This week the Federation of American Scientists (FAS) released the results of a year-long task force study on Naval Nuclear Propulsion. This task force included experts from the national security, nuclear engineering, nonproliferation and nuclear security fields, including BASIC’s Executive Director Paul Ingram.
Programmes
A Memo to the Next Prime Minister: Options Surrounding the Replacement of Trident
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.
A Memo to the Next Prime Minister: Options Surrounding the Replacement of Trident
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.
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.
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