MoD security 'lapses' inquiry

Faslane is home to Trident submarines

An investigation has been launched into claims a journalist gained entry to six military bases, including the home of the UK's nuclear deterrent at Faslane on the Clyde.

The Mirror newspaper has reported that an undercover journalist gained entry to six high security sites across Britain.

The reporter was able to walk around the bases unchallenged and even had a cup of coffee in the officers' wardroom at Faslane - home of the Trident submarines.

A Ministry of Defence spokeswoman said the MoD regarded security as a top priority and that the alleged breaches would be looked into.

The MoD said it is looking into the claims

The paper said the reporter obtained an identity card which claimed he was selling insurance and private loans to servicemen and women on behalf of the Navy, Army and Air Forces Institute (Naafi).

Using the pass the reporter entered MoD headquarters at Whitehall, Wellington Barracks in London, Chelsea and Hyde Park Barracks, Faslane Naval base, and an infantry training camp in the Brecon Beacons.

While in Wellington Barracks, the reporter left a briefcase unoccupied in the cloakroom at the officers' mess for more than an hour.

A spokeswoman for the MOD said: "We are investigating the allegations at the moment. We can't comment further until we know exactly what happened.

"A thorough investigation will be conducted as we take security very seriously indeed."

Series of breaches

The claims follows a series of security scares at the Clyde base - including its infiltration by a car load of lost pensioners.

The driver of the car reportedly asked security guards who eventually stopped him inside the base if he was on the road to Arrochar.

A security guard was suspended pending an inquiry into the incident.

Peace protesters have also evaded security at Faslane in the past.

Anti-Trident activists have cut through fences, climbed over barbed-wire barricades and come within yards of the submarines.

Three women also used an inflatable boat to get on to a barge at the base and cause damage to thousands of pounds worth of equipment.