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Staff at the Government’s chemical warfare HQ have lost confidence in its leadership as hundreds desert their jobs, an internal survey reveals.

Experts say a multi-million pound funding cut and the mass exodus of staff have left morale at rock-bottom.

Labour MP Stephanie Peacock has exposed alarming findings from an internal staff survey at the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory.

It shows barely a quarter of DSTL employees – just 26 per cent – now have confidence in its leadership.

And fewer than one in six thought recent changes had improved things.

Ms Peacock said: “As this week has shown all too clearly, Porton Down is in the front line of defending Britain.

“But these disturbing results show this world-leading laboratory is being undermined by the Government’s refusal to invest in our services – with millions of pounds and hundreds of staff axed under the Tories.

“Our scientists are at the global forefront of protecting people here and abroad from chemical and biological warfare or terrorism.

“When ministers’ own civil servants have no confidence in their leadership, it is clear that the Government is letting down the people who work hard to keep us safe.

(Image: Adam Gerrard/Daily Mirror)

“These figures are just the latest evidence that the Government needs to fundamentally re-think their whole approach to our public services.”

Less than one worker in six felt their pay stood up against equivalent professionals elsewhere.

And only a third felt motivated to meet the organisation’s objectives.

DSTL has seen its income decline by more than 10 per cent since the Tories came to power in 2015. In the same period, it has lost nearly 200 staff.

Ms Peacock said: “The consequences of Tory cuts are being laid bare. On their watch, the morale of defence staff is falling as fast as their budgets.”