Nuclear subs set for Wales?

In answering an urgent question from Plaid AM Rhodri Glyn Thomas, First Minister Carwyn Jones said his cabinet are united in attempting to bring the UK's nuclear fleet to Milford Haven, arguing the move could bring jobs to Wales.

Conservative Paul Davies welcomed the plan and asked if the Welsh Government intends to explore the full economic impact of the bid.

But Plaid AMs condemned the Government, citing safety concerns.

The idea was first mentioned by Carwyn Jones at yesterday's First Minister's questions.

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Plaid Cymru has condemned the First Minister's call for Britain's nuclear submarines to be based at Milford Haven. Plaid's Simon Thomas AM says

Having failed to protect Wales during the economic crisis, the First Minister is now reduced to making ridiculous pronouncements which do nothing for his own credibility, and do even less for Wales’ image in the world. He clearly has no grasp on reality if he believes that the people of Wales want nuclear weapons stored in Wales.

It would be far better for Wales for the UK government to do what Plaid Cymru has long called for - scrap the Trident project completely and spend the massive cost on plausible job creation schemes to boost our economy.

The First Minister looks rather silly calling for a scheme which isn’t even considered feasible by many commentators, however it is possibly more interesting that it is now clear that the Labour party is planning for a Yes vote in the Scottish Independence referendum

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A Welsh Government spokesman has added more detail to the First Minister's earlier call for the UK's nuclear submarine fleet to be relocated to Milford Haven following an announcement by the Scottish Government that it wants the weapons withdrawn from Scotland:

The First Minister's comments are nothing to do with Scottish independence. As a staunch supporter of the union, the First Minister has made it clear on many occasions that he wants to see Scotland remain part of the United Kingdom.

However, the Scottish Government has made it clear that they wish to see the fleet leave Scotland at the earliest opportunity.

The First Minister recognises the substantial economic benefits of relocating Britain’s nuclear submarine to west Wales.

There would be more than a welcome in Wales for this kind of economic boost, which would bring thousands of high quality, well paid jobs to the area.

The First Minister is of the view that he would be neglecting his duty to do what he can to boost the Welsh economy he were to dismiss the possibility of bringing these jobs to Wales.

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The Welsh Government says it would provide a base for Britain's nuclear submarine fleet if an independent Scotland removed the fleet from Scottish waters. It follows an announcement by the Scottish Government that it is 'firmly committed to the earliest possible withdrawal of Trident from Scotland.'

Using the @WelshGovernment and @fmwales twitter accounts, the Welsh Government made its position clear:

There would be more than a welcome for the UK's nuclear submarine fleet and 6,000 new jobs in Milford Haven.

Plaid supporters have already begun to express their horror at the thought. But many Labour activists will also be opposed even to the idea. And it seems a long way from the 'nuclear-free Wales' position of previous Labour-led Welsh Governments.

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Victor Spinetti was made an Honorary Fellow of the University of Wales, Newport in 2005.

Victor was a much loved and hugely admired part of life in Wales Welsh and beyond. His ability to make people laugh was only matched by his genuinely lovely nature which endeared him to all he met. He will be sorely missed and our thoughts are with his family at this sad time.

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