Labour dodging questions on nuclear submarines on Forth

10.10.51pm GMT Wed 4th Nov 2009

Liberal Democrats today questioned the Labour Government over potential Ministry of Defence plans to dump nuclear submarine waste on the banks of the Firth of Forth.

Defence Spokesperson and MP for Dunfermline and West Fife, Willie Rennie, today questioned Gordon Brown in the House of Commons over the plans to leave nuclear submarines at Rosyth.

When he was in opposition, Gordon Brown described such plans as threatening to turn Rosyth into a 'nuclear graveyard'.

Speaking during Prime Minister's questions, Willie Rennie said,

"Does the Prime Minister remember promising that Rosyth would not become a nuclear graveyard? Fifteen years later seven nuclear submarines are still rotting in its Dockyard but the site is being considered as a location for these submarines. When will he live up to his promise?"

Gordon Brown responded: "Mr Speaker, no decision has been taken on this. I have to remind him that Rosyth dockyard is working as a result of the actions that we have taken."

Responding to the Prime Minister's answer, Willie Rennie said:

"Unfortunately the Prime Minister dodged the question as he has been doing for the last 15 years.

"The campaign against these submarines must be stepped up now. Rosyth lost the Trident refuelling contract. There's no way we're going to be left with the nuclear waste."

Liberal Democrat candidate for Edinburgh North & Leith, Kevin Lang said,

"I know that the dumping of nuclear submarines on the Firth of Forth will be a real cause for concern, particularly for the many people living on or close to the Waterfront. These proposals go against the promises made by the Labour Government and the Liberal Democrats will be stepping up their campaign to stop the Forth becoming a nuclear graveyard."