Professor John Robertson OBA

We’ve had numerous reports here on increased levels of radioactive emissions, including the deadly tritium which ‘smashes’ into your DNA, approved by Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) for the sites in Coulport, Argyll and in Rosyth, Fife.

As sick US nuclear weapons workers anticipate action by President Trump why there must be action here on the radioactive tritium emissions around Clyde nuclear sub base which ‘smash into’ your DNA and which have DOUBLED

UK MoD plan to decommission at least 7 nuclear subs in Fife, with houses less than 1 mile away and downwind by methods 1 000 times more dangerous than US methods

Prompted by reader Alex Montrose and long-term friend of TuS, ArtyHetty, I asked Grok AI:

Is there any evidence of SEPA being pressurised by UK bodies such as the MOD to comply with their wishes on eg nuclear submarine-related pollution?

Showing no sign of filtering, on behalf of Government, to conceal the facts, it responded with chilling directness and fullness:

Yes, there is documented evidence, primarily from investigative journalism and Freedom of Information (FoI) disclosures, indicating that the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has exerted pressure on the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) to withhold or limit the release of information about radioactive pollution linked to nuclear submarine operations at HM Naval Base Clyde (Faslane and Coulport). This pressure appears aimed at protecting the MoD’s reputation and national security claims, rather than directly coercing regulatory compliance decisions. However, SEPA’s limited statutory powers over military sites—due to Crown exemptions—have historically allowed the MoD significant leeway, leading to voluntary agreements that campaigners and former regulators describe as insufficient.The pollution in question primarily involves low-level radioactive leaks (e.g., tritium and cobalt-60) from ageing submarine reactors, waste handling, and pipe failures at Faslane (the submarine base) and Coulport (the warhead storage facility). These incidents have occurred repeatedly since the 1990s, with at least 40 acknowledged leaks at Faslane over three decades, including nine from submarines between 1997 and 2009. Recent reports (up to 2025) highlight ongoing issues, such as pipe bursts causing “unnecessary radioactive waste” discharges into Loch Long and Gare Loch.Key Instances of Pressure and InfluenceThe following table summarizes the main evidence from credible sources, focusing on MoD-SEPA interactions related to nuclear submarine pollution:

Date/Period	Incident/Pressure Description	Source Details	Outcome/Implications
2003–2012	Former SEPA CEO Campbell Gemmell described the MoD as “very challenging to deal with” and stated that the MoD “applied pressure repeatedly on radioactive waste issues seeking to keep relevant environmental information out of the public domain” to avoid embarrassment. This occurred during his tenure overseeing Faslane/Coulport compliance.	The National (Oct 2024); The Ferret (Jun 2025)	Pressure led to delayed or censored disclosures. Gemmell called recent secrecy “unacceptable,” highlighting MoD’s efforts to shield failures in waste management from public scrutiny.
2004–2008	Three radioactive coolant leaks from submarines (HMS Trafalgar, HMS Superb) into the Firth of Clyde prompted SEPA to issue “final warning” letters and express “grave concern” over procedures. An internal MoD review admitted “recurring” safety failings, but SEPA noted it lacked legal power to enforce closures despite considering it.	The Guardian (Apr 2009); Daily Mail (Apr 2009)	SEPA accused MoD of breaking voluntary safety promises (exempt from civil regs). No direct pressure documented here, but SEPA pushed for statutory powers, implying MoD influence via exemptions.
2016–2025	MoD blocked SEPA from releasing over 20 files on “environmental issues with radioactivity” at Faslane/Coulport, citing “national security.” Emails show MoD explicitly asked SEPA not to publish data on leaks and waste. This followed FoI requests by The Ferret, leading to a six-year battle.	The Ferret (Jun 2025, Oct 2024); The Guardian (Aug 2025)	Scottish Information Commissioner ruled in Jun 2025 that secrecy protected “reputations,” not security, forcing partial release. Files revealed pipe bursts (e.g., 2019 flood with tritium) due to MoD maintenance shortfalls, with SEPA noting “sub-optimal” fixes.
2019–2023	12 “Category A” nuclear safety incidents at Faslane (high potential for radioactive release), including a 2025 event. SEPA files (released post-FoI battle) criticized MoD for slow remedial actions on ageing infrastructure (half of components “beyond design life”).	The Ferret (Aug 2025); Sky News (Aug 2025); Maritime Executive (Aug 2025)	MoD claimed “no unsafe releases,” but SEPA urged faster waste removal. Campaigners (e.g., Scottish CND) cited this as evidence of MoD negligence enabled by weak oversight.
2019 Addendum & 2020 Consultation	SEPA approved changes allowing higher tritium discharges from Faslane submarines into Gare Loch under voluntary agreements. Critics argued this relaxed rules amid rising emissions (doubled at Coulport 2018–2023).	SEPA Consultation (2020); The Ferret (Apr 2025)	No explicit pressure, but Scottish Greens and CND called it “environmental arrogance,” urging SEPA to withhold approval until gaining full statutory powers (promised but delayed).

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