Yes or No, £3bn boost for Faslane nuclear submarine base

Plans for the jobs bonanza are now fully developed, say sources, despite the threat posed to the ­Royal Navy’s future on Gare Loch.

 

The revelation has led to ­renewed speculation that if there is a Yes vote next month, the Ministry of Defence expects to strike a deal to keep the UK’s nuclear deterrent in Scotland.

 

In the event of a No vote, Faslane will become Britain’s only ­specialist submarine base with the ­capacity for 16 vessels by 2022.

 

It will house seven new nuclear-powered Astute Class attack subs, currently being built at a cost of £1bn each, as well as the four Trident-carrying Vanguard Class vessels.

 

Two attack boats, HMS Astute and HMS Ambush, are already based at Faslane after being ­handed to the Royal Navy by ­defence contractor BAE Systems.Scotland will also become the sole maintenance home for the submarine fleet, following the ­closure of Portsmouth dockyard last year and after the Devonport base near Plymouth is scaled down by 2017.

 

While the MoD estimates that around 1,500 military and civilian jobs will be added at Faslane, ­thousands more jobs will be ­created as construction begins.

 

A source said: “The blueprints have been drawn up and the transition plans for the new Faslane are now under way. The original facility was designed to hold seven ­submarines, but under the new plans, a ­total of 16 will be hosted at any given time. The design plans are currently before the MoD and will effectively double the size of the facility and bring thousands of new jobs to the area. It’s a massive boost for Scotland.”

 

A Royal Navy spokesman said: “HM Naval Base Clyde is the ­biggest employment site in ­Scotland, with direct employment of 6,700 military and civilian jobs.

 

“Numbers of personnel at HM Naval Base Clyde are set to increase to an estimated 8,200 by 2022 as it becomes the UK’s Sub- marine Centre of Specialisation.

 

“There are currently six sub- marines and seven mine hunters base-ported at the site. By 2022 we expect that all the Royal Navy’s submarines, and seven mine ­hunters, will be at Clyde.”

 

In response to the latest developments, the Scottish Government reiterated its plans to remove ­Trident by 2020 and keep Faslane as Scotland’s main naval base. The SNP has said the country would inherit a share of Royal Navy ­vessels, as well as investing in an undisclosed number of “new ­frigates, conventional submarines and maritime patrol aircraft”.

 

A Scottish Conservative spokesman said the investment would be a massive boost for Scotland, but warned: “Unfortunately, all we hear from the Scottish Government is how they can’t get rid of the base quickly enough. As a result, a Yes vote in September would be hugely

Only In Scotland can the Village Idiot be a Political Party Leader - Alex Salmond targets 2016 Trident withdrawal date

First minister says SNP would have to win a post-independence election before removing nuclear weapons from Scotland

Alex Salmond has suggested a final deal on removing Trident nuclear submarines from an independent Scotland would be delayed until 2016, as he urged his party to seize the hour and win next year's referendum.

The first minister appeared to soften his stance on the immediate future of the Trident fleet, one of the most contentious issues in the independence debate, by suggesting its fate was conditional on the Scottish National party retaining power after independence was formally declared.

The SNP wants to officially declare independence in March 2016 after a deal with the rest of the UK on a new sterling currency union, splitting up the UK's debt and taking control of North Sea oil fields, followed by the first election to an independent Scottish parliament in May 2016.

But Salmond implied, for the first time, that the trigger for a final deal on removing Trident would come after an SNP victory in that election.

"The time period for their removal: once Scotland became independent and after, of course, people have elected their first government in an independent Scotland, but if it were to be an SNP government then we would ask the submarines to be removed from Scotland as soon as was safely possible," he said on the BBC's Andrew Marr Show on Sunday.

Scottish government officials said that Trident's removal from the river Clyde would be a central part of the independence talks immediately after a yes vote next September.

In his keynote address to the SNP conference on Saturday, Salmond said all his government's key policies for independence would be published in its white paper on independence on 26 November, four days before Scotland celebrates St Andrew's Day.

Delegates have been told the SNP would, in an attempt to target low-paid voters, introduce a new minimum wage in line with inflation, take £70 off energy bills and scrap the bedroom tax after independence.

