Speaking in Scotland, Defence Secretary John Healey reiterated the government’s commitment to the UK’s nuclear deterrent when he toured a Vanguard-class submarine returning from patrol.
This visit marks Healey’s first official trip to Scotland since taking office, and he took the opportunity to meet with Royal Navy submariners as they completed their journey back to HM Naval Base Clyde.
In his remarks, Healey acknowledged the sacrifices made by the submariners, stating, “As they return home, we salute their courage, dedication and professionalism.” He expressed gratitude to the crew on behalf of the British public, highlighting their crucial role in national security.
During the visit, Healey reaffirmed Labour’s “triple lock” pledge regarding the UK’s nuclear capabilities.
He stated, “Our new Government is unwavering in our commitment to our nuclear deterrent, maintained on behalf of the UK and our NATO allies.” This “triple lock” involves plans for the construction of four new nuclear submarines, ensuring the continuity of the UK’s at-sea deterrent, and committing to necessary future upgrades.
He noted the significance of Scotland in the UK’s defence, saying, “As the home of our nuclear submarines and major shipbuilding yards, Scotland is central to UK defence.” He also highlighted the government’s aim to make defence a foundation for jobs, growth, and prosperity in Scotland.
In a message to submariners, Healey said:
“Our nuclear deterrent is the very bedrock of our nation’s defence and security, keeping not just our country but our NATO allies safe 24/7 365 days each year, and I’ve had the privilege this morning to spend several hours on board one of our nuclear submarines with the homecoming crew, the chefs, the missile technicians, the engineers. On behalf of the British public, I want to say what many people will never get a chance to say for themselves, which is, welcome home and a big thank you.
Thank you for your professionalism, for your exceptional skills, for your dedication to the service you’re in and a special thank you also to your families who support you because our Submariners and those shoreside who get the submarines in the water are a vital part of our nation’s security, and that’s why our nuclear deterrent will have this government’s fullest support for generations.”
And in the last few hours, Healey has hinted that the the MoD “will do its part” to remove this mythical “22 billion black hole” in the governments finances.
Reports on Forces News on this.
Here come the cuts, despite all the rhetoric and complaints about how the Tories have hollowed out the military.
Let us pray the scale is minimal. I would not trust Labour with the defence of my shed, let alone the UKs standing in the world as a medium military power.
It actually started as soon as the first week after the election … mostly paired back investment at the moment and massively reduced External Assistance.
So much for the promised 2.5%. The whole military should class themselves as train drivers, then they’d get a blank cheque.
Sure, divert all the ‘spare’ cash available from Health, Schools, Street Crime and the elderly to more nuclear weapons. So when the elderly couple walking home in the dark are attacked and robbed, possibly stabbed, they can sit and wait in an over crowded A&E all night, along with drunks and druggies and thank God that they are safe from nuclear attack. When a decent family come home from a day at work and discover their son or daughter has taken their own life because of long term mental issues they can laugh about it and agree that at least… Read more »
Not unexpected. But the DNE costs included in the latest 10 year equipment plan rose by £41b. That is going to put even greater pressure on the rest of the defence budget. Whether SSBN is the best form of deterrence hasn’t been reviewed since 2010 and even then no serious consideration was given to alternatives to CASD and Trident.
Because there are no serious alternatives.
Really? The USA maintains a triad of submarine, ground and air launched systems. As does Russia. SSBNs are by far the most expensive element.
And the cost of that is?
And everyone one of those except submarines are far more vulnerable and more expensive if starting from scratch. Strategic bomber force for the RAF? No chance. Brand new ground based launch site? Vulnerable and incredibly expensive, let alone the politics. Submarines it is.
Can imagine the process of trying to find the land for a ground based site. Would be popular with the locals I’m sure!
Yep. Its a complete non starter.
Exactly. We are not the USA with TRIAD capability, nor do we need to be.
An SSBN has the best chance of avoiding a first strike to retaliate.
No other options have that, all are vulnerable.
Take out Faslane & probably 3 Trident subs there & we only have the one at sea left(by then or shortly after life on earth probably ends). So we’ll have one sub effective. After that’s shot off its missiles that’s it. So Vanguard/future SSBNs are also quite vulnerable.
As are the all bads guys boats and infrastructure.
That’s very kind of them 🤗 🙄
Now spend the money and get those SSN’s back to sea to ensure SSBN safety!!!!!!
👍