SNP MSP Bill Kidd has called on colleagues across Holyrood to support a motion condemning a string of serious safety failures at nuclear facilities on the Clyde.
The motion, published yesterday, highlights a disturbing pattern of incidents at His Majesty’s Naval Base Clyde (Faslane) and the Royal Naval Armaments Depot Coulport.
It follows fresh revelations of radioactive contamination in Loch Long and a second Category A safety breach, the most severe classification in just two years.
“These so-called ‘near-misses’ are serious safety failures, exposing Scottish people and our environment to unacceptable risks,” said Mr Kidd, a long-time campaigner on nuclear safety.
“Nuclear weapons are not only immoral, they are unsafe, unwanted, and a danger to the very people the UK government claims they are here to protect.”
The SNP has long opposed the presence of nuclear weapons in Scotland, citing widespread public opposition and repeated concerns over safety standards.
Mr Kidd argues that the risks are too great to be ignored and says the time has come for Parliament to speak with one voice.
He added:
“Labour are playing fast and loose with the safety of communities in Scotland.
“I am calling on every MSP to put party allegiances to one side and stand up for their constituents by sending the strongest possible message to the UK government that Scotland will not accept second-rate safety standards, nor weapons of mass destruction on our soil.”
The motion demands full transparency from the Ministry of Defence and robust measures to hold those responsible to account.
Whether other parties will back the call remains to be seen, but the pressure is mounting as concerns grow over the environmental and public safety record of the UK’s nuclear facilities in Scotland.
