Nuclear deterrent

I read Neil Hay’s letter (16 April) and as chance has it listened to part of the Commons debate on Trident renewal. I was disgusted with the total lack of knowledge of most of those opposing its 
renewal.

The nuclear deterrent is what it says: exactly that. It is not designed as a first-strike weapon but one that could respond to an aggressor.

We have not been threatened since its introduction. However, to be truly effective its launch site needs to be secret, and to ensure this the launching submarine needs to be at sea all the time.

In order to guarantee one submarine at sea you do need four vessels to allow for refit, training and maintenance.

Whether the replacement for Trident should be like for like is another matter. Surely we could find an advanced Tomahawk that could fulfil the role.

Guy Chappell

Dron

Bridge of earn