SNP demands public inquiry on failure to scrap decommissioned nuclear submarines

The SNP has today demanded a public inquiry into the decommissioning of nuclear-powered submarines, following the publication of a damning report on how the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has handled the process.

Nuclear powered submarines at Roysth Dockyard. Picture: TSPL

The National Audit Office (NAO) found the MoD still does not know how it will finally dispose of 20 decommissioned vessels, several of which remain laid up afloat at Rosyth Dockyard in Fife.

The UK now has twice as many submarines in storage as it does in service, and has not disposed of any of the boats decommissioned since 1980.

The estimated cost of disposing of a submarine is £96 million, the NAO found, while the MoD has put its total future liability for maintaining and disposing of the 20 stored and 10 in-service nuclear-powered boats at £7.5 billion over the next 120 years.

SNP defence spokesman Stewart McDonald has now called on UK Government ministers to be held to account and “face up to the consequences of their actions”.

The MP for Glasgow South said: “This is a scandal of epic proportions. Eye watering sums of money are being wasted by the MoD and it is time that those responsible – ministers and officials of the current and previous governments – are called to answer how this sorry situation has been arrived at.

“A public inquiry would allow for the proper scrutiny that the public would expect. The wasting of hundreds of millions of pounds cannot simply be written off. It is vital that the authors of this mess explain themselves. The public have a right to know what advice was being given, how sound was that advice and where was sound advice being ignored by ministers?

“Carrying on with submarine renewal whilst this hangs over the MoD is wholly unacceptable.

“People in communities like Rosyth will be living with the consequences of the UK’s nuclear folly for years to come.

“20 submarines are currently rotting on our coasts with a £7.5 billion pound price tag to maintain and then dispose of them. Ministers, past and present, along with officials who advised them on this disastrous course of action, must be held to account.”

A MOD spokesperson said: “The disposal of nuclear submarines is a complex and challenging undertaking. We remain committed to the safe, secure and cost-effective defueling and dismantling of all decommissioned nuclear submarines as soon as practically possible.”