Former Scot Labour leader calls for Trident to be scrapped

Richard Leonard, former leader of Scottish Labour, has faced growing criticism for spreading misinformation about the UK’s Trident nuclear weapons system, despite publicly condemning online disinformation.

His remarks during a Scottish Parliament debate have previously drawn backlash from defence experts, who accuse him of misrepresenting key facts about the UK’s control of its nuclear arsenal.

Leonard recently suggested that scrapping Trident would save billions, tweeting: “Idea to save £billions to compensate the Waspi women, restore the winter fuel allowance, end the two-child cap, save Grangemouth, and invest in our public services: scrap nuclear weapons.”

While this view is not uncommon among anti-nuclear advocates, Leonard’s inaccurate claims about the UK’s operational control over its nuclear weapons system have become a key point of contention.

During a debate, Leonard stated previously:

“The idea of an independent UK nuclear deterrent is mendacious. The Pentagon supplies us with nuclear warheads. Any use of weapons from these shores would need to be sanctioned by the President of the United States of America, and only then at the request of the Supreme Allied Commander of NATO, who is always an American general. We are a client state.”

Debunking Leonard’s Claims

Leonard’s assertion that “The Pentagon supplies us with nuclear warheads” has been rejected by defence analysts. While the Trident II D5 missiles used by the UK are indeed American-made, the nuclear warheads are British-designed and manufactured.

The Atomic Weapons Establishment in Berkshire oversees the production and maintenance of the warheads, ensuring UK control over this critical component of the system.

His claim that “any use of weapons from these shores would need to be sanctioned by the President of the United States of America” is also false.

The UK retains full operational control over its nuclear weapons, and the decision to launch rests solely with the British Prime Minister. Unlike the American system, where Permissive Action Links (PALs) are used to ensure US presidential authorisation, the UK’s Trident system does not require external approval. The UK’s independence in decision-making has been a cornerstone of its deterrence strategy since the Cold War.

Additionally, Leonard’s statement that the Supreme Allied Commander of NATO, an American general, must request the use of UK nuclear weapons is misleading. While UK nuclear forces are committed to NATO’s collective defence strategy, they remain under national command.

The decision to use Trident would be taken by the UK government, and while coordination with NATO allies is likely in a crisis, it is not a requirement.

Experts have further addressed claims suggesting the US could disable the UK’s nuclear deterrent by switching off GPS. Trident missiles rely on an inertial navigation system with stellar guidance as a backup, making them independent of GPS and immune to such external interference.

Leonard’s Contradictory Stance on Disinformation

Leonard’s comments on Trident have drawn additional scrutiny due to his public stance against disinformation. Recently, he posted: “In an age of deliberate online disinformation, fuelled by right-wing politicians and media, libraries are an antidote.”

Critics have pointed out the irony, given his role in perpetuating false claims about the UK’s nuclear weapons programme.

The Broader Context

Leonard’s call to scrap Trident reflects a long-standing debate within the UK, particularly in Scotland, where anti-nuclear sentiment is strong. Advocates for disarmament argue that the system’s multibillion-pound costs could be better spent on public services. However, opponents highlight its role in deterrence and NATO obligations.

Our analysis underscores that while Trident relies on certain logistical and maintenance agreements with the US, its operational independence is central to the UK’s strategic autonomy.

The UK’s Trident system does not require sanction from the US President or any NATO official. The decision-making process resides solely with the British Prime Minister.

Ultimately, Leonard’s remarks have reignited the debate over disarmament, but experts stress the importance of an informed discussion based on accurate information. Misrepresenting the facts about the UK’s nuclear deterrent risks misleading the public on an issue of national security significance.