CURRENT AFFAIRS

Detailed explanation-1: -The UK is the only recognised nuclear weapon state that has reduced to a single deterrent system. The deterrent is based in western Scotland at HM Naval Base Clyde. The submarines are based at Faslane and the warheads are stored, processed and maintained at the Royal Naval Armaments Depot at Coulport.

Detailed explanation-2: -Under so-called ‘nuclear sharing’ arrangements, a number of NATO countries host nuclear weapons. The weapons remain under the control of US forces. The UK has not hosted US nuclear weapons since 2008. Prior to that US weapons had been continually based in the UK since 1954.

Detailed explanation-3: -Under the 2021 Integrated Review the cap on the UK’s nuclear stockpile, will increase to no more than 260 warheads, a 40% increase on previous commitments. The UK is the only nuclear weapon state that has reduced to a single deterrent system. Operates continuous at-sea deterrence (CASD).

Detailed explanation-4: -Lockheed Martin is involved in both UK and US nuclear weapon production as a provider of key services and components for nuclear armed missiles.