Menu
23/09/2009
PM To Cut UK's Nuclear Deterrent
The Prime Minister Gordon Brown is preparing to reduce the UK's fleet of nuclear-armed submarines.
He will tell the United Nations General Assembly in New York that he is prepared to consider ordering three replacement submarines rather than four.
"If we are serious about the ambition of a nuclear-free world we will need statesmanship, not brinkmanship," he will announce later.
His offer will also be discussed at a special meeting summoned by the US President Barack Obama on the overall issue of nuclear non-proliferation.
Brown will underline Britain's commitment to maintaining an independent nuclear deterrent, but will also emphasise it is prepared to scale back the planned £20 billion Trident modernisation programme.
The government has already announced that it has cut the UK's stockpile of Trident warheads from 200 to 160, even though many Labour MPs would like the government to scrap the deterrent altogether.
In addition, the Liberal Democrats also urged Mr Brown to go further and scrap plans to replace Trident entirely.
In the US, President Obama has declared his intention to try to strike a deal with Moscow to reduce the respective US and Russian stockpiles of warheads, which together make up 95% of the world's total.
It comes as world leaders consider how best to stop the further spread of weapons to existing non-nuclear states.
(BMcC/KMcA)
He will tell the United Nations General Assembly in New York that he is prepared to consider ordering three replacement submarines rather than four.
"If we are serious about the ambition of a nuclear-free world we will need statesmanship, not brinkmanship," he will announce later.
His offer will also be discussed at a special meeting summoned by the US President Barack Obama on the overall issue of nuclear non-proliferation.
Brown will underline Britain's commitment to maintaining an independent nuclear deterrent, but will also emphasise it is prepared to scale back the planned £20 billion Trident modernisation programme.
The government has already announced that it has cut the UK's stockpile of Trident warheads from 200 to 160, even though many Labour MPs would like the government to scrap the deterrent altogether.
In addition, the Liberal Democrats also urged Mr Brown to go further and scrap plans to replace Trident entirely.
In the US, President Obama has declared his intention to try to strike a deal with Moscow to reduce the respective US and Russian stockpiles of warheads, which together make up 95% of the world's total.
It comes as world leaders consider how best to stop the further spread of weapons to existing non-nuclear states.
(BMcC/KMcA)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
13 March 2014
BAE Announce £300m Submarine Investment
More than £300m is to be invested by BAE Systems at its submarine shipyard in Barrow, Cumbria. The defence contractor has said that the investment will lead the way for what could replace the UK's Trident nuclear deterrent system, the Successor submarine.
BAE Announce £300m Submarine Investment
More than £300m is to be invested by BAE Systems at its submarine shipyard in Barrow, Cumbria. The defence contractor has said that the investment will lead the way for what could replace the UK's Trident nuclear deterrent system, the Successor submarine.
21 February 2011
Counter-Terrorism Publicity Campaign Launched
Your call could save lives - that's the message of a new counter-terrorism publicity campaign launched by the Metropolitan Police Service today.
Counter-Terrorism Publicity Campaign Launched
Your call could save lives - that's the message of a new counter-terrorism publicity campaign launched by the Metropolitan Police Service today.
17 September 2015
Police Issue Guidance For Rugby World Cup Fans
One day before the start of the 2015 Rugby World Cup the Metropolitan Police have issued advice and guidelines to "ensure their enjoyment of the event is not spoilt".
Police Issue Guidance For Rugby World Cup Fans
One day before the start of the 2015 Rugby World Cup the Metropolitan Police have issued advice and guidelines to "ensure their enjoyment of the event is not spoilt".
07 February 2012
Safer Internet Day Links Generations
Today is Safer Internet Day, a global drive to promote safer Internet for children and young people. More than 100 events in 30 European countries will encourage children, their families and teachers, to discover the digital world together. This is the ninth annual Safer Internet Day, celebrated in more than 70 countries worldwide.
Safer Internet Day Links Generations
Today is Safer Internet Day, a global drive to promote safer Internet for children and young people. More than 100 events in 30 European countries will encourage children, their families and teachers, to discover the digital world together. This is the ninth annual Safer Internet Day, celebrated in more than 70 countries worldwide.
27 January 2011
BBC World Service Cuts International Output
BBC World Service has released details of its response to a cut to its Grant-in-Aid funding from the UK's Foreign & Commonwealth Office - with fewer language services as a result. BBC World Service is to carry out a fundamental restructure in order to meet the 16% savings target required by the Government's Spending Review of 20 October last year.
BBC World Service Cuts International Output
BBC World Service has released details of its response to a cut to its Grant-in-Aid funding from the UK's Foreign & Commonwealth Office - with fewer language services as a result. BBC World Service is to carry out a fundamental restructure in order to meet the 16% savings target required by the Government's Spending Review of 20 October last year.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
