House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement
Nuclear Update
25 February 2020 · Ministry of Defence
Proposed by Ben Wallace Con Wyre and Preston North
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
At a glance
Key points
- The Ministry of Defence will continue working with the Atomic Weapons Establishment and the U.S. to build teams, facilities, and capabilities for the replacement warhead programme.
- The Department will sustain current warheads until their withdrawal from service and ensure the continuity of the UK's independent nuclear deterrent.
- Annual updates on the UK's future nuclear deterrent will be provided to Parliament through reports.
Issue summary
The statement is about maintaining the UK's independent nuclear deterrent, specifically the replacement of existing warheads for the Dreadnought Class ballistic missile submarines.
Action requested
The Ministry of Defence will continue to work with the Atomic Weapons Establishment and the U.S. to build teams, facilities, and capabilities necessary for the replacement warhead programme, while also sustaining current warheads until their withdrawal from service. The Department will provide annual updates through reports to Parliament on the UK’s future nuclear deterrent.
Key facts
- In 2007, the Government began a programme to maintain the UK’s nuclear deterrent beyond the early 2030s.
- The 2015 Strategic Defence & Security Review confirmed the UK’s commitment to an independent minimum credible deterrent.
- The Dreadnought Class ballistic missile submarines will replace existing warheads.
- Delivery of the replacement warhead is subject to government major programme approvals and oversight.