The UK has emphasized its commitment to NATO nuclear deterrence by hosting members of the North Atlantic Council and NATO Military Committee at His Majesty’s Naval Base Clyde. The base is the home of the UK’s nuclear deterrent, and Baroness Goldie, the Defence Minister, reiterated the country’s commitment to the nuclear enterprise. The UK recently announced a funding increase of £3 billion in the Spring Budget to secure the nuclear enterprise.
The nuclear industry in the UK provides tens of thousands of jobs throughout the country, including around 7,000 jobs at HMNB Clyde. Continual investment in the nuclear industry also directly contributes to developing nuclear skills and the economy’s growth, which is one of the Prime Minister’s key priorities.
Scotland, where HMNB Clyde is located, is also home to some of the UK’s most vital defence capabilities, including the Quick Reaction Alert based at RAF Lossiemouth and a thriving defence industry with both Type 26 and Type 31 frigates currently being built in Scottish shipyards.
The UK has declared its nuclear deterrent to the defence of NATO since 1962. This means that all NATO Allies benefit from the protection of the UK’s Continuous at Sea Deterrent (CASD) under collective defence. The nuclear deterrent is more critical than ever in protecting the UK and our Allies from the most extreme threats.
The UK’s round-the-clock nuclear deterrent is provided by the Vanguard Class submarines, and the new Dreadnought Class submarines are currently in build. The deterrent will continue to operate as long as the international situation requires it. Two new contracts were recently awarded to BAE Systems worth £1.7 billion collectively as part of the third Dreadnought delivery phase. This confirms the UK’s commitment to sustaining the Continuous at Sea Deterrent.
The Polaris Sales Agreement between the UK and the US also celebrates its 60th anniversary. The agreement established the basic policy and terms underlying the sale of Polaris missiles, which were later updated for Trident, to the United Kingdom.
The UK also supports its NATO Allies with a new Multi-Role Ocean Surveillance (MROS) vessel. The vessel, currently undergoing a short refit period in Cammell Laird, will join the UK’s Royal Fleet Auxiliary fleet later this year. It will be formally known as RFA Proteus, the first of two MROS vessels dedicated to subsea surveillance and critical infrastructure protection.
The UK’s commitment to NATO nuclear deterrence is absolute, and it has been declaring its nuclear deterrent to the defence of NATO for over 60 years. The UK’s nuclear deterrent is vital to its security and NATO Allies. The government’s continued investment in the nuclear industry directly contributes to the growth of the economy and the development of nuclear skills. The UK proudly supports its NATO Allies with its new Multi-Role Ocean Surveillance vessel, RFA Proteus.
