Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 30
30
Department of Defence highlights nuclear budget importance and efforts to improve management.
Conclusion
The Department said the UK’s status as a nuclear nation is crucial for keeping the country safe.64 In 2024–25 the nuclear budget was £10.9 billion, around 18% of the whole defence budget (up from £9.433 billion in 2023–2465). The Department said it was focused on delivering its nuclear programmes effectively and efficiently.66 To achieve this, it has sought to improve its management of the nuclear budget. For example, it can now, with HM Treasury consent, move money between years, which helps to manage the budget effectively, and move some money between programmes to support prioritisation.67 In addition, the Department is exploring opportunities to include more British small and medium-sized enterprises in the DNE’s supply chain.68
Government Response
A response document is linked to this report, dated 16 September 2025. Response attribution to this conclusion has not been verified. Read the response document ↗