Written question asked by Julian Lewis (Conservative) on Tuesday, 26 April 2011, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 5 May 2011. It was answered by Liam Fox (Conservative) on Wednesday, 11 May 2011 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Trident

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the Government's policy is on the (a) retention and (b) full replacement of the Trident independent nuclear deterrent.

Answer: [holding answer 5 May 2011]: The Government have made clear in both the coalition agreement and the strategic defence and security review (SDSR) that they are committed to maintaining and renewing the UK's independent nuclear deterrent. The SDSR made it clear that this is intended to be through the continuity of a submarine-based ballistic missile system. As set out in the coalition agreement the Liberal Democrats will continue to make the case for alternatives.

Secondary information