The Future of Britain's Nuclear Weapons: Experts Reframe the Debate
CDR 28, Edited by Professor Ken Booth and Dr. Frank Barnaby, March 2006
This report, published in the week of the House of Commons Defence
Select Committee Inquiry into the future of British nuclear weapons,
provides a platform for pairs of public figures with long experience
and specialist knowledge in their respective fields, to set out their
contrasting positions on the key aspects involved in the Trident replacement
decision. Their various prescriptions for ensuring a more secure future
for Britain are analysed and evaluated in a concluding chapter by Professor
Ken Booth, who invites readers to judge for themselves which arguments
have value and which prescription they find most convincing.
The report points to the need to reframe the debate in the post 9/11
global security environment, and move it resolutely beyond outdated
and polarised Cold War thinking. The decision about the future of Trident
will certainly be one of the most - if not the most - significant decision
to be taken about British security in this parliament. It will affect
the future o the NPT, the nature of the 'special relationship' with
the United States, Britain's image in the UN, its relations with the
rest of Europe, and the future global security environment. This report
invites all who are interested in the future of Britain's nuclear weapons
policy to join the debate, which has just begun.
Contents
Foreword
Dr. John Sloboda
Introduction: What is "Trident"? The facts and figures
of Britain's nuclear forces
Dr. Frank Barnaby
Is there a sound political rationale for the UK retaining its
nuclear weapons?
Yes: Dr. Liam Fox MP No: Dr. Caroline Lucas MEP
Are there realistic security and military rationales for the
UK retaining its nuclear weapons?
Yes: Admiral Sir Raymond Lygo No: General Sir Hugh Beach
Is Britain's continued possession and threatened use of nuclear
weapons illegal?
Yes: Professor Nick Grief No: Dr. Steven Haines
Should the decision on Trident replacement be a subject of
public and parliamentary debate?
Yes: Rt. Hon. Clare Short MP No: Commodore Tim Hare
Can the retention of British nuclear weapons be justified ethically
in today's world?
Yes: Dr. Julian Lewis MP No: Dr. Mary Midgley
Conclusion: Debating the future of Trident: Who are the real
realists?
Professor Ken Booth
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