Trident whistleblower who claims Britain's nuclear deterrent is a 'disaster waiting to happen' still hunted by police
William McNeilly has warned there is a 'complete lack of concern for security' on the nuclear submarines
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Police are still hunting for the whistleblower who warned that Britain's Trident nuclear missiles are vulnerable to a terorrist attack and a "disaster waiting to happen".
William McNeilly went missing after publishing an 18-page dossier warning of security and safety lapses on board nuclear submarines.
The Royal Navy confirmed Mr McNeilly is a member of the naval service and said it is “concerned for his whereabouts and wellbeing”.
Mr McNeilly, 25, made the comments in an online post including his Navy ID card. He claims he raised concerns with senior officers but decided to publish his claims as his concerns were ignored.
The Navy said many of the claims are “subjective and unsubstantiated personal views, made by a very junior sailor, with which the naval service completely disagrees”.
A Royal Navy spokeswoman said: “The Royal Navy takes security and nuclear safety extremely seriously and we are fully investigating both the issue of the unauthorised release of this document and its contents.
“The naval service operates its submarine fleet under the most stringent safety regime and submarines do not go to sea unless they are completely safe to do so.”
Peter Burt of the Nuclear Information Service, said: “William McNeilly is a brave young man who has done not only his colleagues in the submarine service but the whole nation a service by exposing the risks that submariners face because of cost-cutting, staff shortages and lax management.
“The Ministry of Defence’s nuclear programme operates to far lower safety standards than the civil nuclear sector because independent regulators are not allowed to scrutinise its activities, and because much is covered up under the pretence of security.
“This must now stop, and the Prime Minister must order an immediate reform of military nuclear safety.”
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments