Who Controls U.K.'s Nuclear Codes While British Prime Minister Boris Johnson Is Ill?

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson delivers a joint statement with French President Emmanuel Macron (not seen) before a meeting on Brexit at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, August 22, 2019. REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes

Reuters: Who has the UK nuclear button while Johnson is ill? No comment

LONDON (Reuters) - The British government declined on Tuesday to say who had responsibility for the United Kingdom’s nuclear codes while Prime Minister Boris Johnson is treated in intensive care for COVID-19 complications.

When asked by the BBC if Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab had been handed the nuclear codes while Johnson receives treatment, Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove said: “There are well developed protocols which are in place.”

“I just really cannot talk about national security issues,” Gove said.

The United Kingdom is one of the world’s five official nuclear weapon states and has four nuclear submarines armed with Trident II D5 ballistic missiles loaded with nuclear warheads. The United Kingdom has a stockpile of about 215 nuclear warheads, though about 120 are operationally available.

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WNU Editor: No one is saying, but I suspect the person who would control the UK's nuclear codes in the event that British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is incapacitated will be this man .... Who is Dominic Raab, Britain's standby leader? (Reuters).

No. 10 Covered Up A Failed British Trident Missile Test Off The U.S. Coast Last Year

Trident II missile. Wikipedia

The Australian/The Times: No 10 ‘covered up Trident missile fiasco’

A serious malfunction in Britain’s Trident nuclear weapons deterrent was covered up by Downing Street just weeks before the crucial House of Commons vote on the future of the missile system.

The Sunday Times has revealed that a Trident II D5 missile — which can kill millions when armed with nuclear warheads — experienced an alarming failure after being launched from a British submarine off the coast of Florida in June last year.

It was the only firing test of a British nuclear missile in four years and raises serious questions about the reliability and safety of the weapons system. The failure prompted a news blackout by Downing Street that has remained in place until this weekend.

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WNU Editor: This was the first test in four years .... and it failed spectacularly. This certainly does not give one confidence on the reliability of Britain;s nuclear force .... or on how open the U.K. government is on this program..

More News On Last Year's Failed British Trident Missile Test Off The U.S. Coast

British missile test malfunctioned last year off U.S. coast: Sunday Times -- Reuters
Trident fiasco 'covered up by No10': Downing Street 'imposed news blackout' over botched missle test just weeks before MPs voted on future of nuclear deterrent -- Daily Mail
Ministers accused of covering up failed Trident test weeks before vote to renew £40bn nuclear programme -- The Telegraph
No 10 'covered up' botched missile test weeks before Trident vote -- SKY News

UK Parliament To Vote On Renewing The Country's Nuclear Deterrent

A nuclear submarine is seen at the Royal Navy's submarine base at Faslane, Scotland, August 31, 2015. REUTERS/RUSSELL CHEYNE

ABC News Online: Trident: British MPs to vote on renewing Scotland-based nuclear-armed submarine fleet

British MPs are set to vote on whether to renew Britain's nuclear deterrent, a key decision for Western security policy, which partly hinges on Britain as one of western Europe's only two nuclear powers.

The Conservative- majority parliament is likely to approve renewing the Scottish-based nuclear-armed Trident submarines, despite opposition from the Scottish National Party and many Labour Party MPs.

Political divisions about whether to replace the Trident submarines have raised questions about Britain's standing as a world power, amplified by a vote to leave the European Union.

New Prime Minister Theresa May is expected to tell politicians the nuclear threat is growing, and urge them to put ideology aside and back renewal.

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More News On British MPs Voting To Renew The Country's Nuclear Deterrent

UK Parliament to vote on renewing nuclear weapons arsenal -- AP
British lawmakers to vote on renewing Trident nuclear deterrent -- Reuters
MPs to vote on Trident nuclear weapons system renewal -- BBC
May will warn the nuclear threat is growing in her first clash with Corbyn in the Commons over the future of Trident -- Daily Mail
Trident renewal: would £205bn be a price worth paying? -- Ewen MacAskill, The Guardian
At what price will the vote deciding Trident's future be won? -- Independent editorial
Will UK Replace its Aging Trident Submarines? -- Alan Tovey, Telegraph

How Secure Are Britain's Nuclear Weapons Systems?

