In 2006, the government’s White Paper on Trident Replacement estimated a cost of £11-14 billion for new nuclear weapons submarines. But recently the government published a progress report which shows that the cost of the subs is actually likely to be £25-26 billion. The total cost of the whole programme, including lifetime costs, will exceed £100 billion. At a time of massive government spending cuts, many people believe this to be an appalling waste of tax payers' money.
Polls show a majority of the British population opposed to Trident, but the government still refuses to reconsider possession of nuclear weapons and to assess whether we really need them for our security or not. First the Strategic Defence and Security Review assumed Britain has to have nuclear weapons. Now Lib Dem Defence Minister Nick Harvey’s Trident Alternatives Review is likely to do the same – even if it considers alternative nuclear options to Trident submarines. We welcome the review but don't want it to make the same mistake as the SDSR. The non-nuclear option has to be on the table.
A full defence review considering the use of nuclear weapons in national security, needs to take place before a decision is taken on constructing new submarines.
Don't let him make the same mistake as the SDSR, when so many people want to Cut Trident.
Write to Nick Harvey now - ask him to include non-replacement and nuclear disarmament in his Alternatives Review.
- Ask your MP to sign EDM 1924 Trident Review
- Read our press release in response to the announcement
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