UK Nuclear Deterrent

Lord Trefgarne Excerpts

Tuesday 3rd June 2025 Lords Chamber

[Lord Craig of Radley (CB)]

My Lords—

[Lord Trefgarne (Con)]

My Lords—

[Lord Beamish (Lab)]

My Lords—

--- Later in debate ---

[Lord Coaker (Lab)]

I just say to the noble Lord that it is an independent nuclear deterrent. The person who decides whether, God forbid, that nuclear deterrent is ever used is the Prime Minister of our country. It is only the Prime Minister of our country who can determine whether, God forbid, that nuclear deterrent is used. That guarantees its independence.

[Lord Trefgarne (Con)]

Will the Minister confirm that our nuclear weapons will be used only when our supreme national interest so requires, and in no other circumstance?

[Lord Coaker (Lab)]

Of course it will be in the most extreme of circumstances that the nuclear deterrent would even be considered for use. I just say that the whole point of the nuclear deterrent—this is something I have said many times at the Dispatch Box—is to deter people. It is that whole concept that sometimes seems contradictory: that by preparing for war, you prevent war. The strategic nuclear deterrent is the most significant example of that.