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UK: BLAIR PUSHES TO REVAMP NUCLEAR SUBS December 5, 2006
Zainab Osman
(SomaliNet) British Prime Minister Tony Blair, on Monday, called for building a multibillion-dollar, new-generation nuclear submarine fleet to counter future threats from rogue nuclear states and nuclear terrorism. The move, which Blair justified as a hedge against potential threats from terrorists and states with nuclear ambitions, such as Iran and North Korea, rekindled debate over Britain's nuclear future and the role of such weapons in the post-Cold War world.
Blair said his government would support a top-to-bottom renewal of the nation's nuclear-powered Trident submarine fleet, which is equipped with nuclear Trident ballistic missiles, to assure Britain's seat among the world's major nuclear powers.
There have been calls in Britain to dismantle the four-boat nuclear weapons fleet. Spending billions on a new fleet could undermine negotiations with North Korea and Iran at a time when those nations are being asked to adhere to international nonproliferation obligations, critics say.
Blair is calling for revamping US-made Trident D5 missiles to extend their utility into the early 2040s while reducing their number from 200 to 160.