‘Serious concerns’ over plans to privatise the Ministry of Defence Guard Service (MGS), which helps to protect the nuclear bases at Faslane and Coulport have been highlighted by the area’s MP.
Brendan O’Hara says the move would be ‘playing fast and loose’ with security, although the MoD says safeguarding security is still its priority.
The Public and Commercial Services (PCS) trade union raised serious concerns over possible bids from private security firms, such as G4S and Mitie, to run the service which currently employs 2100 civilian staff.
The MGS provide unarmed guarding duties at MoD sites throughout the UK but the union says the sites on the Clyde are the most high-profile and pose the most notable security questions.
Mr O’Hara said: “Coming only days after promises to plough further public money into the Trident renewal programme and the increase of personnel to be transferred to the Faslane base over the next few years, we cannot – must not – play fast and loose with security at the base.
“The local community and the staff at both Faslane and Coulport must have absolute confidence that the facilities are secured by the very best security services available. This must be matched by the investments that are being placed in the renewal of Trident.”
A PCS spokesperson highlighted problems with G4S security at the London Olympics and, together with Serco, the tagging of non-existent offenders
“It’s an extremely dangerous path that the MoD are pursuing, risking the security at such important sites for negligible financial saving,” he said.
“There are also licensing and security clearance issues that are unique to the MoD and which will complicate matters further.”
A MoD spokesperson said: “The MoD is currently investigating the options for the future provision of unarmed guarding of its estate.
“The project will fully explore and develop options for maximising the existing MoD Guard Service (MGS) and examine whether value for money is being provided. This supports the MoD’s ongoing efforts to improve efficiency so that resources can be focused on military capability.
“While it is too early to determine whether a decision will be made to commercialise the service, or who might provide the service in the future, the quality of the MGS service will be taken into consideration along with value for money.
“MGS senior staff, trade unions and security representatives across MoD sites have been, and will continue to be, fully engaged in this process. Security remains a priority for the department and no decisions will be taken to compromise the security of our servicemen and women.”
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