Nuclear deterrence means the nation must pay for a submarine always on patrol

Sir – There are two interconnecting arguments about the nuclear deterrent that need to be considered together.

First, the suggestion that the number of submarines committed can be reduced to the point where there is not one at sea fails to understand the word “deter”.

The ballistic submarine (or “bomber”) cannot deter if it is tied up at Faslane. It is not difficult to predict a submarine’s return to base (ask the local hairdressers), and the nation’s security would be put at risk when the duty bomber is in port. Only if there is always a submarine on patrol is there a deterrent. Otherwise scrap the lot.

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