Defence Secretary Praises Submariners 'Keeping The UK Safe Over Christmas'

The Defence Secretary has commended British submariners who will be working over the Christmas period.

This has been a big year for the submariner community, as it has seen them conduct their 350th nuclear deterrence submarine patrol.

Since 1969 at least one Royal Navy ballistic submarine has been on patrol in the world’s oceans.

And today Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson has provided the latest annual update to Parliament on the replacement nuclear deterrent submarine programme – Dreadnought.

Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said: “Our new generation of nuclear submarines will protect British lives and those of our allies from the extreme and increasing threats that we face.

“For almost 50 years our nuclear deterrent has been pivotal to our national security and ensuring the world is a safer place.”

“Christmas is an important time to thank British soldiers, sailors and airmen across the globe, but we must not forget all the extraordinary men and women behind the nuclear deterrent who work so hard to ensure we are protected every hour of every day.”

Britain currently has four Vanguard-class submarines, which will be replaced by the Dreadnought class in the 2030s.