UK nuclear deterrent remains effective, says defence minister, after test ‘anomaly’

LONDON (Reuters) – British defence minister Grant Shapps said on Wednesday there were no implications for Britain’s ability to fire nuclear weapons from an “anomaly” during the test of its nuclear missile system last month.

“An anomaly did occur, but it was event specific and there are no implications for the reliability of the wider Trident missile systems and stockpiles,” Shapps said in a written statement to parliament.

“Nor are there any implications for our ability to fire our nuclear weapons, should the circumstances arise in which we need to do so … the government has absolute confidence that the UK’s deterrent remains effective, dependable, and formidable.”