Some of the press coverage of the announcement of increases in nuclear weapons
Posted: 17th March 2021
Boris Johnson was accused of trying to start a new nuclear arms race after
revealing plans to increase the number of UK warheads by 40%. The biggest
defence shake-up since the Cold War sparked rage with its plans to increase
nuclear bombs while cutting troops, tanks, warplanes and warships. The
120-page Integrated Review of Defence raised fears the UK could use a
Trident missile in retaliation for a non-nuclear threat, such as a cyber
attack. Boosting the nuclear warhead stockpile from 180 to a maximum of 260
triggered a wave of complaints from Labour and anti-nuclear campaigners.
Kate Hudson, CND’s General Secretary, said: “Is Boris Johnson actually
trying to start a new nuclear arms race?
Mirror 16th March 2021
https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/politics/boris-johnson-accused-trying-start-23741406
Barrow MP Simon Fell has welcomed the Government’s decision to
drastically increase the country’s nuclear warheads stockpile. Yesterday,
Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced that the number of warheads in the
UK will be increasing by 40 per cent. Mr Johnson revealed in the House of
Commons that the Government’s Integrated Review of security, defence,
development and foreign policy will involve increasing the UK’s stockpile
from 180 to 260 nuclear warheads. According to Mr Fell, this rise in the
nuclear arsenal is further proof of the Government’s commitment to
keeping the UK safe.
NW Evening Mail 16th March 2021
https://www.nwemail.co.uk/news/19164817.rise-nuclear-warheads-welcomed-barrow-mp-simon-fell/
BORIS Johnson’s plan to build up the UK’s nuclear arsenal is “utterly
unacceptable”, Scotland’s Justice Secretary has said. Humza Yousaf, as
well as Nicola Sturgeon, have expressed concerns about Downing Street’s
ambition to increase to the UK’s stock of weapons of mass destruction.
Announcing a new foreign policy strategy for the country’s role in the
world after Brexit and with the rise of China, Johnson said the UK would
have to be “match-fit for the modern world”. The UK Government will,
according to the Integrated Review of Security, Defence, Development and
Foreign Policy, lift a cap on the number of nuclear warheads in the
stockpile.
The National 16th March 2021
https://www.thenational.scot/news/19164438.humza-yousaf-slams-boris-johnson-nuclear-warheads-plan/
Cutting aid while boosting nuclear arsenal shows govt has got its
priorities “badly wrong”.
London Economic 16th March 2021
https://www.thelondoneconomic.com/politics/cutting-aid-while-boosting-nuclear-arsenal-shows-govt-has-got-its-priorities-badly-wrong-258291/
Westminster plan to lift cap on nuclear weapons shows why Wales needs
control of foreign affairs.
Nation Cymru 16th March 2021
https://nation.cymru/opinion/westminster-plan-to-lift-cap-on-nuclear-weapons-shows-why-wales-needs-control-of-foreign-affairs/
Britain could use nuclear weapons against a state that inflicts a
devastating attack using “emerging technologies” such as cyberwar and
artificial intelligence, according to a landmark review.
Times 17th March 2021
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/britain-could-respond-to-future-cyberattack-with-nuclear-strike-3xp9bq688
Britain will stockpile more atomic weapons on the Clyde to fortify “the
ultimate insurance policy against nuclear blackmail” by countries like
Iran. Dominic Raab, the foreign secretary, said that Britain’s present
arsenal of 180 warheads was not enough to provide a “minimum credible
deterrent” to attack. Britain will lift the cap on the number of Trident
nuclear warheads it can stockpile to 260, after concerns that other
countries are “increasing and diversifying their nuclear arsenals” and
due to the “developing range of technological and doctrinal threats”.
Times 17th March 2021
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/britain-to-stockpile-more-atomic-weapons-on-the-clyde-to-fortify-against-nuclear-blackmail-hwcqn7txs