He said the Trident Ploughshares campaign group web site encouraged people to enter the dockyards, with instructions on getting in.

Mr Jamieson spoke as two people, associated with the group, were charged with causing criminal damage at the base after they entered it - apparently unimpeded by security - and boarded a Trident submarine.

His comments were rejected by Trident Ploughshares.

David Jamieson: Dockyard workers safeguarded freedom

Mr Jamieson told the BBC: "Giving instructions on breaking into the dockyard is totally and completely irresponsible.

"These protesters should take a tour down to The Hoe, look at the war memorial and see how many people died in the war protecting their right to protest, to freedom of speech.

"The people who worked in the dockyard helped safeguard that freedom of speech that those protesters enjoy."

But David McKenzie of Norwich-based Trident Ploughshares said the instructions on the web site were aimed at legitimate peaceful protest.

If the government is not prepared to disarm, we as responsible citizens must be prepared to do something

Trident Ploughshares

He said: "We are encouraging direct disarmament in a peaceful way.

"Trident submarines are monstrous machines and designed to murder people.

"If the government is not prepared to disarm, we as responsible citizens must be prepared to do something."

He added: "It is never right to use nuclear weapons. And in the long term we are not going to have a sane society until we abolish all war."