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UK Nuclear Weapons Policy and Diplomacy

Evidence received by Dr Julian Lewis MP

JULY 2011

In his evidence Dr Julian Lewis MP maintains that there are political and military arguments in favour of the renewal of Trident. As future military threats and conflicts are difficult to predict, and no-oneknows which enemies we might confront over the next 30–50 years, it is safer for the UK to retain its strategic nuclear deterrent.

Evidence submitted by Bernard Jenkin MP

JULY 2011

The UK should remain a nuclear weapons state. Despite President Obama's Prague speech, the international context in fact is not benign or stable. The threat of a nuclear attack has not disappeared and is unlikely to do so. Future threats are not predictable so as to justify abandoning the UK’s nuclear deterrent. To do this would not only leave the UK vulnerable to nuclear blackmail but would weaken the collective security of NATO and reduce the UK’s international influence.

Evidence submitted by Commodore Tim Hare

JUNE 2011

The UK government policy is one of high visibility, global responsibilities and ambitions. The price the UK pays for undertaking this role on the world stage is that we are more susceptible to global threats than other European countries who adopt a lower profile. As we live in a volatile and uncertain world, the UK should remain a nuclear weapons state.

UK should opt for Trident renewal as it is by far the cheapest and most effective option open to the UK.

Evidence submitted by the Admiral Lord West

MAY 2011

We live in an unpredictable and potentially extremely chaotic and dangerous world. Hence, the UK must not elect to forego its independent nuclear deterrent.

Maintaining the present Trident ballistic missile system which necessitates the replacement of the SSBN’s is the best option assuming the UK is to remain a nuclear weapon state.The other options, in fact, are not as cheap or practical as their supporters claim.

Evidence Submitted by Professor John Simpson, Director of The Mountbatten Centre for International Studies, University of Southampton

MAY 2011

The UK will remain a nuclear weapon state, even if it has no operational or stockpiled nuclear weapons or means of delivering them, for as long as the NPT remains in existence. To alter this position, extraordinary legal, political and practical measures would have to be instituted to convince the international community that such a change is genuine and absolute.

“BASIC’s depth of knowledge and administrative competence makes it an excellent partner in the field of military nuclear capability and arms control”

Sir Jeremy Greenstock, GCMG British diplomat

“At a time when transatlantic relationships are under tension, BASIC's role as a source of authoritative analysis is more important than ever.”

Baron Rees of Ludlow Astronomer Royal

“BASIC makes a vital contribution to sustaining recognition that nearly 35 years after the end of the Cold War nuclear weapons continue to put at risk the future of humankind. BASIC is especially to be commended for doing this by fostering dialogue and understanding.”

Peter Jenkins CMG UK Ambassador to the International Atomic Energy Agency 2001-06

``For about 35 years, in the pursuit of nuclear disarmament, BASIC have championed the cause of mutuality of security. Their ability to engage diversity of views and opinion has attracted deserved admiration.``

Baron Browne of Ladyton Vice Chairman, Nuclear Threat Initiative and former UK Secretary of State for Defence

``For more than three decades, BASIC has challenged conventional thinking on national security matters, and inspired new ways of addressing and solving old problems. I expect it to continue to play this vital role for decades to come.``

Andreas Persbo Director, Open Nuclear Network
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