MoD confirms HMNB Clyde as future submarine base

Two Trafalgar Class submarines are to move from Her Majesty's Naval Base (HMNB) Devonport to HMNB Clyde as the Ministry of Defence (MoD) confirms its future submarine basing plan.

HMNB Clyde will be the home of all of the UK's submarines by 2020 after HMS Talent and HMS Triumph move to Scotland. 

HMS Torbay and HMS Trenchant are to remain in Devonport until they are decommissioned in 2017 and 2019 respectively. Keeping the vessels at the Plymouth dockyard until the end of their lives represents better value for money, the MoD stated.

Defence secretary Michael Fallon said: "This decision balances the Royal Navy's operational requirements with giving more clarity to our servicemen and women to plan their family lives."

He added that the commitment to make HMNB Clyde the centre for submarine specialisation by 2020 will result in hundreds of jobs and investment in the west of Scotland.