Government has ‘absolute confidence’ in nuclear deterrent after Trident failure

The Government retains “absolute confidence” in the UK’s nuclear deterrent despite reports of a Trident missile test failure, the Defence Secretary has said.

Questions have been raised about the effectiveness of Britain’s nuclear deterrent after it was revealed a Trident missile fired the HMS Vanguard nuclear submarine crashed into the sea close to the launch site after its boosters failed shortly after launch on 30 January.

It is the second unsuccessful attempt in eight years, following 2016’s similar incident involving HMS Vengeance.

In a written statement to Parliament, Grant Shapps, who was on board the vessel at the time, said the incident had no implications for Britain’s ability to fire its nuclear weapons.

He added that the Trident missile system “remains the most reliable weapons system in the world”.

Mr Shapps said: “On 30 January 2024, HMS Vanguard and her crew conducted their most recent test operation.

“The test reaffirmed the effectiveness of the UK’s nuclear deterrent, in which the government has absolute confidence. The submarine and crew were successfully certified and will rejoin the operational cycle as planned.

“On this occasion, an anomaly did occur, but it was event specific and there are no implications for the reliability of the wider Trident missile systems and stockpiles.

“Nor are there any implications for our ability to fire our nuclear weapons, should the circumstances arise in which we need to do so.

“The Trident missile system remains the most reliable weapons system in the world, having successfully completed more than 190 tests.

“The government has absolute confidence that the UK’s deterrent remains effective, dependable, and formidable.”

He also reiterated the UK’s commitment to its nuclear deterrent, saying the UK’s “resolve and capability” to deploy nuclear weapons if necessary “remains beyond doubt”.

Mr Shapps also used his statement to praise the generations of “highly dedicated and professional submariners” who have maintained the at-sea deterrent for nearly 55 years.

“We owe them, and their families, our thanks for their sacrifices and outstanding service, which is often out of sight but should never be out of mind,” he said.

In the face of questions about the effectiveness of the weapons, Mr Shapps said the UK’s nuclear deterrent is “the ultimate security insurance policy”.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) also said there are no implications for the reliability of the wider Trident missile systems and stockpile following last month’s incident.

It has declined to provide further details on national security grounds but said the UK’s nuclear deterrent remains safe, secure and effective.

Mr Shapps statement comes after Labour called for assurances following the failed missile test.