Tri-Service

'Trident Not Secure If Cuts Continue'

A leading officer of the police force that guards Britain's nuclear arsenal says his force is operating "at the limits of its resources" and further cuts would damage national security.

Chairman of the Defence Police Federation Eamon Keating is set to speak out as the civilian Ministry of Defence Police (MDP) faces a potential further reduction of 15% in its workforce.

There is also the possibly of the force being axed from guarding Trident warheads.

"This is the most important job we do and any change to our role in safeguarding Trident impacts on the very future of the MDP, and on public and national security," Mr. Keating will say.

The speech to the police federation is planned for later today and will be attended by defence minister Lord Howe.

Keating will warn that the force is "highly skilled" and better placed to deal with civilian protesters than soldiers, and that using military personnel would also mean that they could not be deployed elsewhere.

"It is because of the unique nature of our training and authority that we would have grave concerns if the role of the MDP in guarding the nuclear deterrent is reduced or replaced, especially by any group not subject to public scrutiny or accountability as we are," the delegates will be warned.

He will also warn that there is the potential for a substantial skills gap that would affect the security of the UK's most important defensive asset.

There are currently around 2,600 MDP officers.

The workforce was reduced by a third due to budget cuts in 2010, and Mr Keating has said the force cannot provide the same level of security with fewer staff.

A Ministry of Defence spokesman said:

"The security at all of our nuclear facilities is of the utmost importance, and the MoD has several security providers which deliver this capability. Our arrangements are frequently tested and kept under continual review. We would never make changes that would place these in jeopardy."