Salmond told a close-of-conference independence rally on Sunday that the yes campaign would win next September and overcome a wide deficit in the polls because the pro-independence movement was empowered by "trust, passion and commitment". It had tens of thousands of campaigners to send on to the streets, he said.

An Ipsos Mori poll last week showed the SNP government had a +24% approval rating, versus a -28% approval rating for the UK government. Converting that into support for independence would be the "ace card" in next year's campaign, Salmond said, adding: "Next year is Scotland's day and Scotland's hour."

At the same rally, Blair Jenkins, chief executive of the pro-independence Yes Scotland campaign, attacked the UK parliament, saying it was "utterly incapable of delivering social justice", which would be a priority in an independent Scotland. Westminster lacked the political will to combat fuel poverty, child poverty and the growth of food banks, he added.In a reference to his previous roles as a senior BBC Scotland and STV news executive, Jenkins said: "Here is some really great news for the people of Scotland. If you are sick and fed up of the corrosive and cynical world of Westminster, then next year we can be rid of all of that. It really is that simple.

"Vote yes and we can say enough to the remote House of Commons and the ridiculous House of Lords: enough of the warmongers and the job-cutters; enough of the asset-strippers and the mortgage flippers; enough of the welfare bashers and the bedroom taxers."

Salmond's softer line on the future of Trident is significant for the independence talks. A longer timetable would allow both governments more time to prepare for a well-ordered withdrawal and relocation of Trident, giving ministers in Westminster more breathing space to consider their options after warning the Scottish government that joining Nato would be conditional on a full and mutually agreed settlement on Trident.

Angus Robertson, the SNP's defence spokesman and leader at Westminster, said Salmond was being consistent with government policy. "We would like to see talks taking place on this now to help prepare for a possible yes vote, as indeed the Westminster defence select committee recommended," he said.

"Trident would certainly be part of negotiations following a yes vote. Of course Trident could only be removed from Scotland once Scotland becomes an independent country, and SNP policy on that is clear, which is at the earliest possible safe moment."

Faslane nuclear submarine jetty trial ‘a success’

The Royal Navy has successfully trialled a new state-of-the-art floating jetty at its submarine base on the Clyde.

The Valiant Jetty is designed to move with the tide and will be used to berth nuclear subs at Faslane. A Trafalgar-class sub was berthed on Saturday, followed on Monday by one of the Navy's new Astute-class subs.

 

The 200m-long jetty is vital to operations at HM Naval Base Clyde, according to the Navy.

Commander Nick King said: "The Valiant Jetty is world class: the most modern facility for berthing nuclear submarines in the world.

 

"Previous submarine berths were static whereas the Valiant Jetty moves with the tide. This provides a huge advantage to the submarines alongside as there is no longer the regular need to adjust lines and cables with tidal movement. Both vessel and jetty move together which means a much neater, efficient and safer layout.

 

"The Valiant Jetty is already attracting the attention of navies around the world who are looking to utilise the technology for berthing their own submarines."

 

The 44,000-tonne jetty has six berths and is designed to serve the Navy for the next 50 years.

Most Scots Support Nuclear Deterrent

A majority of Scottish people support a new nuclear deterrent, according to a new poll.

Carried out by Lord Ashcroft, the survey found 51% of Scots think Trident should be replaced and 43% believe the UK's nuclear stockpile should remain in Scotland.

The figures are significant because the impression had previously been that Scotland was generally opposed to having a nuclear deterrent based in the country - something the SNP has been keen to point out.

Lord Ashcroft, a Conservative peer, carried this poll out independently of his Tory loyalties but it will certainly be read with interest in Downing Street.

The Government has pushed the defence argument strongly of late to exploit the lack of a credible defence policy from the SNP.

The findings are contrary to a similar poll carried out in February, which recorded 60% opposition to a nuclear replacement, but Lord Ashcroft points out that this survey was conducted for CND and the wording of the question was misleading.

"Trying to show that people think what you want them to think is not the same thing as trying to find out what they really do think," he said.

"I am more interested in the latter - so last week I asked what people in Scotland really do think about Trident.

"In the event of Scotland becoming independent, only half of Scots thought Britain's nuclear weapons should cease to be based at Faslane; 35% would be happy to see the UK lease the naval base, with 15% undecided.

