Debates Over Nuclear Deterrent

Question 1

What was the nuclear deterrent

Answer 1

-after war lab govt committed Br to developing independent nuclear deterrent
-Churchill continued policy + Br first tests nuclear bomb 1952
-US + USSR already developing ‘hydrogen bomb’ which Br tested 1957

Question 2

What were the concerns over the nuclear deterrent

Answer 2

-led to CND created — Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament 1958
-CND powerful pressure group in Europe
-wanted Br reject nuclear weapons + follow policy if unilateral nuclear disarmament
-8000 people demonstrated at weapons research base Berkshire 1958 + second bigger one 1959
-‘unilaterism’ powerful magnet for anti-govt protest + many lab left joined in

Question 3

What was the mutual defence agreement 1958

Answer 3

-US agreed share nuclear tech with Br under this
-Br own rocket project (blue streak) abandoned 1960;
-replaced by dependant on US Polaris sub weapons system
-became clear Br no independent nuclear deterrent + some in lab more sceptical of supporting pro-nuclear policy