Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Trident Renewal

Monday 19 February 2024 · 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 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Trident renewal programme remains within overall budget with HMS Dreadnought scheduled to enter service in the early 2030s.
  • Inflation has impacted cost forecasts for the Dreadnought submarine programme but the replacement warhead programme cost estimates are not yet available.
  • The Minister agrees that the SNP Government in Scotland would be the worst outcome for ensuring Trident replacement within budget.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Patrick Grady SNP
Defence
Context

The MP is concerned about the financial implications of the Trident replacement due to rising inflation and pressure on government budgets.

Question

What recent estimate has been made of the lifetime cost of Trident renewal. The Dreadnought submarine programme faces higher-than-expected inflation, adversely impacting its cost forecasts. Given this context, what are the total lifetime costs?

Answer from James Cartlidge

The Dreadnought submarine programme remains within overall budget and on track for HMS Dreadnought to enter service in the early 2030s. Inflation has impacted forecasts, but it is too early to provide cost estimates for the replacement warhead programme.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The total lifetime costs of Trident renewal were not provided.

How: It Is Too Early To Provide Cost Estimates

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Q2 Patrick Grady SNP
Defence
Context

The MP criticises the lack of transparency in budgeting for Trident renewal and questions the policy when other government departments face financial pressures.

Question

Does this mean the Minister does not know the total lifetime cost of Trident replacement? Budgets are under immense pressure because of inflation. Why is there a blank cheque approach to Trident?

Answer from James Cartlidge

The hon. Gentleman's policy would remove the nuclear deterrent despite global threats and Russia's sabre-rattling. We will invest in providing that ultimate guarantee to the people of the United Kingdom, but we are also publishing a supplementary estimate for the defence nuclear enterprise before the end of the financial year.

Not addressed: The question about budget constraints and transparency was not directly addressed.

How: His Policy Would Be Abject Folly, We Will Invest In Providing That Ultimate Guarantee

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Q3 James Gray Con
Defence Scotland
Context

The MP is concerned about the financial feasibility of replacing Trident within budget constraints, especially considering potential political changes.

Question

Agreeing with the Minister on the importance of a continuous at-sea deterrent for UK defence, how can we ensure Trident is replaced within budget? What would be the impact of an SNP Government in Scotland?

Answer from James Cartlidge

I agree 100% with my hon. Friend that we must find a way to replace Trident within budget, and the worst possible thing would be an SNP Government in Scotland.

Not addressed: No specifics on how to ensure replacement within budget or consequences of SNP government were provided.

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