"Again, those in favour of independence opposed the idea by more than two to one."

Earlier this year David Cameron visited HMS Victorious, one of the Vanguard class nuclear submarines.

He used the visit to push the case for the Union and to make the point that if Scotland were to vote for independence, thousands of jobs would be lost in the defence industry - especially if the nuclear deterrent was moved south.

Astute Class submarines at Faslane

The second of the Royal Navy's potent new Astute Class attack submarines, sailed into Faslane last week to begin sea trials.

The 7,400 tonne submarine HMS Ambush sailed from the shipyard in Barrow-in-Furness in Cumbria, where she was built.

Minister for Defence Equipment, Support and Technology Philip Dunne said: "Ambush's arrival at her home port to begin her sea trials marks a key milestone in the Astute Class submarine programme and is testament to the skills of those involved in the UK's world class submarine building industry.

"Ambush is an immensely powerful and advanced vessel that will deliver an important capability to the Royal Navy giving it the versatility and technical excellence needed to operate successfully across the globe."

The seven Astute Class boats planned for the Royal Navy are the most advanced and powerful attack submarines Britain has ever sent to sea.

The boat's Commanding Officer, Commander Peter Green, said: "It was very satisfying bringing Ambush into her home port for the first time after initial sea trials.

"The ship's company and I are now looking forward to putting her through her paces over the coming months, ensuring that she is one step closer to being deployed on operations."

Faslane involved in largest military exercise in Europe

Faslane will help host the largest tactically focused military exercise in Europe from October 1-12 when Exercise Joint Warrior begins.

The tri-service, multi-national exercise, which is held twice a year, will see participation from 27 separate naval units, 40 aircraft and a variety of UK and allied land forces.

Taking part in the exercise will be ships from the UK, US, Belgium, Germany, Holland, France, Norway, Denmark and Estonia, many operating from the Clyde.

Royal Navy ships involved include Type 23 Frigates, HMS Kent and HMS St Albans, and mine hunters Her Majesty's Ships Penzance, Cattistock, Hurworth and Bangor.

Planned primarily by Royal Navy and RAF personnel from the Joint Tactical Exercise Planning Staff, or JTEPS, the headquarters for the exercise will be at HM Naval Base Clyde..

Around 150 tri-service personnel, many of them Reservists, will descend on the Naval Base for Joint Warrior, setting up a Joint Warfare Operations Centre (JWOC) to coordinate and manage the massive exercise.

Land troops will conduct military training at ranges across Scotland, using Defence Training Estate range areas, commercial ranges, Highland Agency and private land areas. This will enable training for 16 Air Assault Brigade, 3 Commando Brigade and 3 UK Division, as well as troops from the US, Sweden and Holland.

Meanwhile, RAF Leuchars will see eight Maritime Patrol aircraft from Canada and France operate from the base, while a detachment of Swedish JAS-39 Gripen Jets, UK Hawks, Tornado GR4s and Typhoon will deploy from RAF Lossiemouth.

There will also be limited night and weekend flying from these bases during the exercise.

Exercise Joint Warrior allows the Armed Forces to practice the wide variety of skills needed by today's military. Skills such as counter piracy, narcotics and insurgency operations, mine countermeasures, electronic warfare training and tactical intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance are all included.

The scenario for the exercise involves multiple sovereign nations, disputed territory, smuggling, piracy and terrorist activity. As it plays out the scenario will develop from a period of military and political tension to simulated war fighting and state on state hostilities - all providing realistic training for the participants.

GPS denial operations will also be conducted in a limited area in North West Scotland during Joint Warrior. The relevant authorities, including aviation and maritime communities have been consulted and a risk assessment done to minimise the impact and put robust procedures in place for any unforeseen eventuality.

Some of the exercise areas overlap environmentally sensitive conservation zones. The MOD recognises the impact of military activity and takes its environmental responsibility seriously.

During the planning of the exercise, environment impact assessments have been produced when required, such as for the use of active sonar and live weapons. The environment is always considered when planning exercises and remains a primary consideration throughout planning and execution.

Faslane and Coulport nuclear weapons maintenance to be privatised – Polaris?

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has made a contractual commitment to hand over to a private sector consortium the maintenance of the UK’s nuclear weapons – described by the BBC as ‘Trident and Polaris weapons systems’ – held in Argyll at Faslane and Coulport on the Clyde.

