ROYAL Navy tugboat and marine services crews are being balloted for strike action amid safety concerns over Britain’s nuclear weapons.

Unite has warned its members, some of whom move nuclear submarines, are being locked out of consultations over the services they provide.

Serco Marine employs the experienced crews based at Devonport, Portsmouth, Faslane, Great Harbour Greenock and Kyle of Lochalsh and is currently in talks with the Ministry of Defence (MoD) about renewing its 10-year £1.2 billion contract with the Royal Navy.

Unite said proposed service changes would affect crews’ ability to provide a 24/7, 365-day-a-year service, including for nuclear-armed submarines.

Unite national officer John McGookin warned that the “new contract will result in afloat services that are not fit for purpose.”

A Serco spokesperson said: “We are disappointed that Unite members are balloting to strike.”

The MoD said: “Royal Navy operational priorities – including the continuous at sea deterrent and aircraft carriers – will not be affected during the proposed strike.”