'Ruinous' Trident cost spiralling, CND warns

Published on Sunday 15 May 2011 19:37

The expected cost of replacing the UK's nuclear deterrent has risen dramatically to about £26 billion, according to government figures published by the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND).

Controversy within the Tory-Liberal Democrat coalition over pressing ahead with the replacement for Trident submarines has delayed progress but an announcement is expected in the near future.

It is expected to confirm that the Ministry of Defence (MoD) will buy more advanced - and costlier - reactors for the vessels on the grounds of safety.

CND pointed to a 3.9bn cost estimate for the two planning phases of the project given by defence equipment minister Peter Luff in response to Labour MP Katy Clark.

He told her that was "consistent with the departmental guidance that programmes should spend approximately 15 per cent of the total costs before Main Gate."

Working on the basis, the total cost would be 26bn, CND pointed out - well above the 20bn bill for replacing the deterrent that was widely anticipated.

CND general secretary Kate Hudson said "Trident is a ruinously expensive white elephant that the country can ill afford.

"The Liberal Democrats in the coalition may have delayed some decisions, but have ultimately crumbled under the pressure, allowing the development of the 'like-for-like' Trident replacement they pledged to oppose.

"The billions that will now be squandered on the next phase of Trident are funds that will be unavailable for combating real threats to Britain's security and the cost increase of this project will cause even deeper cuts to public services."

An MoD spokesman said: "As the defence secretary told parliament in March, the pressurised water reactor three is the preferred option because of its superior safety. An announcement will be made in due course."