In February 2020 the Government confirmed the existence of a replacement warhead programme for its nuclear deterrent. A decision on replacement has been long-awaited, with work on possible options underway since 2006.
Replacing the UK's nuclear deterrent: the long-awaited warhead decision (125 KB , PDF)
Since 2006 work has been underway on several programmes that will maintain the UK’s nuclear deterrent beyond the life of the current system. Much of the focus in that time has been on the delivery of the new Dreadnought class submarines, which are expected to enter service in the early 2030s. However, a decision on replacing the UK’s Mk4/A nuclear warhead has also been long-awaited and work on possible options has been ongoing. After an initial deferral in 2010, a decision was widely expected to be taken as part of the Government’s Integrated Defence and Security Review.
In February 2020, however, a US official disclosed the existence of a UK replacement warhead programme, which the Government subsequently confirmed in a Statement to the House. That revelation prompted widespread criticism that a decision appeared to have been taken without an official Government announcement or appropriate parliamentary scrutiny. Questions over the independence of the UK’s nuclear deterrent have once again risen to the fore.
Replacing the UK's nuclear deterrent: the long-awaited warhead decision (125 KB , PDF)
A Westminster Hall debate on the role of the RAF Photographic Reconnaissance Unit during the Second World War is scheduled for Thursday 17 July 2025, at 3.00pm. The debate was scheduled by the Backbench Business Committee and will be led by Julie Minns MP.
A Westminster Hall debate on the RAF E-7 Wedgetail programme is scheduled for Wednesday 16 July 2025, from 2:30pm to 4:00pm. The debate will be led by John Cooper MP.
On 9 March, following Justin Trudeau's resignation, Mark Carney was elected leader of the Liberal Party and prime minister of Canada. He soon called a snap federal election for 28 April.
