Trident nuclear submarine concludes record underwater deployment

HMS Vengeance’s 217-day tour raises questions about slow pace of maintenance of ageing fleet and impact on crew

A Trident nuclear submarine has concluded a record seven-month deployment, returning to the Faslane naval base in Scotland, where its crew are expected to be greeted by senior members of the government .

HMS Vengeance began its patrol on 12 April and spent 217 days submerged before returning on Sunday, leaving the country when Keir Starmer was in Downing Street and Manchester United were third in the Premier League.