Sir Keir Starmer visited submariners as they returned to their base on the Clyde from the longest patrol conducted by one of the Royal Navy’s nuclear-armed vessels.
The Prime Minister boarded a Vanguard-class submarine as it arrived at the Faslane naval base on Saturday, thanking the crew who had spent more than 205 days at sea.
He did not undertake any political visits while north of the border despite campaigning for the Scottish Parliament elections taking place.
Defence Secretary John Healey joined the Prime Minister for the event at Faslane.
Proud to welcome home and thank our submariners, who keep the UK and @NATO safe, every minute of every day.
They and their families make huge sacrifices to protect us all, and our UK nuclear deterrent is more important now than ever.
They are the very best of Britain. pic.twitter.com/SBwb8a0ZuT
— John Healey (@JohnHealey_MP) April 19, 2026
Sir Keir said: “As we face an increasingly volatile world, our nuclear deterrent is more important than ever.
“It was a privilege to be able to meet and thank those who are making sacrifices to protect our country every single day.”
Mr Healey also praised the dedication of the submariners, posting online: “They and their families make huge sacrifices to protect us all and our UK nuclear deterrent is more important now than ever.
“They are the very best of Britain.”
Photos released by Downing Street showed the Prime Minister boarding the submarine and speaking to the personnel on board.
At more than 205 days, the crew of the submarine are understood to have taken part in the longest patrol for a nuclear deterrent submarine – spending months submerged with little contact with the outside world.
The UK’s four Vanguard-class submarines can carry Trident nuclear missiles and at least one of the vessels is out on patrol at sea constantly.
They are due to be replaced by four new Dreadnought-class submarines, the first of which is expected to enter service in the 2030s.
The Ministry of Defence said “significant programmes” are under way to renew the UK’s nuclear deterrent and rigorous safety checks are carried out before any patrols.
The ministry said it did not comment on the length of submarine patrols.
Submariners receive additional payments when patrols are extended.
Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay hit out at the Prime Minister for not meeting Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar during his time in Scotland.
Mr Findlay said: “It seems that Keir Starmer is skulking around a top-secret high-security submarine base unable to face the public, unable to even look Anas Sarwar in the eyes.”
He continued: “No wonder Anas Sarwar wants nothing to do with him.
“The guy shouldn’t be in Downing Street and he’s a complete and utter disgrace.”