UK urged to discuss sharing nukes with Germany amid ‘critical’ Russian threat | UK | News
Britain should consider sharing its nuclear weapons with Germany, senior defense officials have said. Berlin is currently discussing how France can provide protection using its nuclear arsenal, while German Chancellor Friedrich Merz suggests he wants to hold similar talks with Sir Keir Starmer.
Britain and France are Europe’s only nuclear powers; NATO is still largely dependent on the umbrella provided by the United States. A former British army chief and NATO secretary-general is among those encouraging Britain to open negotiations with Germany. This comes amid what has been described as the “critical” threat posed by Russia and ongoing trumpeting from Vladimir Putin and other Kremlin officials over nuclear weapons.
Labour’s Lord Robertson, a former British defense secretary and NATO chief from 1999 to 2003, supports a deal with Germany, adding that “it should have happened a long time ago”.
he said Telegram: “If Russia continues to pursue the nuclear rhetoric, it will force some decisions to be made throughout Europe.”
Britain’s nuclear deterrent, Trident, is operated by four Vanguard-class submarines of the Royal Navy and can be used in NATO defence.
In June, the biggest boost to the UK’s nuclear capacity in a generation was announced.
The Ministry of Defense (MoD) has confirmed plans to purchase at least 12 F-35A fighter jets capable of firing tactical nuclear weapons.
They have a lower but still powerful yield and are designed for specific battlefield uses; Trident, known as a strategic weapon, focuses on the concept of mutually assured destruction.
Experts have previously warned that without the former, Britain would not be able to reach the same “climbing ladder” as Russia.
Field Marshal Lord Houghton, who was chief of the defense staff between 2013 and 2016, said concerns about US military commitments to Europe meant the UK increasing its nuclear deterrent “must be something that is on our minds”.
Speaking to The Telegraph, Trump questioned whether this was a “good thing” or “crazy”, adding that his “personal jury is out on that”.
Another retired senior official who spoke to the newspaper also expressed his reservations.
According to reports, there have been no talks regarding an agreement between the UK and Germany.
A Ministry of Defense spokesman said: “The UK has declared our nuclear deterrent in defense of our NATO allies since 1962. We will continue to do so, protecting the security of Europe and NATO.”