© Flickr/ UK Ministry of Defence

The Independent: Trident whistle-blower says 'all it takes is a fake ID' to access UK's nuclear weapons systems

William McNeilly raised several security concerns about Britain's nuclear weapons systems, including missing IDs and unchecked bags.

A former Royal navy submarine engineer turned Trident whistle-blower has alleged a fake ID is all it takes to access Britain's nuclear submarines.

William McNeilly raised several security concerns about Britain's nuclear weapons systems in Scotland in an interview with RT (formerly Russia Today).

"All you need to get on board is a couple of fake IDs," he said. "Terrorist groups like Isis have already shown they can produce legitimate documents.

"Thousands of Royal Navy IDs go missing every year as well, so they could come across one."

He described going on patrol with 180 people who all brought unchecked bags on board.

"All it would take would be for one of them to have a bomb," he said.

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WNU Editor: I suspect that security is the priority .... but these claims are still worrying to read about.

Will Scottish Independence Mean The End Of Britain's Nuclear Deterrent?

Nuclear submarine HMS Vanguard arrives back at the naval base in Faslane, Scotland following a patrol. (Courtesy of Ministry of Defense)

Britain’s Trident Nuclear Program At Stake In Scottish Independence Vote -- Washington Post

HELENSBURGH, Scotland — For decades, Britain’s contribution to the threat of global Armageddon has found a home on the tranquil shores of Gare Loch, where soaring green mountains plunge into murky gray waters plied by sporty kayakers, weekend yachtsmen — and nuclear-armed submarines.

The subs slip past this garrison town as quietly as sea monsters. Their dark hulls breach the water’s surface on their way from base out to the deepest oceans, where British naval crews spend months poised to unleash the doomsday payload.

But if Scotland votes “yes” in an independence referendum next month, the submarines could ­become nuclear-armed nomads, without a port to call home. Washington’s closest and most important ally could, in turn, be left without the ultimate deterrent, even as Europe’s borders are being rattled anew by a resurgent Russia.

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My Comment: I doubt that Scotland will vote for independence .... like Quebec in Canada (where I live) .... the sentiment is not there for independence. But the "what if" questions that are now arising before the Scottish vote do deserve to be listened to and debated.

The Dismantling Of Britain's Nuclear deterrent

UK's Nuclear Weapons Being Dismantled Under Disarmament Obligations -- The Guardian

Three Trident warheads a year being taken from navy depot near Glasgow to private contractor in Berkshire to be decommissioned

Quietly, slowly and without any fuss, Britain is dismantling its nuclear weapons. Three Trident warheads a year are being moved from the Clyde to the home counties to be taken to pieces, according to evidence seen by the Guardian.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has revealed that it is overseeing a programme "to disassemble Trident warheads" at Burghfield in Berkshire, in a way that will prevent them from being put back together. This fulfils a government promise to cut the number of the nation's nuclear weapons from 225 to 180 by the mid 2020s.

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More News On The Decline Of Britain's Nuclear Deterrent

U.K. Discreetly Trimming to 180 or Fewer Nuclear Warheads -- National Journal
Armed forces cuts ‘weaken nuclear bomb threat’ -- The Scotsman
Defence cuts "weakening effect of nuclear deterrent" -- The Telegraph

Will Scotttish Independence Force Britain Into “Unilateral Nuclear Disarmament”?

Britain Will Lose Nuclear Capability For 20 Years If Scotland Votes For Independence -- The Telegraph

Britain would lose its nuclear deterrent for two decades if Scotland votes for independence because it would no longer have the capability to house Trident submarines.

Scottish independence will force the remainder of the UK to abandon nuclear weapons for at least two decades, according to report by MPs published today.

