This is a serious situation. Netanyahu has gone against advice from the US and has attacked Iran.
Iran will retaliate and Israel has closed down today waiting for the attack.
Although the US has distanced itself from this only warning Iran not to target US bases it's inevitable that they may get pulled into this war.
I think we should discuss the issues of a nuclear deterrent at the G7 meetings with European partners.
I don't want one at all, thats only my personal view, but feel that is the best way ahead. I've always been opposed from back in a long term CND membership.
Allira
GrannyGravy13
Claremont
None so close to the Middle East and potential big trouble as Cyprus. Enjoy your holiday, but I certainly will remain in Central and Western Europe for the foreseable.
As for Lakenheath, there may not be US nuclear weapons at the moment- but in the current situation, the UK could be put under huge pressure for doing so again. And we won't be asked for our opinion about this, I am sure.
'The UK is unique in that its nuclear program is completely intertwined with that of the US. The UK’s warhead designs are closely tied to their US counterparts and, the UK shares the Trident missiles from the US Navy pool. The UK’s nuclear deterrent relies so heavily on American nuclear infrastructure, that it cannot honestly be seen as “independent”, even though the UK can launch weapons independently.
This nuclear relationship with the US is governed by the US-UK Mutual Defence Agreement, which was, controversially, amended in September 2024 so it no longer requires renewal every 10 years. The Agreement enables the transfer of nuclear materials, research, training, and technology, between the two countries, contravening the UK’s legal obligation to disarm, and enabling the US to exercise significant leverage over the UK’s foreign and defence policy.
UK and US targeting plans have been integrated for decades, and throughout the Cold War included a mix of civilian and military targets, although the UK reportedly has an independent targeting doctrine centred around the so-called “Moscow criterion,” which calls for destroying the capital, along with other important cities in Russia – all of which are contrary to International Humanitarian law.
Since 1962 the UK has made its nuclear weapons available to NATO but operates them independently—only the UK Prime Minister can authorize the use of its nuclear weapons, even if used as part of a NATO response.
There are serious problems with the UK’s nuclear infrastructure and it is extremely costly. Each boat in the Vanguard fleet is way past its planned service life of 25 years. This has resulted in serious reliability problems and extensive delays for maintenance. Delays cause increased patrol lengths for the submarines, with serious negative impacts on crew members, and even more lengthy maintenance requirements needed on its return.
To replace the ageing Vanguard subs, the UK is building new Dreadnaught-class submarines and developing a new nuclear warhead. These are meant to come into service in the early 2030’s. Increasing budgets and deficient management have led to major budget over-runs of billions of pounds.
Another major problem is that the majority of Scottish people do not want nuclear weapons stored and deployed in their country. Should Scotland ever achieve independence, the costs and logistics involved with relocating somewhere else in the UK would be prohibitive.
On top of our UK nuclear weapons we now have changes in the status of US nuclear weapons here. US nuclear ballistic missile submarines, whilst not being based in the UK, have nevertheless resumed occasional visits to UK ports since 2015, when the USS Wyoming docked in Faslane in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and annexation of Crimea.
And although the US withdrew the last of its nuclear weapons from RAF Lakenheath prior to 2008, marking the first time since 1945 that there were no US nuclear weapons in the UK, we now know that they are coming back to the UK.
US documents talk of the construction of a “surety dormitory” at RAF Lakenheath. The term “surety” refers to the safety and security of nuclear weapons. The 495th Fighter Squadron of the 48th Fighter Wing at Lakenheath became the first squadron in Europe equipped with the new nuclear-capable F-35A Lightning II, certified to carry the new B61–12 nuclear gravity bomb. And recent satellite images indicate that 22 of the nuclear shelters, or vaults, at Lakenheath are being reactivated to receive these bombs. Announcements also tell us that the F-35A fighter jet maintenance and repair facilities at the base have now been completed. Recent announcements of full forward deployment means the nuclear bombs are now likely to have already been delivered.
