Nuclear sub sparks row with Spain
http://www.itn.co.uk:80/news/20001027/world/07blairspain.shtml

"We have reiterated our assurances that the vessel itself is completely safe and there is no further risk to Gibraltar or the people of southern Spain" - British Embassy spokesman.

Tony Blair's summit meeting with the Spanish Prime Minister is being overshadowed by a row over a crippled British nuclear submarine.

Jose Maria Aznar is worried about the risk posed to public health by HMS Tireless, which is being repaired in Gibraltar.

The entire British hunter-killer submarine flotilla has been withdrawn from service because of a welding crack in the nuclear reactor cooling systems.

Local officials only allowed the submarine to stay in Gibraltar after receiving assurances that there is no danger to the public.

But now the fault is thought to be more serious, sparking fears for public safety in Gibraltar and the neighbouring areas of Spain.

Local television and newspaper reports previewing Mr Blair's visit have focused on the issue of the Tireless.

Pressure groups have called for the submarine to be moved, or for independent Spanish experts to be allowed to board her to see for themselves the extent of the damage.

Britain has so far resisted both calls. Experts from the Royal Navy's own safety committee have also twice visited Spain to reassure the authorities that the vessel is safe.

The issue also gives the Spanish Government the opportunity to put the thorny issue of Gibraltar's sovereignty on the table at the summit.

A spokesman at the British Embassy in Madrid said: "We have been talking to the Spanish authorities for a long time at all levels, reassuring them and informing them as much as we can.

"We have over the last two weeks explained to them that, after the initial finding on the Tireless, there was more extensive damage to the circulation system outside the reactor.

"But we have assured them experts will continue to look at this and we will continue to keep them as fully informed as possible.

"We have reiterated our assurances that the vessel itself is completely safe and there is no further risk to Gibraltar or the people of southern Spain."

Mr Blair had expected his talks with Aznar to focus on an agenda for economic reform in Europe - building on an increasingly close relationship with the Conservative Spanish Premier.

At the European Union summit in Lisbon earlier this year, leaders agreed a programme of economic reform designed to create millions of jobs over the next 10 years.

Mr Blair is keen to make sure the impetus from that summit is not lost, but maintained next year under the Swedish presidency of the EU.

    Do note that these reactors are US Designs.