SNP MP Brock calls for report into safety breaches at

AN SNP MP has called for a report into the rise in safety breaches at Scotland’s nuclear bases, after six incidents with a possible radiation leakage beyond safe levels were recorded in 2023 / 2024 – the highest number in 15 years.

The increase in nuclear safety events was revealed in response to parliamentary questions from Edinburgh North and Leith MP Deidre Brock. There were four Category B incidents logged by the Ministry of Defence (MoD )last year, the highest since 2006, and one so far in 2024. There was also one Category A incident in 2023, the first in this more severe category since 2008. Category A is defined as those with “actual or high potential for radioactive release to the environment” in breach of safety limits.

In response to Brock’s questions, Scottish Secretary Alister Jack said: “We do not comment on matters relating to Faslane.” Brock has also raised the issue with Defence Secretary Grant Shapps and is tabling further questions on the circumstances of these incidents.

Brock said: “I would expect the Government to be upfront when there’s one incident with a risk of radiation leakage into the environment from Faslane, let alone six, yet no detail has been given.

“Just how bad would any safety breach have to be before the MoD would see fit to come clean to the public about what happened?

“Government ministers try to play down these safety breaches, but when a former Downing Street adviser describes the UK’s nuclear weapons infrastructure as ‘rotting’ and ‘a dangerous disaster’ then alarm bells start to ring. There’s been a catalogue of worrying reports about the state of these nuclear deterrents, including that spectacular misfire in February.

“There’s still [been] no response to my questions on the length of deployment of the submarines, with reports they are regularly out at sea far longer than they should be – taking its toll on the mental health of the crew as well as the safety of the submarines. I’ll be submitting further questions on the circumstances around the more serious breaches.

“It’s in the public interest to know