Speaking on national radio about Trident, Lord Wigley said: “Look, this week we have been remembering what happened in Germany before the war, no doubt there were many jobs provided in Auschwitz and places like that but that didn’t justify their existence.” HMNB Clyde is Scotland’s largest single site employer with around 6,500 staff, rising to 8,000 in the coming years as the base becomes home to the UK’s submarine fleet. In addition to naval personnel, the site employs nearby residents from the West of Scotland in a range of civilian jobs in engineering, maintenance, security, policing, firefighting, and general running of the site.

Following the interview Lord Wigley apologised for the comments. He released a statement which said: “I am certainly sorry if my remarks were open to any misinterpretation and I apologise for any offence that has been caused. The point I was trying to make was that you can’t have jobs at any cost and I reiterate that.” Ms Doyle, Labour MP, said: “These comments are sickening and offensive to the Faslane and Coulport workforce. They do a professional job under strict conditions and are integral to the safety and security of the site.” Ms Doyle penned a letter to the Welsh MP criticising his apology.

It said: “I have read your apology and I am sorry to say I don’t think it is good enough. I would therefore ask for a direct and unreserved apology to the naval and civilian workforce at HMNB Clyde. I appreciate your opinion on whether or not the UK should retain a nuclear capability.

“I want to see a world free of nuclear weapons, and despite the fact that I represent many of the people who work at the base, I believe first and foremost that this decision should be based on the security needs of the UK and the best way to work towards Global Zero. But whatever your views on the nuclear deterrent, there can be no justification for comments like this.” She told the Reporter: “Whatever your views on the nuclear deterrent there is no justification for comments like this and he will have caused genuine upset with these remarks.

“Lord Wigley should apologise directly to the naval and civilian workforce.”