Trident whistleblower discharged from navy

A Royal Navy submariner who published an online dossier of safety and security concerns about the Trident nuclear programme has been discharged from the service.

Able Seaman William McNeilly, 25, went absent without leave last month after producing an 18-page report containing a series of allegations about the Trident submarines based at Faslane on the Clyde.

He handed himself in to Royal Navy police after his claims made headlines and he was held at a military establishment in Scotland.

His report alleged 30 safety and security flaws on the Trident submarines, describing them as a “disaster waiting to happen”.

The Royal Navy said it disagreed with Mr McNeilly’s “subjective and unsubstantiated” views and said it takes the operation of its submarines and the safety of its personnel extremely seriously.

The 25-year-old from Belfast has put up a new seven-page online post thanking people for their support.

He said he has been given a “dishonourable discharge” and that he refused to sign a document discrediting his allegations which would have led to an earlier release for the service.

Mr McNeilly wrote: “Most people know that I acted in the interest of national security.

“However, I was still given a dishonourable discharge from the Royal Navy. On the claim that my sole aim was to discredit their public image.

“The truth is, I view the Royal Navy as the greatest navy in history.”