Reactors powering Devonport nuclear submarines are vulnerable to accidents

Reactors powering Devonport-based submarines are "potentially vulnerable" to fatal nuclear accidents, an internal defence document has revealed, writes Nick Lester, Parliamentary Correspondent.

In it the Ministry of Defence's senior nuclear safety expert warns the safety of reactors aboard the British submarine fleet compares 'poorly' with that of nuclear power stations, and there could be dangerous leaks of radioactivity. There was also a risk of "multiple fatalities" from submarines failing to surface, he said.

Despite the damaging assessment, MoD officials insist all its nuclear reactors meet strict safety standards.

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