Sir, – Over a number of years, in a series of articles and letters to The Naval Review and similar publications, I have argued strenuously against our possession of an independent nuclear deterrent, stating that defence spending should focus on the most likely, not the most lethal future conflict. Recent events have led to my questioning that position and, indeed, feeling I should apologise to those I once disparaged but who were more prescient in their desire to retain the weapon. However, I remain convinced of two things: Firstly, that the possession of a nuclear capability places the Britis…
