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Stepping down the NuclearLadder: Options for Trident on a Path to Zero Dr. Nick Ritchie, May 2009
In December 2006 the government set out a case for replacing the UK’s current Trident nuclear weapons system.
Throughout the debate on Trident replacement the government has insisted that there are only two options for the future of Britain’s nuclear arsenal:
1) Business-as-usual through a like-for-like Trident replacement until a global nuclear disarmament process is well under way, or
2) Unilateral nuclear disarmament.
But is this really the case? Or are there further steps this or the next government could realistically take to further reduce the size and operational status of the British nuclear force?
The report argues that:
1. There are credible options that can be pursued in between these two options, from a 'Trident Lite' to an 'Emergency Alert' posture as the last step before zero. This research report sets out five.
2. Implementing alternative options will mean reconceptualising current understandings of ‘minimum deterrence’ and rethinking the need for a continuous-alert nuclear posture.
3. Long term pressure on the defence budget plus the global momentum towards a world free of nuclear weapons have created new political motivations for rethinking the decision to proceed with a like-for-like Trident replacement.
4 . There are clear precedents in US and NATO nuclear weapons policy that supoprt the feasibility of a reduction in the size and operational readiness of a future Trident force.
5. British security and the exchequer do not require a ‘Rolls Royce’ nuclear system. If the government refuses to cancel Trident replacement outright then it must seriously explore the options set out in this research report for reducing the size and readiness of the future Trident system and demonstrate genuine international leadership by ending the current ‘continuous alert’ nuclear posture and further reducing Britain’s nuclear arsenal.
briefing cover
Download the report here
Dr. Nick Ritchie
Department of Peace Studies
University of Bradford
Bradford UK
BD7 1DP
Email:
n.ritchie@bradford.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1274 236860
Bradford Disarmament Research Centre