Source · Select Committees · National Security Strategy (Joint Committee)
Recommendation 31
31
Accepted
The Government would benefit from having a more open public conversation about nuclear threats, spending...
Recommendation
The Government would benefit from having a more open public conversation about nuclear threats, spending choices and future nuclear security programmes. It should set out how it plans to extend UK-France collaboration on nuclear security. (Recommendation, Paragraph 136) 66 Pillar 3 – Sovereign Capabilities
Government Response Summary
The government states it has already outlined the threat publicly via the NSS and SDR, and announced £6bn for submarine production facilities. It also noted deepened nuclear cooperation with France through the Northwood Declaration.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
The Government agrees with the Committee’s conclusion. The National Security Strategy and SDR outlined the threat picture and the UK’s intention publicly. A further £6bn was announced through the SDR to upgrade our nuclear submarine production facilities. This will support tens of thousands of jobs in Barrow, Derby and Sheffield and will ensure we have the capacity to build a larger fleet of more capable submarines at a quicker rate than before; a new submarine every 18 months. The UK has also deepened nuclear cooperation with France, as set out in the Northwood Declaration, including stating that while our nuclear forces are independent, they can be coordinated.