BASIC Executive Director, Paul Ingram, was interviewed by Press TV after British Prime Minister David Cameron wrote a piece for the Telegraph, acknowledging his support of Trident and highlighting the country's need to replace the weapons system with a like-for-like program.
Paul Ingram counter's the Prime Minster's arguments here: http://www.presstv.ir/detail/2013/04/05/296582/british-pm-seeks-to-keep-controversial-trident-nukes/
The E3+3, Iran, and the Almaty talks
Last week's talks were deemed by many commentators as a failure. Rather than responding directly to the E3+3’s (P5+1's) agenda around initial small confidence-building steps, the Iranian delegation appears to have looked for reassurances that the end-state would include lifting the sanctions and recognition of Iran’s right to enrich, and that the group of six was serious in recognizing objectives of the Iranian delegation.
David Cameron argues for replacing the Trident nuclear system due to future uncertainties and threats from North Korea and Iran. The author criticizes this stance, highlighting the historical context, fragility of nuclear deterrence, and alternative security challenges. They argue that reliance on nuclear weapons is a misguided strategy in a rapidly changing global security environment.
Margaret Thatcher died Monday, and on Wednesday Parliament is recalled for members to pay their respects. The funeral will be next Wednesday, 17th April, and will be a spectacle watched by millions. Thatcher left a lasting legacy that sent ripples way beyond the shores of Britain, not least in her approach to the Cold War at the time.
This is a themed report arising out of a BASIC roundtable event in Istanbul on March 25th and 26th, a few weeks before the 2013 Preparatory Committee in Geneva. Involving participants from all over the region, including GCC states, Iran, Egypt, Jordan and Turkey, as well as the United States, UK and Germany, this meeting discussed the health of the non-proliferation regime as it affected the Gulf region and placed today’s debates in a longer-term context.
BASIC has published a new briefing authored by Dr. Nick Ritchie of the University York. The government is in the midst of a Trident Alternatives Review, which will immenently be delievered to the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister. Dr. Ritchie's new brief critiques that forthcoming Review and highlights weaknesses within current thinking around Trident.
Richard Norton-Taylor writes about changing assumptions about nuclear deterrence and nuclear possession. He argues that treating Trident as an employment scheme will leave Britain ill-equipped for the real threat: terrorism. He references the BASIC Trident Commission's recent report by John Simpson: