Douglas Chapman

Before entering politics, Chapman spent 26 years in retail banking and was on the Fife Council for nine years. As the SNP spokesperson on Defence Procurement and Nuclear disarmament, he was critical of Trident, which he called “an outdated 20th-century solution in a changed world”. Chapman also chairs the APPG on Malta. The crisis in Yemen and climate change in the Arctic are among the most important issues to him. The 65-year-old is a frequent tweeter on matters relating to defence, the economy and Scottish independence. In a column for The National, he lambasted Boris Johnson’s criticism of devolution as “a deliberate move to kick start a Vote Leave style campaign of misinformation and sleight of hand against Scotland’s democratic will”. Chapman has pushed for the decarbonisation of the maritime sector, which he has said could create new sustainable jobs. In the 2017-2019 parliament, he sat on the Regulatory Reform Committee and the Public Accounts Committee. He is now the SNP’s shadow spokesperson for small business, enterprise and innovation.

Hot Seat

What was the catalyst for you deciding to enter politics?

Child poverty and being angry at Scottish children missing out on education and opportunities when our country is so wealthy.

Which historical figures, political or otherwise, do you take inspiration from?

You would expect me to say William Wallace or some other figure who fought relentlessly for Scottish independence. I will not disappoint on that question.

Covid-19 aside, what’s the most challenging local crisis you have had to deal with since being elected an MP? What was learnt?

The constituency lost 1000 jobs at a coal fired power station soon after I was elected. While devastating for the local community and those who had worked there all their lives, other opportunities emerge and we have the potential for a greener industry to take its place.