of the industry." Downing Street sources confirmed that Royal Navy contracts for warships were always placed within the UK and this would not change after independence. Why would BAE be based in a different country from its biggest customer? If the Type 26 contract says they have to be built in the UK then that's what would have to happen," they said.