The Commons Scottish Affairs select committee said it would be possible to move Trident submarines and their missiles from their base on the Clyde within two weeks of separation.

However, the construction of replacement facilities south of the Border could take up to 20 years, they said, effectively forcing the UK Government into “unilateral nuclear disarmament”.

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My Comment: Will this force Britain to give up the Trident submarine .... probably not. They will quickly find some alternative that will be both expensive and hazardous .... but they will find a way. As to the idea of Scottish independence .... like Quebec independence in Canada (where I live) .... it is not going to happen.

Is Britain About To Dismantle It's Nuclear Arsenal?

A Trident submarine leaving its base on the Clyde. The village of Strone is visible in the background. Wikipedia

Trident Submarine Missiles Review To Suggest 'Stepping Down Nuclear Ladder' -- The Guardian

Ousted defence minister Nick Harvey claims military and Whitehall backing for cheaper alternatives.

The government's review of the future of the Trident submarine nuclear missile system is likely to suggest a significant downgrading of the UK's nuclear deterrent, including the possibility of locking the warheads "in a cupboard" for delayed launch only after several weeks of mounting international tension.

The revelation was made by Sir Nick Harvey, the Liberal Democrat who was the defence minister leading the review until the government reshuffle this month. The MP for North Devon said he believed the policy could get support in Whitehall and from senior military figures and Labour.

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Update: Top military chiefs go cold on nuclear deterrent -- The Independent

My Comment: With no money in the budget, there is a very good chance that this British nuclear deterrent will be "mothballed".

Is Britian's MoD Ignoring Parliament

A Vanguard class nuclear submarine carrying Trident nuclear missiles sets sail from Faslane naval base in Scotland. Photograph: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images

MoD Spends £2bn On Nuclear Weapons Ahead Of Trident Renewal Decision -- The Guardian

Ministry accused of pre-empting parliament's decision on Trident and attempting to force the hand of future governments

The Ministry of Defence is spending £2bn on new nuclear weapons plants before a formal decision has been taken over whether to replace Trident warheads, according to ministers.

The revelation has prompted fierce attacks on the MoD for making "a complete mockery" of the democratic process by pre-empting a decision and so attempting to force the hands of future governments.

The ministry says the investment helps to ensure the safety of the existing Trident warheads, but accepts that the money also maintains the capability to design a new warhead "should that be required".

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My Comment: This sets a bad precedent .... expect Parliament to voice their disapproval of this decision followed by legislation to reverse the MoD's actions.

Britain's Nuclear Submarine Fleet Facing Major Changes

Le Triomphant: nuclear submarine collided with HMS Vanguard beneath the Atlantic last February

Now The French Want Britain To Share Nuclear Submarines -- The Daily Mail

Britain and France may start sharing their nuclear submarines, it was announced today.

Despite firm denials that a ‘joint’ navy was a practical idea, the chairman of the National Assembly defence committee in Paris said there might be co-operation underwater.

The announcement follows news of the proposal on September 1 that Britain and France would share aircraft carriers as part of a huge cost cutting exercise by David Cameron.

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More News On The Future Of Britain's nuclear Submarine Fleet

French defence official for cooperation with Britain on subs -- Space War/AFP
French Lawmaker Backs Nuclear Force Collaboration With U.K. -- Global Security Newswire
British Officials Mull Reducing Nuclear Submarine Patrols -- Global Security Newswire
Continuous nuclear submarine patrols 'not guaranteed' -- The Telegraph
Year-round nuclear submarines may be axed to cut costs -- The Daily Mail
Trident May Be Scaled Back as Fox Calls for Nuclear Deterrent to Remain -- Bloomberg
Budget Cuts Threaten U.K. Trident Replacement -- World Politics Review
Trident replacement could be delayed as David Cameron looks for savings -- The Guardian

To Save Money, U.K. May Cut It's Nuclear Deterrent

HMS Vanguard launches a Trident II D5 missile. Image from Defpro

U.K. Could Reduce Nuclear Deterrent, Defense Secretary Says -- Global Security Newswire

The United Kingdom would weigh reducing the size of its nuclear-armed submarine fleet in accordance with a government effort to reign in spending, British Defense Secretary Liam Fox said yesterday (see GSN, July 9).

