House of Commons · Urgent Question
02 June 2025 · 20 other contributors
Opened by Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi Lab Slough
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi raised concerns about uk nuclear deterrent 2025-06-02 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
Key points
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
Will the Minister confirm the future plans for the UK’s nuclear deterrent and address concerns about potential leaks of sensitive information regarding changes to nuclear policy? The urgent question seeks clarity on any shift in nuclear posture, including air-launched tactical nuclear capabilities, and raises issues around parliamentary scrutiny and consultations with NATO allies.
Question
Following reports of potential air-launched tactical nuclear capabilities, can the Minister explain how Parliament will be enabled to scrutinise changes to the UK’s nuclear programmes? What assessment has been made of risks associated with such a shift?
Minister reply
The Minister confirmed that Parliament will have an opportunity through the House of Commons Defence Committee to scrutinise outcomes from Lord Robertson's strategic defence review. He also assured full operational control over any UK nuclear weapons and stated that only the Prime Minister can authorise their use.
Question
Supporting moves to widen our nuclear capabilities, what measures will be taken to ensure an effective industrial base for maintaining continuous at-sea deterrent patrols? Can the estimated cost of delivering an air-launched option and its expected service timeline be provided?
Minister reply
The Minister acknowledged the need for a productive industrial base and confirmed ongoing support for the continuous at-sea nuclear deterrent, including plans to build four Dreadnought-class submarines. He did not provide specific costs or timelines but reaffirmed the commitment to these capabilities.
Question
Can the Minister reassure that full scrutiny by the House for sensitive matters is progressing, particularly after a delay following Government change?
Minister reply
The Minister encouraged continued conversations with the Defence Secretary regarding the best way to scrutinise sensitive matters and confirmed ongoing discussions about parliamentary oversight.
Question
Will the Minister assure the House that the gap in British military power identified as part of the strategic defence review is being filled by other NATO allies until we are able to fill it ourselves? Concerns about capability gaps and reliance on allies.
Minister reply
The Government have a 'NATO first' defence policy, so we support and are enabled by our allies, especially those in NATO. Further details will be set out by the Defence Secretary shortly.
Question
Does the Minister agree that we need to foster a better understanding of how deterrence works and is undermined, particularly in light of threats from countries like Russia? Importance of explaining nuclear deterrence.
Minister reply
Reinforcing the concept of deterrence is fundamental, and conversations about it have been ongoing since the Labour Government came to power. We will enhance our capabilities through measures set out in the strategic defence review.
Question
Will the Minister assure the House that we have sufficient confidence in the willingness of the United States to support NATO and our strategic nuclear deterrent? Concerns about American commitment to NATO.
Minister reply
The defence partnership with the US on nuclear deterrence is strong. President Trump and the US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth have reaffirmed their support for Article 5 of the NATO treaty.
Question
What steps are his Government taking to reduce the number of nuclear deterrents, as required by our obligations under the non-proliferation treaty? The UK's commitments under international treaties.
Minister reply
We continue to abide by all measures of the treaties we have signed. Our renewal of the nuclear deterrent is necessary in a more dangerous world and will be central to future defence plans.
Question
Will the Minister recommit to first use when either the strategic or tactical situation demands it? Discussion about nuclear strategy.
Minister reply
We maintain ambiguity in our nuclear strategy, but we do not have a first-strike policy. Our capacity is dedicated to defending all NATO member states.
Question
Is the reality that Britain's nuclear deterrent is dependent on the US both technically and politically? Should we not work towards global elimination of nuclear weapons as per our treaty commitments?
Minister reply
Every Government Member supports the renewal of the nuclear deterrent, building four Dreadnought-class submarines and providing necessary upgrades. This is a manifesto commitment that this Government will stick to.
Question
Will the Minister commit to setting a date when the Government will give a decision on sensitive scrutiny, as mentioned by previous reports?
Minister reply
Further conversations are ongoing between Members of this House and the Defence Secretary to find a way forward.
Question
Will he join me in commending the scientists and engineers at AWE for their work ensuring the independence of the UK's nuclear deterrent?
Minister reply
I am happy to do so. The entire supply chain, from Rolls-Royce to BAE Systems, contributes to our national security.
Question
Does the Minister accept that opposition to nuclear weapons is a legitimate position of conscience? Will he stop demeaning those who oppose these weapons?
Minister reply
While we might disagree on nuclear weapons, I recognise that thousands in Scotland support our nuclear fleet and do superb work at bases on the Clyde.
Question
What steps is he taking to reduce the length of deployments while maintaining continuous at-sea nuclear deterrence?
Minister reply
We are seeking to renew the contract between the nation and those who serve. Reducing deployment lengths for submariners involved in nuclear patrols is a key part of this, along with ensuring timely refits for submarines.
Question
We all want to live in a world without nuclear deterrent but recognising we do not, does the Minister agree on having a NATO-first defence policy and leading within the alliance?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend’s question gives me an opportunity to thank the Veterans Minister and celebrate his work in completing Operation Mountain Goat, the speed climb of Everest. I commend him and all those who did so on their aspiration to raise £1 million for veterans’ charities—that is something I think we can get behind on a cross-party basis.
Question
With 20% of the defence budget already taken up by the nuclear enterprise, how will the increased cost of new warheads be funded?
Minister reply
The increase in defence spending that we have secured provides us with the opportunity not just to renew our conventional capabilities, but also to further support our nuclear deterrent and build our cyber-capabilities. Taken together, that is how we will build that collective responsibility.
Question
How does the Minister plan to bring his parliamentary party on side when many have voted against the nuclear deterrent?
Minister reply
It was a question of two halves. I agree with the hon. Lady on the first half, and I am grateful for the cross-party nature of what we can achieve here. Our strong support for our nuclear deterrent and national security was in the Labour manifesto and enjoyed great support at the last general election.
Question
How does the Government's announcement to increase nuclear warheads fit with international disarmament obligations?
Minister reply
On this side of the House, we support international disarmament obligations to the ultimate goal of a world without nuclear weapons. However, we face increased nuclear threats from established powers and risks of proliferation due to advancing technology.
Question
With conventional forces spending well under 2% and in the bottom third of NATO countries, when will we achieve parity?
Minister reply
We have £5 billion extra in the defence budget this financial year thanks to decisions by the Prime Minister and Chancellor. By 2027, we will have over £13 billion more in cash terms compared with the situation that his party left.
Question
What impact will the purchase of F-35 Lightning fighters from America have on our global combat air programme?
Minister reply
In the spirit of the day, I suggest that the hon. Gentleman waits for the Defence Secretary’s statement coming soon.
Government Response
The Minister responded by confirming the Government’s commitment to the UK's nuclear deterrent, emphasising its role in national security. He highlighted plans outlined in the upcoming strategic defence review and discussed investments in submarines and new vessels. The Minister also addressed concerns about media leaks, noting that parliamentary scrutiny is planned through the House of Commons Defence Committee and discussions with NATO allies. He assured full operational control over any UK nuclear weapons and confirmed that only the Prime Minister has authority to launch them.