Trident Debate Date Set

The safety of the Trident nuclear weapons system will be debated by MPs next week after claims from a whistleblower it's a "disaster waiting to happen".

A report by Able Seaman William McNeilly alleged 30 flaws on the submarines based near Glasgow. 

The SNP, which wants the system scrapped, says it's secured the Westminster debate for next Thursday.

Commenting, SNP Defence spokesperson Brendan O’Hara MP said: “The debate next Thursday allows us to address the very serious allegations made by Able Seaman William McNeilly and prevent them from being swept under the carpet by the Ministry of Defence.

“We have already demanded that the MoD instigate a full and transparent nquiry 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.”

Commenting, SNP Foreign Affairs spokesperson Alex Salmond MP said: “This is the SNP in action - standing up for Scotland- in the first week of Parliament.

“The SNP will continue to keep the pressure on the government until we are satisfied that not only have they have investigated Mr. McNeilly’s claims thoroughly and have acted on the findings but that those findings are put into the public domain.

“Trident is a key issue for people in Scotland. It is bad enough that Scotland is forced to house these weapons of mass destruction but these alleged breaches of security are deeply worrying - there must be absolutely no complacency.”