Trident Independence

The UK’s nuclear deterrent remains fully operationally independent, according to Lord Coaker, Minister of State for the Ministry of Defence, in response to a written parliamentary question from Lord Oates on 26 February 2025. Lord Oates, a Liberal Democrat peer, had asked the government what consideration it was giving to securing the full independence of the UK’s nuclear deterrent. In a response published on 12 March 2025, Lord Coaker stated: “I can assure the noble Lord that the United Kingdom’s nuclear deterrent is completely operationally independent. Only the Prime Minister can authorise the firing of our nuclear weapons, even if they are to be employed as part of a NATO response.” The UK’s nuclear deterrent is based on the Trident missile system, which is operated from the Royal Navy’s Vanguard-class submarines. While the UK collaborates closely with the United States on nuclear defence issues, Lord Coaker made clear that this relationship does not compromise British control over its nuclear arsenal.