Royal Navy investigated relationship between nuclear submarine commander and MP

The Royal Navy investigated allegations of an inappropriate relationship between a senior naval officers and a Scottish MP.

Joani Reid stepped down from the Labour party last month after her husband was arrested on suspicion of spying for China.

Reid has said she is not under investigation and denied any wrongdoing or any knowledge of law-breaking by her husband, David Taylor, a lobbyist.

STV News understands that the naval officer, the commander of one of the UK’s nuclear submarines at Faslane, did not face any disciplinary action over the relationship with Reid.

He was not found to have broken any military rules or laws. But he is no longer in charge of the Vanguard-class submarine and remains in the Royal Navy.

The Ministry of Defence is said to be confident there were no security breaches and appropriate checks and mitigations have been put in place, STV News understands.

Reid told STV News she wouldn’t speak on the allegations, which were first reported in the Financial Times.

Reid currently sits as an independent representing East Kilbride and Strathaven.

Reid said she had “voluntarily” stepped back from the party as the investigation got under way.

Scottish counter terrorism officers searched a property in East Kilbride in connection with the criminal investigation.

A Royal Navy Spokesperson said: “The security of the nuclear deterrent is our highest priority, and we have robust processes in place to protect the security of our people and capabilities.

“We will not comment on individual cases.”