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How many countries have nuclear weapons and how many are there?
How destructive are today’s nuclear weapons?
What about “nuclear deterrence” theory? Do nuclear weapons help keep the peace?
What is the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons?
What is nuclear sharing and who is involved?
Can a NATO state join the TPNW?
What about the Middle East?
Why does this treaty matter if none of the countries with nuclear weapons have joined?
Did Ukraine give up nuclear weapons?
Why should one country give up its nuclear weapons if other countries still have them?
Why should countries that don’t have nuclear weapons care about this treaty?
What is the “Eurobomb” and why are European politicians talking about it?
What are "tactical" nuclear weapons?
What are 'dirty bombs'?
What are space nuclear weapons?
Who makes the decisions around the nuclear weapons stationed abroad?
What are the risks of nuclear sharing?
Is nuclear sharing legal?
Will the US and UK resume nuclear sharing at Lakenheath air base?
What is the nuclear test ban treaty and why has Russia revoked its ratification?
What is the New START Agreement and why has Russia suspended its implementation?
What are gravity bombs and why is the US building the new B61-13 nuclear weapon?
What about attacks on nuclear facilities?
Will the US and UK resume nuclear sharing at Lakenheath air base?
Answer
As the Federation of American Scientists and UK activists have warned for several months, new budget documents confirm that facilities at a UK airbase, Lakenheath, are being upgraded to store U.S. nuclear weapons. Although the United States has not stored its nuclear weapons in the United Kingdom since they were withdrawn in 2007, Lakenheath would be one of several air bases in Europe where the US stores its nuclear weapons. As Lakenheath is a US air base, it suggests UK pilots would not be responsible for using these weapons in the event of nuclear conflict.
A 2023 YouGov opinion poll found that the majority of UK citizens oppose U.S. nuclear weapons being hosted on their soil. The UK government should answer to its citizens and to Members of Parliament about this development.
Currently, it is estimated the United States stations 100 nuclear weapons in five countries: Belgium, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Türkiye. The B61-12 bombs are replacing existing nuclear weapons stationed in these countries.
The United Kingdom also possesses 225 of its own nuclear weapons, and in 2021 increased the cap on its arsenal to 260 - a 40% increase from the previously planned decrease to 180 warheads. These are all submarine launched missiles. This increase is being opposed by UK campaigners, who have historically been very active - and ultimately successful - in demanding the removal of US nuclear weapons on their soil.
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