A DECISION to make the Ministry of Defence pay the full cost of renewing Britain's nuclear deterrent could "spell the end" of Devonport Naval Base, it is claimed.

Unions, an MP and a city defence expert last night warned of huge cuts as the MoD faces footing the multi-billion-pound bill for Trident.

Chancellor George Osborne said yesterday the MoD could not expect special treatment over the replacement of the missile-carrying submarines — despite the nuclear deterrent being traditionally funded separately from the defence budget.

It means the MoD will be forced to find all the money to replace the submarine fleet — at the same time as funding a war in Afghanistan and maintaining the armed forces requirements elsewhere.

The Government has previously reiterated its intention to renew Trident.

On Monday, experts warned Devonport was under threat with naval top brass suggesting scrapping the base and handing control of the Royal Marines to the Army.

Plymouth-based defence expert Iain Ballantyne, said: "Devonport's future is now very much at risk.

"It could spell the end of the naval base. They will either have to shut the naval base site and keep the dockyard or get rid of other parts of the Royal Navy.

"Everything is a now possibility. With this announcement, the Ministry of Defence now simply cannot afford the Navy, it's as simple as that."

Roger Darcy, chairman of Devonport Dockyard's industrial trade unions, said: "Once again, we are in the realms of uncertainty.

"It is one crisis to another. It is extremely worrying for people working here, and of course their families.

"On one hand, it could be good news if instead they decide to extend the life of the submarine fleet (gaining Devonport another maintenance project).

"But we don't want to have that for the sake of losing the Navy from Plymouth. Long-term, it would be very bad news."

Gary Streeter, Tory MP for South West Devon, said: "I would share concerns about this decision but I think top level negotiations are under way about all these budgets.

"I don't think this is the final chapter. One possible outcome could be that less money is spent on Trident.

"Another is to maintain the boats for a longer life.

"There are plenty more twists and turns to go yet. Every day, we seem to be walking on eggshells."

Defence Secretary Liam Fox has been locked in a battle with the Treasury over the cost of Trident renewal.

Earlier this month, he said it would be '"very difficult to maintain what we're currently doing in terms of capability" if the MoD was forced to meet the full costs of building the new fleet from within its budget.

But Mr Osborne said: "The Trident costs, I have made it absolutely clear, are part of the defence budget.

"All budgets have pressure. I don't think there's anything particularly unique about the Ministry of Defence.

"I have made it very clear that Trident renewal costs must be taken as part of the defence budget."

Oliver Colvile, Tory MP for Plymouth Sutton, said that the defence of the nation should be the Government's "number one priority."

The MoD last night refused to comment.

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