Britain’s nuclear weapons are “not up for negotiation”, Wes Streeting told Russia as he welcomed home a record-breaking nuclear-armed submarine.
Speaking to Our News Outlet as the exhausted-looking HMS Vengeance entered the Clyde on Sunday, the Defence Secretary said he would “not abandon” Britain’s European allies or yield to what he described as Vladimir Putin’s “delusional” demands.
His warning followed reports that Kremlin negotiators had said Russia would end its war in Ukraine only if Britain agreed to stop protecting Europe with its nuclear arsenal.
Mr Streeting dismissed the proposed ceasefire conditions, declaring that the UK’s commitment to defending its allies with nuclear weapons remained “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 returned to Britain after spending a record 217 days continuously beneath the waves.
No other submarine has remained underwater for more than seven months without interruption. During the deployment, the Vengeance’s 140-strong crew was largely separated from their families and life on shore.
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 beneath the waves.
Families and friends gather to welcome their loved ones home as Vengeance returns
The Vanguard-class submarine is one of four in Britain’s fleet and can carry up to 16 Trident nuclear missiles. Each missile can deliver multiple warheads powerful enough to destroy a city.
The vessel forms part of Britain’s ultimate security guarantee. At least one nuclear-armed submarine is kept on patrol at all times, ready to act if ordered by the Prime Minister.
However, maintenance difficulties have placed greater pressure on individual submarines and their crews, extending patrols from roughly three months to as long as seven.
The toll of the mission was visible as Vengeance approached her base at Faslane, with barnacles, rust and algae covering the submarine’s stealth coating.
For the crew, the arrival home offered a long-awaited return after what has been described as “one of the most stressful jobs” in the Royal Navy.
One senior submariner said the demands placed on the crew had been immense. “Anyone who says this would be easy is lying, it is hard,” they said. “But we’re proud to do it.”
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The submarine left in April, when Sir Keir Starmer was still Prime Minister and the World Cup in America was still several months away.
Vengeance had been expected to return last week, but the submarine due to relieve it was forced to head back for spare parts.
In a message to the crew, Prime Minister Andy Burnham praised their unwavering service and their role in safeguarding the nation.
Speaking to the Mail as the submarine made its way home, Mr Streeting said he was “immensely proud” of the sailors on board.
With the next Vanguard-class submarine already safely at sea, the 15,000-tonne ballistic-missile submarine and its crew of around 140 could return to the welcome of their families
The crew finally returned home after carrying out what has been described as “one of the most stressful jobs” in the Navy
Mr Streeting said he would “not abandon” European allies or give in to Vladimir Putin’s demands
The Vanguard-class submarine can carry up to 16 Trident nuclear missiles, each capable of delivering multiple warheads powerful enough to level a city
Vengeance’s 140-strong crew spent a record-breaking seven months continuously beneath the water, largely cut off from home
The Navy has maintained Britain’s nuclear deterrent since 1969 through a mission known as “Operation Relentless”
“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, given the threat environment we face.
“So, for the UK, for our country and for our continent, these people can be exceptionally proud of their service.”
The Royal Navy has delivered Britain’s nuclear deterrent since 1969 under a mission known as “Operation Relentless”. The policy ensures that while one submarine returns, another is already patrolling at sea.
Louise Haigh, First Secretary of State, who attended the homecoming, said: “For 57 years, these patrols have been a cornerstone of our national defence. This successful mission once again kept us safe and secure.”
The Government plans to spend £63 billion on Britain’s defence nuclear enterprise over the next four years.
The investment includes a major, multi-billion-pound programme to modernise and expand HM Naval Base Clyde.
