Time to End Nuclear Dependence

The UK likes to talk about having an “independent” nuclear deterrent, but that independence is a myth. Starmer has openly admitted that the UK’s nuclear weapons “require us to have a good relationship with the United States”. It’s clear our foreign policy is deeply constrained by Washington’s priorities. The missiles themselves are supplied and serviced by the US, meaning any serious rupture with Washington would instantly undermine the UK’s supposed deterrent.

That dependency isn’t just a technical detail — it shapes our actions. Look at the UK’s foreign policy this century: Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya, Syria, Yemen and Gaza. These prolonged involvements did nothing for Britain’s security and everything to keep us in line with US-led interventions. If the real goal of possession of nuclear weapons was to secure sovereign foreign policy, that promise has been hollow: in practice it has reinforced a pattern of military subservience rather than autonomy.

Across Europe, it’s become obvious that the reliability of the US as a partner can’t be taken for granted. Europe’s own approaches to security emphasise cooperation and multilateral engagement, not signalling loyalty to a shifting US agenda.

SNP candidate Martyn Day said:

“During my time in Parliament I was proud to vote against the replacement of the Trident missile system for several reasons. From the immorality of nuclear weapons to the fact that it simply isn’t an effective deterrent, it disnae stop wars, and it depletes the resources we need for actual defence. Now the weakness of the UK’s dependence on the US highlights how it isn’t even truly “independent` “

#Grangemouth #JustTransition #Biotech #ScottishEconomy