LONDON – Britain will increase its stockpile of nuclear warheads by more than 40% to ensure its safety in a more risky global environment and while facing new technological threats, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Tuesday.
The country had been reducing its stockpile of nuclear weapons and, in 2010, the government set a maximum limit of 180 warheads for mid-2020. Johnson canceled the previous limit and said the number would now increase to a maximum of 260.
Britain’s Prime Minister Boris Johnson visits the National Express warehouse in Coventry, central England, on Monday, March 15, 2021.
(Steve Parsons / Pool via AP)
In its security and defense analysis, Britain said it faces risks from states with nuclear weapons, emerging nuclear states and state-sponsored nuclear terrorism, and that its nuclear deterrence is necessary to ensure its security and that of its allies.
“Some states are increasing and significantly diversifying their nuclear arsenals,” said the government. “Increased global competition, challenges to the international order and the proliferation of potentially disruptive technologies pose a threat to strategic stability.”
The move has been criticized by The Elders, a group of former global policymakers who campaign for peace.
LONDON PROTESTERS ARRESTED IN DEMONSTRATION ON POLICE AND SURVEILLANCE POWERS BY SARAH EVERARD
“While the UK cites the rise in security threats as a justification for this change, the appropriate response to these challenges must be to work multilaterally to strengthen international arms control agreements and reduce – not increase – the number of existing nuclear weapons. “said Mary Robinson, president of the group.
Asked about the policy in parliament, Johnson said Britain was still committed to the global reduction of nuclear weapons.
Britain also said it plans to replace its current nuclear warhead with a new one that will be able to operate for the life of four new submarines under construction and which will enter service in early 2030.
It will work with the United States to ensure that the new warhead remains compatible with Trident.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPLICATION
With its current submarines, Britain said it would maintain its existing policy of always having a submarine of its four nuclear deterrent submarines on continuous patrol.