‘Trident costs far more than expected’
A new report shows the overall costs for Britain to replace and maintain its controversial nuclear deterrent program – known as the Trident – stand at around £167 billion ($256 billion) – a figure the critics say is far more than expected.
The report is based on calculations provided by Crispin Blunt, a lawmaker in Cameron's Conservative party, as well as Reuters.
Until now, Prime Minister David Cameron's government has said replacing Trident’s ageing fleet of four submarines which carry nuclear warheads to provide a continuous at-sea deterrent would cost an estimated £15-20 billion.
However, if the figure that Reuters and MP Blunt have obtained is confirmed, it is likely to spur critics who say Britain should not be committing to spending billions of pounds on defense at a time when they say deep cuts under the government's "austerity" policies are hurting families.
Some military officials also say the money would be better spent on maintaining the army and on more conventional technology, which have also faced cuts.
A final decision on replacing the four existing vessels carrying the Trident missiles -- four Vanguard-class submarines -- is due next year and Cameron has said he will press ahead with the renewal.
The Trident program was announced in July 1980. Since 1998, it has been the only British nuclear weapon system in service. Its stated purpose is to provide "the minimum effective nuclear deterrent as the ultimate means to deter the most extreme threat."
Those opposed to the renewal of Trident say that the changing threats of global terrorism and climate change means that Britain does not need a hugely costly renewal of nuclear deterrents.
70,000 pro-Palestine people in UK urge London to end arms exports to Israel
Former minister says UK should consider sending troops to Ukraine
British PM Sunak doubles down on commitment to arm Israel
Iraqi resistance hits Israeli Ovda air base
Hackers break into Israeli military’s computers, access trove of documents
Tulkarm Brigade commander killed by Israeli forces in raid on refugee camp
Zionist media desperately trying to turn Israeli defeat into victory: Iran
VIDEO | Press TV's news headlines
Iran censures US veto of Palestinian request for full UN membership
Over 14,000 kids killed in Israel’s war on Gaza: UNICEF
VIDEO | Iran’s National Army Day marked at the Iranian embassy in Moscow
This makes it easy to access the Press TV website
