image: MoD
In ‘Dangerous omissions and intellectual obfuscation: the ‘left-wing’ case for Trident’, Ian Sinclair attacks me, and also journalist Paul Mason, for supporting some sort of replacement of Britain’s ‘independent nuclear deterrent’. The editors of openDemocracy have graciously granted me the opportunity to respond.
First, a brief recapitulation. In the New Statesman online last year, I argued that debates over ‘Trident’ are worryingly narrow, considering only two options: complete unilateral disarmament, or full replacement of the existing four-submarine system and maintenance of the 365 day a year ‘continuous-at-sea-deterrent’. Since both courses involve substantial risks and costs, I believe other options deserve more serious consideration. I tentatively lean towards abandoning the continuous-at-sea-deterrent – strategic arguments for which are weak – in favour of a more limited deterrent, probably involving two submarines. This caters for the possible re-emergence of nuclear threats, whilst saving money and retaining flexibility to disarm or upgrade UK forces in response to future developments.
