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| − | {{concept
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| − | |name=''Trident'' nuclear programme
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| − | |image=Trident.jpg
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| − | |image_width=240px
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| − | |description=Each [[Trident]] nuclear-powered submarine is armed with up to 8 missiles and 40 nuclear warheads
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| − | |constitutes=Nuclear weapon, submarine
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| − | |wikipedia=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trident_nuclear_programme
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| − | The UK has nuclear weapons on submarines. The '''Trident nuclear programme''' is the UK's approach to keep a [[nuclear deterrent]] by keeping currently four nuclear armed [[submarines]] in service. It covers the development, procurement and operation of nuclear weapons in the [[United Kingdom]] and their means of delivery. A parliamentary vote was held on the UK's ''Trident'' nuclear programme on 18 July 2016 and it was decided that new submarines of the [[Dreadnought-class]] would be built to replace the former [[Vanguard-class]] submarines.<ref>[http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-36754911 "Trident: MPs to vote on nuclear weapons system this month"]</ref><ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dreadnought-class_submarine</ref>
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| − | ==Origins==
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| − | The programme was announced in July [[1980]] and patrols began in December [[1994]]. Since tactical WE.177 free-fall bombs were decommissioned in 1998, ''Trident'' has been the only nuclear weapon system that is operated in the country. Its stated purpose by the [[Ministry of Defence]] is to "deter the most extreme threats to our national security and way of life, which cannot be done by other means."<ref>https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-nuclear-deterrence-factsheet/uk-nuclear-deterrence-what-you-need-to-know</ref>
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| − | ==Operational details==
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| − | ''Trident'' is an operational system of four ''Vanguard''-class [[submarines]] armed with UGM-133 Trident II D-5 submarine-launched ballistic missiles, able to deliver [[thermonuclear warheads]] from multiple independently-targetable re-entry vehicles (MIRVs). Operated by the [[Royal Navy]] and based at Clyde Naval Base on the west coast of Scotland, at least one submarine is always on patrol to provide a continuous at-sea capability. Each one is armed with up to 8 missiles and 40 warheads; their capacity is much larger.<ref>[http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/DefencePolicyAndBusiness/StrategicDefenceAndSecurityReviewPublished.htm Securing Britain in an Age of Uncertainty: The Strategic Defence and Security Review], Her Majesty's Stationery Office</ref>
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| − | ==Decisive year==
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| − | [[2016]] looked set be a decisive year for two highly controversial areas of UK policy making. With potentially insurmountable problems surrounding the development of new nuclear power in the UK, British energy policy stands at a turning point. At the same time, Parliament voted on the 'main gate' decision for the renewal of the ''Trident'' nuclear deterrent.
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| − | This also takes place under unprecedented circumstances, with the Labour leadership strongly opposed, and 57 of the 59 Scottish MPs - where ''Trident'' is based - also rejecting its renewal.
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| − | In Whitehall, however, commitments remain steadfast both to new nuclear power and to the renewal of ''Trident''. As these issues come to a head, a question has emerged from recent research at the [[Science Policy Research Unit]] (SPRU) as to whether these two ostensibly separate issues may be linked in more ways than meets the eye.<ref>[http://www.theecologist.org/News/news_analysis/2986863/trident_nuclear_submarines_and_the_uks_nuclear_power_imperative.html "Trident, nuclear submarines and the UK's nuclear power imperative"]</ref>
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| − | ==Parliamentary vote==
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| − | In July 2016 [[Theresa May]], the frontrunner in the Tory leadership contest, called for Britain to prioritise replacing ''Trident'' in the wake of the [[Brexit]] vote in the [[EU Referendum]]:
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| − | :“It would be sheer madness to contemplate even for a moment giving up Britain’s independent nuclear deterrent.
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| − | :“And there is no room for compromise, and no room for cheese paring. We need a full fleet of four submarines, capable between them of providing what the military call ‘Continuous At Sea Deterrence’, or permanent, around-the-clock cover.
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| − | :“Doing so will send an important message that, as Britain leaves the European Union, we remain committed to working alongside our Nato allies and playing our full role in the world.
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| − | :"That is what I know the Prime Minister and [[Michael Fallon]], the Defence Secretary, will be telling our allies when they attend the Warsaw Summit this week.
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| − | :“The House of Commons should, before the summer recess, vote on Britain’s next-generation nuclear deterrent – and we should get on with getting it built.”<ref>[http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/07/04/theresa-may-calls-for-urgent-go-ahead-on-trident-replacement/ "Theresa May calls for urgent go-ahead on Trident replacement"]</ref>
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| − | ==Problems==
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| − | In [[2015]], weapons engineer [[William McNeilly]] published a list of problems with the ''Trident'' system, which he declared a "disaster waiting to happen". Although the [[whistleblower]] was arrested, McNeilly was not charged under the [[Official Secrets Act 1989]] but given a dishonourable discharge from the [[Royal Navy]].<ref>[https://wikileaks.org/trident-safety/ "Trident whistleblower: nuclear 'disaster waiting to happen'"]</ref>
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| − | ==Labour review==
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| − | The [[Labour Party]]'s official policy since the late [[1980s]] has been to keep ''Trident'' but following the September 2015 election of leader [[Jeremy Corbyn]], who is a life-long opponent of [[nuclear weapon]]s, the [[PLP]] has split over the question of its renewal, which the government has estimated will cost £31bn. In January 2016, the Labour leader commissioned a review - which is being led by [[Shadow Foreign Secretary]] [[Emily Thornberry]] - to look at the party's defence policy, including ''Trident''.
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| − | The Labour review is likely to report in the summer and be discussed and agreed at the party conference in Liverpool (25-28 September), when Corbyn supporters are expected to argue the weapons will never be used and its multi-billion pound cost cannot be justified.<ref>[http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-36710731 "Trident replacement: Theresa May calls for Commons vote"]</ref>
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| − | {{PageCredit
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| − | |site=Wikipedia
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| − | |date=5 July 2016
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| − | |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Trident_nuclear_programme&oldid=728377014
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| − | {{SMWDocs}}
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| − | ==References==
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| − | {{reflist}}
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