There are serious concerns about the ability of the UK to continue to fund its nuclear defence programme, particularly with Brexit looming.
This is the finding of a report published recently by the country’s public accounts committee. The Epoch Times shared its findings, including that there is a £2.9 billion shortfall that needs to be plugged if the UK is to maintain its current nuclear deterrent.
A skills gap is also a concern, the news provider noted, as well as the rising cost of chemicals that are imported from Europe once the UK exits the EU.
However, the committee did acknowledge that the Ministry of Defence (MoD) is actively exploring the risks posed by Brexit, including the cost of the chemicals that have to be imported to maintain the country’s nuclear programme.
Chair of the committee Meg Hillier stated that there are many hurdles the MoD needs to overcome to get on top of the issues. One of the biggest problems is the decommissioning of old nuclear submarines.
Ms Hillier commented: “The MoD agrees that while it previously put off dismantling submarines on the grounds of cost, this is no longer acceptable on the grounds of safety and reputation.”
There are currently 20 nuclear vessels that need to be disposed of, nine of which still contain nuclear fuel.
As well as decommissioning its nuclear submarines, the UK also needs to get on top of decommissioning its old nuclear power plants.
Eureka Magazine recently pointed out that there are 17 nuclear sites across the country that need to be decommissioned. The process is expected to take a century, and cost an estimated £118 billion.
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