This raises an immediate public information issue.

What is our position on the Polaris system? It was quite a shock to see it mentioned, like a rising from almost forgotten history.

Polaris – and are we storing redundant warheads?

The Polaris missile system was a two-stage solid-fuel nuclear-armed submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM). It was built by Lockheeds in America during the Cold War and was carried by the four purpose built Resolution class submarines.

Resolution, Repulse, Renown and Revenge were built between 1964 and 1968 and were based at Faslane.

They carried the UK’s Polaris nuclear deterrent from the end of the 1960s until 1994. At this point it was replaced by the Trident II system carried in the Vanguard class submarines.

During the 1980s, the USA scrapped and replaced its own Polaris missile systems with the Trident I system.

The UK hung on to Polaris for far longer, to the point where the American manufacturing plants had gone over first to building the Poseidon system and later to Trident – and spares for Polaris system were virtually non-existent.

Both the Polaris missile system and the Resolution submarines had gone out of operational use in the UK by 1996, with the last two of the four submarines, Renown and Repulse, decommissioned in that year. Britain’s Polaris era ended in a ceremony at Faslane on 28th August 1996 at mark the decommissioning of the last of them, Repulse.

The news today raises the question about what happened to their missiles?

Privatising missile ‘maintenance’ – now to be contracted out into the private sector – at Faslane and Coulport, would suggest that these, now 16 year old redundant warheads, must be stored in one of those two bases.

Whatever the Scottish government finally decides to do in relation to the Trident submarines operating out of Faslane, it must require the UK government to move redundant warheads out of Scotland.

Should they be said to be in too dangerous a condition to be moved – like the hulks of earlier nuclear powered submarines lying at Rosyth – we would be entitled to inquire about the calibre of maintenance which has applied since they were taken out of service.

In terms of the privatisation contract itself, which the MoD has signed – given that it relates to Faslane and Coulport, did the MoD consult the Scottish government on the matter before going ahead? It would be diplomatically indelicate if it had not, knowing the Scottish Government’s position on nuclear weapons on Scottish soil.

Privatisation of maintenance of nuclear weapons – no new notion

The privatisation of security which produced the inglorious G4S failure, undermined public confidence in the organisation of the ongoing 2012 Olympic Games in London. One would therefore have expected some gesture of consultation with the Scottish government and the Scottish people on any plan to privatise the maintenance of nuclear weapons here.

The plan appears to be to transfer MoD staff to the private sector consortium, along with the contract. The corporate members of the consortium are already defence contractors, so Lockheed Martin is going to have an extended overall influence on direction – AWE, Babcock and Lockheed Martin.

AWE is also an establishment with a poor safety record. Back in May 2008 we published an article on a situation where the MoD was forced to close Burghfield, following the establishment’s six year failure to come to terms with 1,000 safety shortfalls identified by the Nuclear Installations Inspectorate (NII).

The shut down of AWE Burghfield left warheads backing up at Coulport that were overdue to be taken to Burghfield to be ‘serviced’ (dismantled and rebuilt) in its highly controversial ‘gravel gerties’. (Safety ban on crucial maintenance at-Berkshire’s Burghfield nuclear weapon factory stops transportation of trident warheads to and from Faslane and Coulport.)

At the end of that year, in December 2008, the UK governement sold its remaining stake in AWE to American company, Jacobs, without troubling properly to inform parliament – a matter on which we also published. (Argyll concerns as UK government sells last stake in-Britain’s UK based nuclear warhead production to America.)

The UK government plan to hive off responsibility for nuclear weapons maintenance to the private sector and to AWE is not new. They tried this at the end of 2010, a move we reported on in early November then. (Argyll’s Coulport nuclear warhead base to be sold to USA private sector.)

Secen months after this, on 29th May 2011, we reported on the unequivocal opposition to this proposition from Argyll and Bute’s MSP, Michael Russell. (UK Government intend to privatise handling of nuclear weapons at Coulport: Michael Russell MSP says No.)

We are asking Mr Russell to establish if the UK government has consulted the Scottish Government on this current variation of its long standing intention; and to establish what the view of the Scottish Government is on the matter.