The senior service launched a probe last year into whether the unnamed officer – who is married, had an inappropriate relationship with Scottish Labour MP Joani Reid
A Royal Navy captain has resigned his command of one of Britain’s nuclear-armed submarines after an investigation into his relationship with a Labour MP.
The senior service launched a probe last year into whether the unnamed officer – who is married, had an inappropriate relationship with Joani Reid.
According to the Financial Times, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) then launched further security checks after the politician’s husband, David Taylor, was arrested on suspicion of assisting China’s foreign intelligence service.
Ensure our latest headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as your Preferred Source in your Google search settings.
READ MORE: Labour MP Joani Reid suspends herself over husband’s arrest for ‘spying for China’READ MORE: Labour MP breaks silence after husband’s arrest in China spy probe
The MOD was satisfied by the probe and is confident there was no breach of security, and the naval officer did not face any disciplinary action. The officer involved has stepped back from his submarine role – but not left the Royal Navy. No rules were broken, but the officer was reported to have exchanged “flirtatious” messages with Ms Reid. A person close to Ms Reid denies this is the case.
The pair were said to have first met as young adults. The East Kilbride MP later visited the Falsane base in January 2025 as part of a visit organised by the armed forces parliamentary scheme.
The pair are thought to have met once as well as exchanged messages, and there was no physical relationship between them.
A Royal Navy Spokesperson: “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.”
Mr Taylor was arrested on suspicion of assisting China’s foreign intelligence service. He has been released on bail and denies any wrongdoing. Ms Reid voluntarily suspended herself from the Labour whip until internal investigations conclude.
Ms Reid did not respond to a request for comment. In a statement released last month, Ms Reid said: “I have never seen anything to make me suspect my husband has broken any law.
“I am not part of my husband’s business activities and neither I nor my children are part of this investigation, and we should not be treated by media organisations as though we are. Above all I expect media organisations to respect my children’s privacy.
“I have never been to China. I have never spoken on China or China related matters in the Commons. I have never asked a question on China-related matters.”