Submariner's Trident Fears Unfounded - Fallon

Defence Secretary Michael Fallon has moved to allay concerns about Trident raised by a Royal Navy submariner who went absent without leave.

Able Seaman William McNeilly, 25, produced an 18-page report which included allegations about the Trident submarines based in Scotland.

The lengthy document posted online claimed the programme was a "disaster waiting to happen".

He handed himself in a few days later.

Mr Fallon has now said most of these allegations either related to historic events, or were incorrect or based on misunderstandings.

He said a Ministry of Defence investigation into the claims found neither the operational effectiveness of Trident, nor the safety of submariners or the public, had been at risk.

Had Mr McNeilly raised his concerns with colleagues or superiors, he would have been told that his fears were unfounded, the Defence Secretary added.

Mr Fallon said in a written ministerial statement: "The Naval Service operates its submarine fleet under the most stringent safety regime, which is subject to independent scrutiny.

"The Naval Service does not put a submarine to sea unless it is safe to do so, and there are appropriate procedures in place to deal with any issues that may arise during its deployment."

Mr Fallon said Able Seaman McNeilly was initially arrested for having not reported for duty but was released the following day.

He continues to be confined to a location in Portsmouth while being interviewed.

Mr Fallon said he is being "afforded the duty of care that we give all our personnel", is in contact with his family and still employed by the Royal Navy.