Nuclear submarine welcome in west Wales, says Welsh First Minster

Published on 20/06/2012 01:34

Britain’s nuclear submarines would be “more than welcome” in west Wales if they left Scotland, the Welsh First Minister Carwyn Jones has said.

The Scottish Government has made no secret of its desire to move the fleet from the west coast of Scotland.

Welsh Labour leader Mr Jones, in Scotland for a meeting of British and Irish ministers on Friday, suggested that should the nuclear submarines move, they could find a new home in Pembrokeshire.

Despite his remarks prompting fierce criticism, he argued that the move would be a major boost to Wales’s economy.

Speaking to the Welsh Assembly, Mr Jones said: “I did notice the Scottish Government no longer wishes to have the nuclear submarine base at Faslane. It no longer wishes to house the UK naval nuclear fleet. There will be more than a welcome for that fleet and those jobs in Milford Haven.”

Britain has four Vanguard submarines based at Faslane naval base on the River Clyde, which can deploy Trident nuclear missiles

The SNP has long voiced its concerns about the dangers of nuclear energy, either to generate power or as part of Britain’s military defence.

The issue of the submarines was raised when the Welsh First Minister was asked during his weekly questions about the potential to invest in Welsh ports.

A Welsh government spokesman said his comments have nothing to do with the question of Scottish independence.

“As a staunch supporter of the Union, the [Welsh] First Minister has made it clear on many occasions that he wants to see Scotland remain part of the United Kingdom.”