Nuclear weapons plan 'rational'

Trident is a submarine-based nuclear weapons system

Replacing the UK's nuclear weapons is a "rational" way to deal with increased threats from abroad, Defence Secretary Des Browne has said.

Countries such as Iran and North Korea could pose a danger in future, he told students at King's College, London.

Mr Browne added: "It's unfortunate that the image of deterrents has become so associated with the cold war."

Ministers have outlined plans to build a new generation of nuclear submarines, at an estimated cost of £20bn.

'Extreme situations'

Mr Browne said this was better than building a land-based deterrent, as it was harder for enemies to target.

The submarines carrying Trident missiles had to be replaced as they would end their lives around 2024, he added.

It is astonishing that Des Browne can suggest nuclear weapons can ever play a positive role Kate Hudson, CND

Mr Browne said: "I would like take this opportunity to re-affirm that the UK would only consider using nuclear weapons in the most extreme situations of self defence.

"But it is precisely those situations which those who argue against maintaining our nuclear deterrent need to think about."

Nuclear weapons were "not inherently evil", but had a "terrible" capacity.

Mr Browne said: "The number of countries with nuclear weapons is growing.

"This doesn't mean that the international effort against proliferation has failed. It just reminds us how difficult that continuing challenge is."

Vote

Mr Browne added that it would "be irresponsible to rule out the possibility that a nuclear threat to the UK will re-emerge".

MPs are expected to vote on the government's favoured Trident replacement/renewal plans in March.

Opponents of the plans argue that nuclear weapons are outdated after the end of the Cold War and would be useless in combating the threat of terrorism.

They also question whether the UK should be setting an example to stop proliferation of nuclear weapons around the world.

CND chairman Kate Hudson said: "It is astonishing that Des Browne can suggest nuclear weapons can ever play a positive role.

"His suggestion that due to their existence, 'war has to be ruled out of the list of options for settling disputes and awkward problems', flies in the face of reality."