Faslane to be home to UK's fleet of nuclear submarines

Published on Wednesday 6 May 2009 22:02

THE UK's entire fleet of nuclear submarines is to be based on the Clyde, the Royal Navy announced yesterday.

Around 1,000 extra personnel will be based in Faslane by around 2017 due to the decision, the Royal Navy said.

However, the SNP, which will see the move as a snub to its anti-nuclear stance, last night warned about the threat of nuclear safety breaches.

The announcement follows reports last month of a number of safety breaches at the base in recent years, including leaks of radioactive waste.

Angus Robertson, the SNP's defence spokesman, said: "The MoD has been found guilty of repeated nuclear safety breaches, and there will be concern at proposals to bring more nuclear submarines to Faslane.

"In all circumstances, we have an excellent workforce at Faslane, and the site has a strong future as a conventional base."

The decision to designate Faslane as the UK's submarine base was made as part of a shake-up by the Ministry of Defence that sees Portsmouth become the home to the new Type 45 destroyers and aircraft carriers, while Devonport naval base in Plymouth is downgraded.

Three Trafalgar-class submarines will transfer to Faslane from their Devonport base by 2017, following a review.

They will serve alongside the Vanguard-class submarines currently at Faslane and the new Astute-class boats currently under construction.

David Cairns, Labour MP for Inverclyde, said: "This is brilliant news for Scotland. It secures the future of Faslane and all the jobs and investment that go with that."

Willie Rennie, the Liberal Deomcrats' defence spokesman, added: "This further entrenches Scotland as a key part of the UK's defence. Transferring the submarines to Scotland means Faslane has a strong future."