Does Britain need nuclear weapons ?

[Prestwich_Blue]

Not in my opinion. The strategic threat has changed considerably since the nuclear option was seen as necessary plus we couldn't use them independently anyway. The money could be far better spent elsewhere.

What do you mean by this mate? Is Trident a joint venture?

The subs are ours but the missiles themselves are American. The warheads are built in the UK but are largely copies of the US equivalents. Supposedly there is no US veto on the use of the weapons but most people would take that with a pinch of salt.

 

[gaudinho's stolen car]

Not in my opinion. The strategic threat has changed considerably since the nuclear option was seen as necessary plus we couldn't use them independently anyway. The money could be far better spent elsewhere.

What do you mean by this mate? Is Trident a joint venture?

The subs are ours but the missiles themselves are American. The warheads are built in the UK but are largely copies of the US equivalents. Supposedly there is no US veto on the use of the weapons but most people would take that with a pinch of salt.

Does that mean if we start firing nuclear weapons off the Americans are going to demand royalties?

 

[Swales lives]

We should have nuclear weapons deffo, all pointed at Israel in case those fuckers start getting a bit lairy an' that.

 

[gordondaviesmoustache]

Not in my opinion. The strategic threat has changed considerably since the nuclear option was seen as necessary plus we couldn't use them independently anyway. The money could be far better spent elsewhere.

What do you mean by this mate? Is Trident a joint venture?

The subs are ours but the missiles themselves are American. The warheads are built in the UK but are largely copies of the US equivalents. Supposedly there is no US veto on the use of the weapons but most people would take that with a pinch of salt.

I also remember reading somewhere that the US launch codes are actually with the UN. Although I don't imagine for a minute they haven't kept some 'spares' for themselves, "just in case" ;-)

 

[Skashion]

We should have nuclear weapons deffo, all pointed at Israel in case those fuckers start getting a bit lairy an' that.

Indeed, we should: <a class="postlink" href="http://www.eutimes.net/2009/08/israeli-historian-most-european-capitals-are-targets-for-our-air-force/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;">http://www.eutimes.net/2009/08/israeli- ... air-force/</a>

 

[Anonymous]

Agree with some of the posts pointing out the landscape has changed immeasurably. Now, admittedly I've had a drink, so the argument may not be too coherent (thank God for spell checker!) but I have this notion that future wars will be fought through a combination of cyberspace (ie viral attacks on major installations - power infrastructure and such) and those with money flexing their fiscal muscle where countries can be bankrupted by threat of lack of investor confidence.

Sure, your nuclear missile can cause widespread devastation and death, but nothing on the scale/longevity of the effects of removal of investment and a dos/viral attack on a country.

Theoretically, you could take vast swathes of territory out.

Like I say, I've had a drink so could be a million miles off, but that's what I reckon. Watch out for the geeks. They will rise and fulfil the prophecy:

"Blessed are the geeks for they shall inherit the world."

 

[johnny on the spot]

So, this guy:

[bigimg]http://i.thisislondon.co.uk/i/pix/2010/11/04_cameron-415.jpg[/bigimg]

This guy:

[bigimg]http://images.mirror.co.uk/upl/m4/may2011/8/8/nick-clegg-image-1-780382151.jpg[/bigimg]

Or this guy:

[bigimg]http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/culture/files/2010/09/ed-miliband-afp.jpg[/bigimg]

with a finger on the button?

[bigimg]http://s2.favim.com/orig/28/laughing-patrick-spongebob-spongebob-squarepants-Favim.com-236895.gif[/bigimg]

 

[Gaylord du Bois]

Of course we do. How else are we going to keep Scotland in line?

 

[Blootoof]

Estimated costs for replacing Trident are around the 20 Billion pound mark, is it value for money ?

Over here in Oz we have no nuclear weapons, do we need them ?

No we don't obvo. Banks and weapons cuntin makers do though

wake up

 

[Anonymous]

I'd trust Patrick and Bob before any of the other three clowns in the previous post.