Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Nuclear Warhead Programme

Monday 20 September 2021 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Laura Farris expressed concern over the impact of the new nuclear warhead programme on UK defence capability and the role of Aldermaston.
  • Laura Farris sought assurance that the AUKUS security pact would not undermine the strategic importance of the new warhead programme and Aldermaston's role in critical defence.
  • Alan Brown raised issues regarding workforce challenges at Aldermaston, including job cuts and plans for industrial action, and questioned the government's support for the fire service at the bases.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Laura Farris
Defence
Context

The question arises from concerns about the potential effects of a new nuclear warhead programme on UK's overall defence capabilities. This is particularly relevant in light of recent developments like the AUKUS security pact.

Question

I am concerned about the assessment of the potential effect of the new nuclear warhead programme on the UK's defence capability and want to understand its impact given the strategic importance of Aldermaston in this context.

Answer from Ben Wallace

The replacement warhead programme will allow the UK to maintain our independent minimum credible nuclear deterrent for the foreseeable future. The UK's sovereign nuclear deterrent exists to deter the most extreme threats to our national security and will remain essential.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific details on how the new warhead programme affects overall defence capability were not provided

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Q2 Laura Farris
Defence
Context

Following concerns about the AUKUS security pact, this supplementary question aims to clarify its relation to UK's nuclear defence strategy, particularly concerning Aldermaston's ongoing responsibilities.

Question

I welcome the announcement of the AUKUS security pact but seek assurance that it will not undermine the strategic importance of the new warhead and confirm Aldermaston's continued role in critical defence. Can you provide confirmation?

Answer from Ben Wallace

The agreement with Australia and the United States is not a programme about nuclear weapons; it is about nuclear propulsion to give strategic capability. Aldermaston remains crucial, contributing over decades to Britain's credible nuclear deterrent.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Details on impact of AUKUS pact on UK's warhead programme were not provided

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Q3 Alan Brown SNP
Policing & Resources Employment
Context

There are concerns about the recent decision to outsource fire services at nuclear sites in Scotland, leading to job cuts and industrial action by firefighters.

Question

The Secretary of State mentions workforce issues. However, the Government's outsourcing of fire service to Capita has led to eight job cuts, an overtime ban, and plans for industrial action. When will he address these issues and support the fire service to ensure safety at the bases?

Answer from Ben Wallace

The hon. Member has missed the point that we have nationalised Aldermaston recently in the opposite direction.

Not addressed: Addressing specific concerns about outsourcing fire service and supporting workers at nuclear sites was completely avoided

How: Nationalisation Of Aldermaston

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