The UK's Nuclear Deterrence Policy in 2023

Abstract: The United Kingdom's 2021 Integrated Review foreshadowed the global turbulence of the last two years. From Russia's unprovoked invasion of Ukraine to China's growing economic coercion, the reality is that world has become more dangerous - with far-reaching consequences for the security and prosperity of the British people. The 'Integrated Review Refresh 2023: Responding to a More contested and Volatile World' set out how the UK will meet that challenge head-on. Its main conclusion is that democracies like ours must go further to out-cooperate and out-compete states that are driving instability. It set out a range of immediate and longer-term measures to deliver on the UK's priorities, including providing a further £3 billion for defense over the next two years to modernize the UK's nuclear enterprise and fund the next phase of the AUKUS submarine program. This presentation will provide an overview of the UK's nuclear deterrence policy, outlining current positions and future.

Bio: Ed Read is the Head of Nuclear Deterrence Policy within the UK Ministry of Defence. He is on the Board of Advisers for the UK's Project on Nuclear Issues, presenting regularly to their membership on nuclear deterrence issues and frequently mentoring aspiring entrants to the nuclear field. He was previously responsible for the UK Ministry of Defence's positions towards nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation and was the UK's senior defense official to the 10th NPT Review Conference. Prior to assuming this position, he has held numerous international security related roles within Government, including those related to NATO, OSCE, and Conventional Arms Control policy.