So we know definitely that Lakenheath will be central to
NATO nuclear escalation.,So I assume that you will not be visiting the U.K. anytime soon?
Well, it wouldn't be wise, certainly. It is worrying, but ramping up the fear is not really helpful, in my opinion.
Much safer to stay in a safe neutral country in Europe but at the same time trying to whip up fear in the uk.
Wouldn’t you agree?
Claremont
An honest question with someone with a lot of military information: 'would you go to Cyprus now'? It is VERY VERY close to an awful lot of trouble and potential major trouble.
Yes. It makes no difference.
Intercontinental ballistic missiles are just that.
Intercontinental.
Watching the news I'm so angry with Netanyahu.
Nothing on the suffering of the Gaza people and its complications
Everything on the attacks on Iran. Even Trump is not joining in tho making sort of "Its OK" rather lukewarm to say the least.
I don't care how long he has served, he is a self serving man who has made matters worse.
The Guardian report at that Starmer is talking to other EU leaders to argue for a de-escalation of the war
interview here
www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=what+has+Starmer+said+on+Israel+attack+on+Iran&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8#fpstate=ive&vld=cid:847299c9,vid:7SnHQmmpuyI,st:0
Good for Starmer.
Quote MayBee70 Sun 15-Jun-25 22:22:15
Claremont
He has been planning massive attacks on Gaza for even longer, 1987.
He’s on a mission imo. And, given that he has been an unpopular leader of his country and knows he’s on borrowed time I’m terrified that he’s a loose cannon hell bent on revenge for things that have annoyed him for decades. I do no believe that most Israelis support this man.
Unpopular leader ?
Netanyahu is the longest-serving prime minister in Israel's history, having served a total of over 17 years.
Claremont
He has been planning massive attacks on Gaza for even longer, 1987.
How do you know this?
He was Israeli Ambassador to the UN at that time.
Claremont
He has been planning massive attacks on Gaza for even longer, 1987.
He’s on a mission imo. And, given that he has been an unpopular leader of his country and knows he’s on borrowed time I’m terrified that he’s a loose cannon hell bent on revenge for things that have annoyed him for decades. I do no believe that most Israelis support this man.
Just returned and ACs, GCs, family and friends will be visiting us over the Summer.
Good.
I wonder whether to go to stay with ours.
GrannyGravy13
Claremont
None so close to the Middle East and potential big trouble as Cyprus. Enjoy your holiday, but I certainly will remain in Central and Western Europe for the foreseable.
As for Lakenheath, there may not be US nuclear weapons at the moment- but in the current situation, the UK could be put under huge pressure for doing so again. And we won't be asked for our opinion about this, I am sure.
'The UK is unique in that its nuclear program is completely intertwined with that of the US. The UK’s warhead designs are closely tied to their US counterparts and, the UK shares the Trident missiles from the US Navy pool. The UK’s nuclear deterrent relies so heavily on American nuclear infrastructure, that it cannot honestly be seen as “independent”, even though the UK can launch weapons independently.
This nuclear relationship with the US is governed by the US-UK Mutual Defence Agreement, which was, controversially, amended in September 2024 so it no longer requires renewal every 10 years. The Agreement enables the transfer of nuclear materials, research, training, and technology, between the two countries, contravening the UK’s legal obligation to disarm, and enabling the US to exercise significant leverage over the UK’s foreign and defence policy.
UK and US targeting plans have been integrated for decades, and throughout the Cold War included a mix of civilian and military targets, although the UK reportedly has an independent targeting doctrine centred around the so-called “Moscow criterion,” which calls for destroying the capital, along with other important cities in Russia – all of which are contrary to International Humanitarian law.
Since 1962 the UK has made its nuclear weapons available to NATO but operates them independently—only the UK Prime Minister can authorize the use of its nuclear weapons, even if used as part of a NATO response.
