SNP demands answers on nuclear sub scrapping

The SNP yesterday 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.

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.

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 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 –are called to answer how this sorry situation has been arrived at.”

A MOD spokesperson said it remained “committed to the safe, secure and cost-effective defuelling and dismantling of all decommissioned nuclear submarines”.