Royal Navy investigates Trident whistle-blower William McNeilly who claims nuclear programme is a 'd

[bananas]

Source: The Independent

'disaster waiting to happen'

The Royal Navy is investigating claims by an apparent whistle-blower that there is a “complete lack of concern for security” that makes the Trident nuclear weapons programme vulnerable to terror attack.

The claims were made in an online post by 25-year-old William McNeilly, and included a photograph of his Navy ID card.

McNeilly said he had “sacrificed” his freedom and a well-paid career to make the claims in an 18-page report entitled “The Secret Nuclear Threat”, and that after posting it he had gone on the run.

The Ministry of Defence confirmed that McNeilly was a member of the naval service, and a source said the Navy was “concerned for the whereabouts and wellbeing of AB (able seaman) McNeilly and working closely with civilian police to locate him”.

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Read more: http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/royal-navy-investigates-trident-whistleblower-william-mcneilly-who-claims-nuclear-programme-is-a-disaster-waiting-to-happen-10256148.html

[bananas]

1. Navy probes leaked Trident safety claims

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-32771925

Navy probes leaked Trident safety claims
17 May 2015

The Royal Navy is to investigate claims that security and safety procedures around the Trident nuclear submarines are inadequate.

The investigation was launched after the claims were made by a submariner who has gone on the run.

Able Seaman William McNeilly alleged the Trident programme was a "disaster waiting to happen."

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He has written an 18-page report, called The Secret Nuclear Threat, detailing what he claims are serious security and safety breaches on board the vessel.

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[bananas]

2. some of his crew mates had shown “clear psychopathic tendencies.”

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/defence/11611270/Navy-whistleblower-claims-Trident-is-disaster-waiting-to-happen.html

Navy whistleblower claims Trident is disaster waiting to happen
Able Seaman William McNeilly, who is on the run, publishes a damning expose of security and safety concerns
By Tom Whitehead, Security Editor
17 May 2015

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AB McNeilly said the Trident programme was a “disaster waiting to happen” and that even some of his crew mates had shown “clear psychopathic tendencies.”

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“We are so close to a nuclear disaster it is shocking, and yet everybody is accepting the risk to the public. If we don’t act now lives could be lost for generations.”

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Peter Burt, of 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.”

Angus Robertson, the SNP’s Westminster leader, demanded a full explanation, adding: “These revelations, if true, are extremely concerning. It reads as a nightmare catalogue of serious safety breaches.”

[Jesus Malverde]

3. We should support whistleblowers, they take incredible risks...nt

[damyank913]

4. Something doesn't feel right here...

...the US Navy doesn't have an able seaman designation. That is a merchant marine designation-and I believe it's called able bodied seaman. Someone that would have this kind of knowledge would be designated, unless things have changed that much, as an FT (Fire Control Technician). Not sure about this one.

[bananas]

8. It's the British Royal Navy, not the US Royal Navy. nt

[damyank913]

9. DUH.

I shouldn't read stuff before that 1st cup of coffee.

[Sunlei]

5. He may have a point. One person can crash a plane or make a train go double speed limit.

The program itself could be attacked, but its more likely some unbalanced inside person will take control of the sub, or a ship or a 50,000 cargo container barge and ram it full speed into a port.

[FLPanhandle]

6. A few things make me skeptical

First, his age is only 25 and very limited experience on submarines.

Does he have the experience to really be able to determine "witnessed a host of inadequate systems and checks while training with the Trident programme". He was a trainee and knows what systems are inadequate already?

His claim that his crew-mates are crazy also doesn't sound right.

Not to say he is lying, but I'm a natural skeptic and I'd buy such claims more from a long term veteran with years on board than a 25 year old trainee.

[bananas]

7. Petition: Don't prosecute the Trident whistle-blower

https://www.change.org/p/ministry-of-defence-crown-office-don-t-prosecute-the-trident-whistle-blower

We, the undersigned, call on the Ministry of Defence and Crown Office not to prosecute 25-year old William McNeilly, who produced an 18-page report entitled The Secret Nuclear Threat, detailing serious security failures at the site of the Trident nuclear weapons programme.

McNeilly has not yet been located, but we want an assurance that he will not face punishment for releasing the report.

McNeilly's release of this information was clearly in the public interest and, as John Ainslie, co-ordinator of Scottish CND said, "he should be commended for his action, not hounded by the Ministry of Defence".

Letter to
ministry of defence
Crown Office

Don't prosecute the Trident whistleblower, William McNeilly.

His report detailing serious security failures at the site of the Trident nuclear weapons programme was released in the public interest, and we want an assurance that he will not face punishment for releasing the report.