Secret Trident warhead developed without parliamentary approval

Work to replace the UK’s Trident nuclear deterrent has already begun with authorisation of the development of a new, more destructive warhead.

The work means the weapons programme has already cost £3bn, it has been reported.

According to a report in The Times this morning, UK ministers have reportedly authorised, absent of parliamentary approval, £85m to go towards the development of a new warhead and other upgrades to the programme.

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Labour seized on the news as further evidence the Tories are drifting away from the pursuit of multilateral disarmament and instead developing high-tech, destructive weapons.

Reports emerged last week that David Cameron was looking to hold a Commons vote on the renewal of Trident after the EU referendum in attempt to reunite the Conservative party.

Defence sources told The Times the investment in “long-lead items” in the nuclear deterrent was key in order to prepare for the full replacement programme if renewal is ratified by MPs.

The Ministry of Defence is yet to answer how much the full programme, which included warheads, missiles and submarines, would cost, citing the information as classified.

A spokesman for Shadow Defence Secretary Emily Thornberry indicated the move to invest in a new warhead could solidify Labour’s opposition to renewing the fleet of Trident submarines.

“The Tories have entirely abandoned the principle that Britain should be working towards multilateral disarmament, and by secretly investing in ever more destructive warheads, they are now actively working against it.

“The Labour party that helped create the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty should be united as one against that.”

The party’s policy is currently under review, with Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and Ms Thornberry being long-term proponents of nuclear disarmament.

The final decision on Labour’s stance on Trident renewal is not expected until its conference in the autumn.

Its MPs are divided on the issue, and today backbencher John Woodcock, who wants Labour to maintain its pro-Trident position, was at odds with the Shadow Defence Secretary.

“Anyone concerned about keeping down the cost of Trident should surely welcome attempts to eke as much life out of the existing warhead by modifying it rather than going straight for a replacement,” he said.

“This report suggests nothing has changed in the long-announced plans for maintaining and ultimately upgrading the UK’s stock of nuclear warheads.

“It will be interesting to see whether it becomes the latest nugget to be distorted and missed by anti-Trident campaigners seeking to cast doubt ahead of the parliamentary vote.”