Patience over nuclear subs “wearing thin” warns Rennie (South Of Scotland Liberal Democrats)

South Of Scotland Liberal Democrats <info@libdems.org.uk>

Patience over nuclear subs “wearing thin” warns Rennie

November 30, 2009 6:50 PM
Originally published by Scottish Liberal Democrats

MP Willie Rennie has warned Ministers that the people of West Fife "just want rid" of the seven decommissioned nuclear submarines at Rosyth Dockyard.

Speaking last week during Scottish Questions, Mr Rennie told the Commons the patience of people in West Fife is "wearing thin" after 25 years and called on the Government to find a solution to where the waste from the dismantled submarines will be stored.Willie Rennie MP: Dunfermline & West Fife

Commenting Mr Rennie said:

"Seven redundant submarines have been rusting in Rosyth Dockyard for up to 25 years and they will be stuck there for many years yet at this rate of progress.

"The MOD has been operating at a snail's pace. West Fife is getting fed up with their lack of progress.

"The patience of people in West Fife is wearing thin. We want rid of these submarines, and we want rid of them now. After twenty-five years, West Fife has had enough."

Notes:

1. Question from Willie Rennie MP to Scotland Minister Ann McKechin MP 25/11/09

Willie Rennie (Dunfermline and West Fife) (LD): The patience of people in West Fife is wearing thin, because we have had these submarines for 25 years and we lost the Trident refuelling contract in the '90s. We want rid of these submarines, and we want rid of them now. Will the Minister tell the Defence Secretary that when she next meets him?

Ann McKechin: I think it important to say to the hon. Gentleman that we must take care to have a full assessment of and full consultation on the various options for dismantling and storage. We are committed to carrying this out during 2010, and the MOD will take notice of any concerns raised by local communities.