Nuclear Posture Review

Debate between Lord Howell of Guildford and Earl of Onslow

Monday 28th June 2010 Lords Chamber

[Lord Howell of Guildford]

Those are very wise and practical words from my noble friend Lord Marlesford.

[The Earl of Onslow]

My Lords, is it not also reasonable to assume that had neither India nor Pakistan had nuclear weapons within the past 10 years, it is probable that they would have gone to war? Because they had nuclear weapons, they thought it would be a silly idea and so did not.

[Lord Howell of Guildford]

My noble friend is quite right. That could be a good example of the theory of mutual deterrence working. Perhaps, if we look back over the history of the past 50 years, it has worked.