Fox said during an address to a London think tank that any potential defense spending cuts must not result in a less-capable military, the Associated Press reported.

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More News On Britain Cutting It's Nuclear Deterrent

A Trident nuclear submarine could be cut to save costs -- BBC
Big defence projects may be axed but not Trident replacement, says Liam Fox -- The Guardian
Britain could cut Trident fleet -- Press Association
Review into costs of UK Trident -- Defpro
Five-year delay revealed on fourth Trident decision -- Evening Mail
Fears raised about the future of UK’s nuclear deterrent -- Evening Mail
Britain should rethink nuclear weapons policy - poll -- Reuters

My Comment: For the Brits it's now more about the money than national security .... and maintaining a nuclear force is a very expensive proposition.

Britain Discloses That It Has 225 Nuclear Weapons

Britain currently has four Trident submarines. Photo AFP

Britain's Nuclear Arsenal Is 225 Warheads, Reveals William Hague -- The Guardian

Foreign secretary says coalition government aims for a 'more open' weapons and defence policy.

William Hague, the foreign secretary, today announced a review into the circumstances when the government might use nuclear weapons as he disclosed the maximum number of warheads in Britain's arsenal.

Describing what he called a "more open" policy, Hague said Britain's total number of nuclear warheads would not exceed 225, including the maximum 160 already declared as "operationally available".

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More News On Britain's Nuclear Arsenal

UK to be "more open" about nuclear warhead levels -- BBC
‘Honest’ Britain reveals number of nuclear warheads in arsenal -- Times Online
Revealed: Hague says Britain has 225 nuclear warheads -- Daily Mail
UK has 'fewer than 225 nuclear weapons' -- CNN
Britain Reveals Size of Nuclear Stockpile -- Voice of America
Govt reveals nuclear warhead levels -- AFP
U.K. Offers Nuke Numbers -- Global Security Newswire
Britain Discloses Size of Nuclear Stockpile: Who’s Next? -- FAS Strategic Security Blog

Britain To Reduce Nuclear Fleet To Three

A handout photo from the Ministry of Defence shows the HMS Vanguard. Photo AFP

Brown Move To Cut UK Nuclear Subs -- BBC

The prime minister is to tell the United Nations that he is willing to cut the UK's fleet of Trident missile-carrying submarines from four to three.

Gordon Brown will make the offer at a meeting of the UN Security Council over halting the spread of nuclear weapons and reducing existing stockpiles.

The proposed cuts come as the government searches for ways to reduce the massive deficit in public finances.

However Number 10 said keeping the UK's nuclear deterrent was "non-negotiable".

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More News On The UK Government's Decision To Go Down To 3 Nuclear Subs

Brown to offer to cut nuke sub fleet: Downing Street -- AFP
UK plans to cut Trident fleet in nuclear overture -- Times Online
UK's Brown set to signal nuclear subs reduction -- AP
Brown to review Trident fleet -- Financial Times

My Comment: Everyone knows that the real reason why the sub fleet is being cut from 4 to 3 subs is because of .... NO MONEY.

Nuclear overture .... who are they kidding.

Britain Offers To Cut Nuclear Arsenal

A Trident submarine leaving Faslane naval base in Scotland. (Photo from Greenpeace)

From The Australian:

BRITAIN stood ready to give up part of its nuclear arsenal as part of a multilateral deal involving all weapon-holding states, Prime Minister Gordon Brown said.

He promised to consider cutting the number of British operational warheads below the present 160 in a move to kick-start the next non-proliferation talks.

Britain will continue with its plans to modernise the Trident submarine fleet, according to officials. In future there will be three submarines, each with four missile tubes, in operation at any one time, with a fourth submarine in dock on standby.

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My Comment: Even one submarine (not three) at sea with a full complement of nuclear missiles will be enough of a threat.