Britain’s nukes are ‘not up for negotiation’, Wes Streeting today declared to Russia as he marked the homecoming of a record-breaking nuclear-armed submarine.
Speaking to the Daily Mail as a tired-looking HMS Vengeance sailed into the Clyde on Sunday, the Defence Secretary insisted he would ‘not abandon’ European allies and cave in to ‘delusional’ demands by Vladimir Putin.
His comments came after it emerged Kremlin negotiators said Russia would only end its war in Ukraine if Britain agreed to stop protecting Europe with its ultimate weapons.
But Mr Streeting rejected Moscow‘s proposed ceasefire ultimatum, insisting the UK’s commitment to defending its allies with nuclear force was ‘unwavering’ and ‘unshakeable’.
‘The fact that Putin has made these demands demonstrates what the nuclear deterrent is, and the deterrence effect it is having in the Kremlin,’ he said.
‘At a dangerous time for our continent, our nuclear deterrent is not up for negotiation, and we will not abandon our allies in Nato.’
HMS Vengeance finally returned home after a record-breaking 217 days under the waves.
No other submarine has completed more than seven months under the water continuously, with Vengeance’s 140-strong crew almost entirely cut off from home for it.
Defence Secretary Wes Streeting speaks to the crew of the HMS Vengence
HMS Vengeance sailed into the Clyde on Sunday after a record-breaking 217 days under the waves.
The Vanguard-class bomber, one of four, can carry up to 16 Trident nuclear missiles, capable of delivering multiple warheads that are strong enough to level a city.
She is Britain’s ultimate insurance with one nuclear-armed submarine always on patrol at any time, ready to strike should it be ordered to do so by the Prime Minister.
But challenges with maintenance have increased the demands on individual boats and their crews, meaning their patrols have increased from about three months to seven.
And the strain on Vengeance was clear to see, with barnacles, rust and algae coating the boat’s stealth plating as she crept back towards her base in Faslane.
For the ship’s company, the homecoming was finally a chance to return home after ‘one of the most stressful jobs’ the Navy can offer.
One senior submariner said the strain crews faced was immense. ‘Anyone who says this would be easy is lying, it is hard,’ they said. ‘But we’re proud to do it.’
When they set off in April, Sir Keir Starmer was still Prime Minister and the World Cup in America was still months away.
She had been due home last week, but her relief boat needed to return home for spare parts.
In a message delivered to the crew, Prime Minister Andy Burnham praised them for their steadfast dedication and for protecting the nation.
Speaking to the Mail as the submarine sailed home, Mr Streeting said he was immensely proud of the crew.
Mr Streeting insisted he would ‘not abandon’ European allies and cave in to demands by Vladimir Putin
The Vanguard-class bomber, one of four, can carry up to 16 Trident nuclear missiles, capable of delivering multiple warheads that are strong enough to level a city
No other submarine has completed more than seven months under the water continuously, with Vengeance’s 140-strong crew almost entirely cut off from home for it
‘For the time they have been at sea, there is literally no one else, in any part of the country, in the UK or overseas, who has done more to keep our country safe,’ he added.
‘The nuclear deterrent has been the cornerstone of our national defence and security since its inception, and it is just as – if not more – important today, with the sort of threat environment we have.
‘So, for the UK, for our country and for our continent, these people can be exceptionally proud of their service.’
The Navy has been delivering Britain’s nuclear deterrent since 1969, in a mission dubbed ‘Operation Relentless’. As one submarine returns home, another is already at sea.
Louise Haigh, First Secretary of State, who was there to welcome the submarine home, added: ‘For 57 years, these tours have been a cornerstone of our national defence. This successful mission once again kept us safe and secure.’
The Government is investing £63billion over the next four years on Britain’s defence nuclear enterprise.
This includes a major multi-billion-pound infrastructure programme to upgrade HM Naval Base Clyde.
