The UK government has announced the start of a major project to modernise the nuclear base in Faslane on the west coast of Scotland. An initial £250 million will be allocated in the first phase — just a small part of a massive, decades-long plan that could cost billions.

Critics argue that instead of investing in social needs and renewable energy, the government continues to spend vast sums on nuclear weapons. At the same time, the administration announced funding of £14.2 billion for the construction of Sizewell C nuclear power plant in England, and an additional £6 billion for the development of the UK’s submarine defence industry, including BAE Systems and Rolls-Royce Submarines.

Meanwhile, four ageing Vanguard -class submarines stationed at Faslane have long exceeded their intended 25-year lifespan. The new Dreadnought -class submarines, currently under construction in Barrow, are due to replace them in the 2030s — but experts have already warned of delays and potential budget overruns.

The Scottish National Party (SNP) has strongly condemned these plans, pointing out that since coming to power, Labour has channelled £36 billion into energy projects in England while largely ignoring Scotland. In their view, the nuclear programme is a costly “white elephant” that serves neither the public interest nor the majority of the population.

Former government advisor Dominic Cummings previously described the UK’s nuclear infrastructure as a hidden scandal — dangerous, outdated, and extremely expensive.