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Wow! There are really some uninformed views here!
HM Naval Base Clyde, in Scotland, is where the United Kingdom's strategic nuclear deterrant is based. This consists of four Vanguard class submarines. These carry a number of Trident II launch systems and warheads which are launched using these launch systems.
The submarines are organised so that there is ALWAYS at least one Vanguard class submarine at sea, thus maintaining the UK's nuclear deterrant.
All Royal Navy submarines have a nuclear power plant. This negates the need for refuelling and means that a submarine can go for months at a time without surfacing or returning to base. In the event of a problem with a nuclear power plant in a submarine which results in the release of radioactive material into a river, the sea or the atmosphere we need to provide safety measures for those in the vicinity. I do not know the ins and outs of potassium tablets, but this will be one of those 'just in case' preparations to prevent serious loss of life and danger to civilian health. The main risk is the contamination of the water supply with heavy metals and nuclear material.
It is VERY unlikely that the submarine visiting Portsmouth will be a Vanguard class, as the information regarding to the location of the UK's Vanguard class submarines is classified and would not be handed out willy-nilly to everyone and anyone when they decide to bring one home. Besides, home for them is in Scotland.
It is likely that a fleet submarine will be docking at Portsmouth and the necessary precautions need to be taken.
BTW Alan, the Vanguard class submarines, when at sea, ALWAYS carry nuclear warheads.
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