New UK Nuclear Submarine Launched

The Royal Navy's latest nuclear submarine has been launched by the Duchess of Cornwall, almost four years behind schedule.

HMS Astute is the first of four new vessels that will be the UK's largest and most powerful attack submarines.

Defence minister Lord Drayson called it "a truly remarkable vessel, and her importance cannot be underestimated".

The £3.5bn programme was dogged by delays and budget overruns, with the government putting in an extra £450m.