'Serious nuclear incident' at Faslane Royal Navy base deemed 'Category A' threat

A "serious nuclear incident" took place at HM Naval Base Clyde and was deemed a "Category A" case.

The incident happened at Faslane between January 1 and April 22. HMNB Clyde is home to the Royal Navy's submarines, which includes the Vanguard class which are armed with Trident missiles as well as the nuclear-powered Astue class hunter vessels.

The Ministry of Defence records incidents, inspections as well as regulatory activities. The Nuclear Site Event Reports are then given a grade on a scale from Category A down to D to "below scale" that does not meet any of the categories.

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Category A is listed as the most serious, and being one that carried "actual or high potential for radioactive release to the environment." It is unclear whether radiation was leaked into the environment or if it was a high risk of happening, reports the Helensburgh Advertiser.

The incident is the second in two years with one case in 2023 at Faslane also being given the highest concern category ranking. There had not been a Category A incident at HMNB Clyde since 2008.

Faslane has seen five Category B, 29 Category C and 71 Category D incidents between April 22, 2024, and a year to the day. RNAD Coulport has not seen any Category A cases but listed 13 Category C as well as 34 Category D.

SNP deputy leader Keith Brown MSP said: "Nuclear weapons are an ever-present danger and this new information is deeply worrying. With repeated reports of serious incidents at Faslane and now confirmed radioactive contamination in Loch Long, it’s clear there is a direct threat to our environment, our communities, and our safety.

"Worse still, the Labour government is refusing to provide any details about the Category A incident, or the full extent of the contamination, including who could potentially be affected.

"While Westminster ploughs billions of public money into weapons of mass destruction, the SNP is focused on building a better Scotland. But only with independence, can we scrap Trident, clean up the mess it has left behind, and ensure this kind of reckless nuclear policy is never forced on Scotland again."

The Mirror has contacted the Ministry of Defence for comment.