Isabelle Williams raises seven key questions the new government must answer before Parliament commits to a renewal of the UK’s nuclear deterrent. She argues that the revelations of the Chilcot enquiry mean parliamentary due-diligence on such issues is more pressing than ever.
Nick Ritchie of the University of York criticises the security value of the British nuclear deterrent, arguing that its maintenance and renewal is detrimental to British security and the national discourse.
John Gower argues that in an era of strategic uncertainty the UK Parliament must act and approve the main investment decision necessary to renew the UK’s nuclear deterrent. Numerous reviews support its validity and it remains a significant pillar of the western security system.
Lukasz Kulesa writes that both NATO and Russia must be careful not to misinterpret each other’s actions following the NATO Summit in Warsaw, with any miscalculation based on perceived aggression or weakness set to worsen the confrontation.
A new report, “NATO’s Nuclear Future: Deter, Reassure, Engage?”, prepared by the Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI) and co-authored by ELN Senior Associate Fellow Simon Lunn, argues that NATO must adopt a balanced approach that includes the proper mix of deterrence, reassurance, and engagement with Russia.
Former Senior UK MOD official, Tom McKane, outlines four priorities for NATO’s upcoming summit: fulfilling pledges from Wales; strengthening presence in Eastern Europe; restating role of nuclear deterrence and outlining a role in protecting against terrorism.