Trident Safety Debate

The safety of the Trident nuclear weapons system will be debated by MPs later after a sailor raised numerous safety concerns.

An online report by Able Seaman William McNeilly alleged 30 flaws on the submarines based near Glasgow., claiming it is "a disaster waiting to happen."

The SNP - which wants the system scrapped - secured the Westminster adjournment debate, which will take place at the end of today's business.

John Ainslie from the Scottish Campaign for Nuclear disarmament says Mr McNeilly's allegations ring truer when put in context with other recent incidents:

SNP Defence spokesperson Brendan O’Hara MP said the debate allows the Parliament to address "the very serious allegations" made by the Able Seaman and "prevent them from being swept under the carpet by the Ministry of Defence."

He said: “We have already demanded that the MoD instigate a full and transparent inquiry into Mr. McNeilly’s claims and we can pursue answers when Parliament reconvenes next week.

“We insist that the MoD make a formal statement on this matter at the earliest opportunity as there are now serious questions over the safety and security procedures currently operating at HMNB Clyde, Faslane and on the submarines that carry these nuclear missiles.”

'Fully investigating'

In a statement, the Royal Navy said Mr McNeilly's claims are "subjective and unsubstantiated personal views, made by a very junior sailor, with which the naval service completely disagrees".

A Royal Navy spokeswoman said: "The Royal Navy takes security and nuclear safety extremely seriously and we are fully investigating both the issue of the unauthorised release of this document and its contents.

"The naval service operates its submarine fleet under the most stringent safety regime and submarines do not go to sea unless they are completely safe to do so."