Debates between Philip Dunne and Nigel Adams during the 2015-2017 Parliament

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Philip Dunne and Nigel Adams
Monday 29th February 2016

(8 years, 3 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Nigel Adams Portrait Nigel Adams (Selby and Ainsty) (Con)
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T5. Can the Minister confirm that the last Government looked at all the alternatives to our continuous at-sea nuclear deterrent, and that none offered the protection that we need? Does he agree with the two former Labour Defence Secretaries who have said that it is “self-evident that a British nuclear deterrent will be essential to our security for decades to come”?

Philip Dunne Portrait The Minister for Defence Procurement (Mr Philip Dunne)
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I can confirm to my hon. Friend that in 2013 the Trident alternatives review concluded that no alternative system was as stable, capable or cost-effective as the current Trident-based deterrent. There is no alternative. The part-time deterrents and half-baked measures currently being suggested by some Labour Members could be ruthlessly exploited by our adversaries and would present a real danger to the safety and security of the United Kingdom.