To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what his most recent assessment is of the likely effects on life extension of Vanguard-class submarines, should continuous at-sea deterrence cease. (313549)

The Government remain committed to the policy of Continuous At-Sea Deterrence, as set out in the 2006 White Paper “The Future of the United Kingdom’s Nuclear Deterrent” (Cm 6994). The 2006 White Paper indicated that it might be possible to extend the life of the current submarines by five years and these studies are ongoing, based on the operating posture of Continuous At-Sea Deterrence.