Bridging the Channel: The UK’s Nuclear Deterrent and its Role in European Security

Summary:

The UK should leverage its deterrent to strengthen security relations with its European partners. It should ensure that the  difficulties with France over Brexit issues do not contaminate its defence and security relationship with Paris, and recommit itself to bilateral nuclear co-operation. The two face similar questions over nuclear policy, and share similar concerns about where Biden might take US nuclear policy. It should make sure that the incoming German government understands the contribution the UK has made to nuclear arms control since 1991, as well as the reasoning behind the announced warhead increase. Finally, it should ensure that Central European and Baltic allies believe in its commitment to use nuclear weapons to deter and if necessary defend them against attacks.

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