Joani Reid’s husband was one among three males arrested by counter-terrorism police earlier this month on suspicion of spying for China.
File picture of one of many Navy’s nuclear-armed submarines alongside at HMNB Clyde (Picture: PA)
The captain of a Royal Navy nuclear-armed submarine has reportedly stepped again from his position after being investigated over his relationship with Labour MP Joani Reid. Ms Reid’s husband, David Taylor, was one among three males arrested by counter-terrorism police earlier this month on suspicion of spying for China.
The submarine captain — who’s married — and Ms Reid had been discovered to have exchanged flirtatious messages, in line with experiences, citing sources. An individual near Ms Reid, who “voluntarily” suspended herself from the Labour whip “till inside investigations are concluded” following her husband’s arrest, denies that is the case. The Navy probe into allegations that the senior navy officer had performed an inappropriate relationship with Ms Reid was launched final 12 months.
One particular person aware of the matter instructed the Monetary Occasions that, from a “due diligence perspective,” it was mandatory to look at any potential blackmail threat.
Further safety checks had been reportedly carried out following the arrest of Ms Reid’s husband.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) is alleged to have been happy with the checks and stays assured that no breach of safety occurred.
The captain, who stays within the Navy, reportedly determined to step again for private causes this week after the FT contacted the MoD in regards to the matter.
The captain didn’t face any disciplinary motion and has not damaged any navy guidelines.
It’s claimed that the officer and MP first met as younger adults and that there was no bodily relationship between the pair, who haven’t been in touch for greater than six months.
Ms Reid has been the MP for East Kilbride and Strathaven since 2024.
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A Royal Navy spokesperson instructed the FT: “The safety of the nuclear deterrent is our highest precedence, and now we have sturdy processes in place to guard the safety of our individuals and capabilities. We is not going to touch upon particular person circumstances.”
A spokesperson for Ms Reid declined to remark when approached by the newspaper.
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