The Main Gate decision on the construction of a new fleet of nuclear ballistic missile submarines at a capital cost of £20-25bn is expected early 2016. This Memo to the Prime Minster clarifies that there will in fact be a range of options available when a decision is to be made including the commissioning of four, three or two Successor submarines, further delay in the programme or a decision to begin the process of divesting the UK of its nuclear arsenal.
Content Type
Trident – weak defence
The Conservative-led government of austerity Britain is facing the sacrifice of its sacred cow of high military spending—to preserve the even more precious elephant in the room: the UK’s ‘independent’ nuclear weapon.
Changing threats and shrinking budgets: something has to give
Defense budgets have hit the headlines again this week, as United States Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Samantha Power, flew to Brussels to urge European nations to rethink their defense spending plans.
As we scrutinise government spending, it’s time to review Trident
Left Foot Forward published an article by BASIC Executive Director, Paul Ingram.
The article can be read here: http://leftfootforward.org/2015/03/as-we-scrutinise-government-spending-its-time-to-review-trident/
After Netanyahu’s Speech: Will the U.S. Give Diplomacy A Chance?
On Tuesday, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke to United States Congress members urging them to block any deal with Iran on its nuclear program and raise support for more sanctions against the nation.
Parliamentary Event: A Memo to the next Prime Minster on the Nuclear Question
The issue of the replacement of Trident is already receiving more attention due to speculation about the general election result and it will, anyway, be an issue demanding attention early on in the new government in the context of continuing budgetary pressures and ongoing international strategic priorities. This briefing will lay out the range of options regarding the decision currently scheduled for 2016 for any follow-on nuclear weapon system for the UK including:
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Going ahead with like-for-like renewal of the submarine fleet in 2016
Carrington Series: Trident Renewal and Continuous-at-Sea Deterrence
On 4th March 2015, Chatham House hosted an invitation-only event in the Carrington Series on Trident renewal and continuous at sea deterrence.
Nuclear weapons, financing, and Russia’s armed forces reform
Recent Developments in Russia's Nuclear Posture
Since 2008, the Russian government has undertaken an initiative to overhaul its conventional armed forces, with a target completion date of 2020.