Tireless decision on hold

The MoD did not start work on the damaged reactor on HMS Tireless in Gibraltar on Monday as they had intended, because of opposition from the Gibraltar Government. Discussions took place on Monday over what information the MoD were prepared to share with the nuclear experts who are advising the Gibraltar Government. These will resume on Thursday or Friday.

On 22nd August the Daily Telegraph quoted a Gibraltar government source as saying that the talks had been "inconclusive". While the Chairman of the secret Defence Nuclear Safety Committee, Sir John Cadogan, has said that the risks are "modest", this assessment has been disputed by eminent nuclear scientist Dr Frank Barnaby. Dr Barnaby has said that the repair would be a considerable high risk. He also said that the MoD should make the safety case available to the public.