Defence experts across Britain are sounding the alarm after Donald Trump revealed plans to abandon a crucial nuclear weapons treaty with Russia if he returns to the White House. The former president's intention to scrap the New START agreement has been branded as "dangerously irresponsible" by leading security analysts.
What is the New START Treaty?
The New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START) represents the last major nuclear arms control agreement between the United States and Russia. Established in 2010 and extended until 2026, the treaty limits both nations to deploying no more than 1,550 strategic nuclear warheads and 700 delivery systems.
Lord David Cameron, speaking to The Mirror, didn't mince words about the potential consequences. "Walking away from this treaty would be a catastrophic mistake that could unravel decades of careful nuclear diplomacy," the former Prime Minister warned.
Why Defence Experts Are Worried
Security specialists at prominent London think-tanks have expressed grave concerns about the global implications:
- Unchecked nuclear expansion: Without treaty limitations, both nations could rapidly expand their nuclear arsenals
- Destabilised global security: The delicate balance of power that has prevented nuclear conflict since the Cold War could be shattered
- Arms race proliferation: Other nuclear powers might feel compelled to accelerate their own weapons programmes
- Loss of verification: Critical inspection and monitoring systems would disappear, creating dangerous uncertainty
The Westminster Perspective
Senior figures in Westminster have been quietly briefing colleagues about the potential impact on UK security. One Conservative MP, who wished to remain anonymous, told The Mirror: "This isn't just an American problem. Any deterioration in US-Russia nuclear relations directly affects European and British security. We could find ourselves caught in the middle of a new Cold War."
Labour's shadow defence secretary emphasised the need for continued diplomatic engagement regardless of American decisions. "The UK must work with European partners to maintain pressure on both Washington and Moscow to preserve nuclear stability," they stated.
What Happens Next?
With the US presidential election approaching, defence officials in Whitehall are reportedly drawing up contingency plans. These include:
- Strengthening bilateral security agreements with European allies
- Increasing intelligence sharing about nuclear developments
- Preparing diplomatic initiatives to encourage continued US-Russia dialogue
- Reviewing the UK's own nuclear deterrent readiness
As one senior Ministry of Defence source grimly noted: "We're potentially facing the most dangerous shift in nuclear diplomacy since the Cuban Missile Crisis. The stakes couldn't be higher."
