Clyde will be home to all UK’s nuclear subs
THE UK Government placed itself on a collision course with Holyrood last night after it was revealed that Faslane would become home to Britain’s entire fleet of nuclear-powered submarines.
The three Trafalgar submarines will be transferred from Devonport in Plymouth to the Royal Navy’s Gare Loch base, where they will join the Vanguard fleet, in about five years’ time.
The decision confirms the UK Government’s determination to make HM Naval Base Clyde the hub of Britain’s future nuclear deterrent.
The announcement – part of a major shake-up of the Royal Navy – immediately sparked anger in the SNP Government, but joy among Royal Navy and civilian personnel at the base.
The decision shows Westminster’s determination to expand Faslane in the teeth of opposition from Nationalists, who are determined to rid Scotland not only of the nuclear deterrent, but also of nuclear power stations.
SNP Westminster leader and defence spokesman Angus Robertson said: “The Ministry of Defence 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.”
But Labour leader Iain Gray welcomed the decision, saying: “This is great news for Scotland . It will guarantees jobs.
“Both the SNP and Tories were prepared to place thousands of jobs in jeopardy. Only a fortnight ago Alex Salmond was threatening the livelihood of so many families by driving these jobs out of Scotland.”
And Dumbarton MSP Jackie Baillie, whose constituency includes Faslane, said: “This is a vote of confidence for all the hard-working staff at Faslane.
“This is very much the union dividend in action. This investment will not just sustain existing jobs but will result in hundreds of new jobs, which is great for the local economy and better news for Scotland.”
The Trafalgar submarines will serve alongside the existing Vanguard fleet and the new Astute class subs, which will also be based on the Clyde when they begin entering service from later this year.
Armed Forces Minister Bob Ainsworth said the decision had been made after an extensive review of the Royal Navy’s future needs.
Mr Ainsworth said: “By making Faslane the sole operating base for our submarines earlier than we had originally envisaged, we will build on the base’s strengths and reduce duplication of facilities.
“Importantly, a single base for the submarine flotilla will provide more stability long-term for submarine service personnel.”
Clyde Commodore Chris Hockley said: “There is a very positive outlook for Clyde Naval Base today and we look forward to developing our specialisation as the sole operating base for the submarine fleet .”
He said: “The base is an integral part of the community here and these plans demonstrate that this will continue for many years to come.”
The Trafalgar subs will begin joining the Vanguards at Faslane in about five years with the last of the three arriving in 2017. The Clyde base spends more than £250million a year in Scotland.
