Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Military Independence from US

Monday 2 February 2026 · 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 1 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Minister states the UK nuclear deterrent is operationally independent and can be launched only by the Prime Minister.
  • Minister acknowledges US personnel stationed in Britain as a significant asset and expresses commitment to deepening security partnership with the US.
  • Minister confirms the UK-US agreement on Diego Garcia requires Chagos to remain under UK sovereignty until at least 2036.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Ayoub Khan Ind Birmingham Perry Barr
Defence
Context

The MP addresses concerns about the UK's reliance on the US in defence matters, particularly regarding the Trident system which requires US approval for launch. He also raises issues of budget allocation towards conventional forces and diplomatic efforts.

Question

Will the Minister and the Secretary of State consider diverting defence spending away from programmes that do not truly protect the British people? Our nuclear deterrent now consumes nearly a third of the defence budget through Trident, a system that cannot be launched without US approval. In pursuing nuclear deterrence and mutually assured destruction, we have drained funding from conventional forces and neglected the diplomacy and development that actually prevents conflicts. Does the Minister believe that prioritising nuclear defence over reducing tensions, ending conflicts and promoting peace genuinely delivers security for our people, and if so, can he explain why?

Answer from The Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry (Luke Pollard)

I thank the hon. Gentleman for his question; it comes from a point of view that is different from that of many people in this House and in the wider public. Our nuclear deterrent is operationally independent; the only person who can authorise its firing is the Prime Minister. It is a part of our security apparatus, which keeps us safe every single day, and has done for decades. As a Government, we are continuing to invest in our nuclear deterrent, just as we are investing in jobs and skills right across the country that keep us safe every single day.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not directly address the specifics of reallocating funds or explain why prioritising nuclear defence is more effective than reducing tensions and promoting peace.

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Q2 Peter Prinsley Lab Bury St Edmunds and Stowmarket
Defence
Context

The MP highlights the presence of US servicemen from Lakenheath stationed in the UK, stating their importance to both national security and community life.

Question

In Bury St Edmunds, we have many US servicemen from Lakenheath who are living off-base. They are a huge asset and greatly welcome. Does the Minister agree that the US remains our most essential ally, and will he join me in expressing gratitude for the service of those brave US servicemen and women, who are so important for our security?

Answer from The Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry (Luke Pollard)

There are thousands of US personnel stationed in Britain. Their presence here helps keep us safe, as well as protecting American interests. We will continue to work closely with our US allies—it is important to do so—and will continue to invest in deepening the security partnership with personnel based in the United Kingdom, to keep us safe in these more dangerous times.

Answered

Not addressed: null

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Q3 David Reed Con Exmouth and Exeter East
Foreign Affairs
Context

The MP questions the possibility of breaching international law if the US does not agree to amend the UK-US agreement on Diego Garcia. He also inquires about the future of the Chagos Islands treaty.

Question

The Government now admit that they cannot ratify the Chagos treaty without first amending the UK-US agreement on Diego Garcia. Currently, that binding agreement requires Chagos to remain under UK sovereignty until at least 2036. Can the Minister confirm that if the United States does not agree to amend that agreement, the UK would be in breach of international law? More importantly, does this not mean that the Chagos giveaway deal is now dead in the water?

Answer from The Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry (Luke Pollard)

I am sorry that the shadow Minister missed my concluding remarks at the end of the Opposition day debate on the subject last week. Not once did he say why his Government started that deal; nor did he give details of the preparatory work that his Government were supposed to do to answer his own question. This deal secures the future of that UK-US base. We will continue working closely with our American allies to progress the deal, and will continue those conversations, but I am afraid that all the shadow Minister is asking for is more uncertainty. We are securing the future of that base; he is just talking it down.

Not addressed: The Minister did not directly address whether there would be legal breaches or if the deal regarding Chagos Islands was dead.

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