There are serious problems with the UK’s nuclear infrastructure and it is extremely costly. Each boat in the Vanguard fleet is way past its planned service life of 25 years. This has resulted in serious reliability problems and extensive delays for maintenance. Delays cause increased patrol lengths for the submarines, with serious negative impacts on crew members, and even more lengthy maintenance requirements needed on its return.
To replace the ageing Vanguard subs, the UK is building new Dreadnaught-class submarines and developing a new nuclear warhead. These are meant to come into service in the early 2030’s. Increasing budgets and deficient management have led to major budget over-runs of billions of pounds.
Another major problem is that the majority of Scottish people do not want nuclear weapons stored and deployed in their country. Should Scotland ever achieve independence, the costs and logistics involved with relocating somewhere else in the UK would be prohibitive.
On top of our UK nuclear weapons we now have changes in the status of US nuclear weapons here. US nuclear ballistic missile submarines, whilst not being based in the UK, have nevertheless resumed occasional visits to UK ports since 2015, when the USS Wyoming docked in Faslane in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and annexation of Crimea.
And although the US withdrew the last of its nuclear weapons from RAF Lakenheath prior to 2008, marking the first time since 1945 that there were no US nuclear weapons in the UK, we now know that they are coming back to the UK.
US documents talk of the construction of a “surety dormitory” at RAF Lakenheath. The term “surety” refers to the safety and security of nuclear weapons. The 495th Fighter Squadron of the 48th Fighter Wing at Lakenheath became the first squadron in Europe equipped with the new nuclear-capable F-35A Lightning II, certified to carry the new B61–12 nuclear gravity bomb. And recent satellite images indicate that 22 of the nuclear shelters, or vaults, at Lakenheath are being reactivated to receive these bombs. Announcements also tell us that the F-35A fighter jet maintenance and repair facilities at the base have now been completed. Recent announcements of full forward deployment means the nuclear bombs are now likely to have already been delivered.
So we know definitely that Lakenheath will be central to
NATO nuclear escalation.,So I assume that you will not be visiting the U.K. anytime soon?
Well, it wouldn't be wise, certainly. It is worrying, but ramping up the fear is not really helpful, in my opinion.
He has been planning massive attacks on Gaza for even longer, 1987.
Yes.
Surely facts are important to all, well not all, but should ,
facts = truth
Surely,
Assume wrong, or not. Just returned and ACs, GCs, family and friends will be visiting us over the Summer. Absolutely irrelevant however.
Netanyahu has been warning about Iran and nuclear weapons for about 30 years! You may not like this LBC presenter, but this is ot his opinion, but fact (and we all know facts are very important).
www.facebook.com/share/r/1Aodx836bR/
Claremont
None so close to the Middle East and potential big trouble as Cyprus. Enjoy your holiday, but I certainly will remain in Central and Western Europe for the foreseable.
As for Lakenheath, there may not be US nuclear weapons at the moment- but in the current situation, the UK could be put under huge pressure for doing so again. And we won't be asked for our opinion about this, I am sure.
'The UK is unique in that its nuclear program is completely intertwined with that of the US. The UK’s warhead designs are closely tied to their US counterparts and, the UK shares the Trident missiles from the US Navy pool. The UK’s nuclear deterrent relies so heavily on American nuclear infrastructure, that it cannot honestly be seen as “independent”, even though the UK can launch weapons independently.
This nuclear relationship with the US is governed by the US-UK Mutual Defence Agreement, which was, controversially, amended in September 2024 so it no longer requires renewal every 10 years. The Agreement enables the transfer of nuclear materials, research, training, and technology, between the two countries, contravening the UK’s legal obligation to disarm, and enabling the US to exercise significant leverage over the UK’s foreign and defence policy.
UK and US targeting plans have been integrated for decades, and throughout the Cold War included a mix of civilian and military targets, although the UK reportedly has an independent targeting doctrine centred around the so-called “Moscow criterion,” which calls for destroying the capital, along with other important cities in Russia – all of which are contrary to International Humanitarian law.
Since 1962 the UK has made its nuclear weapons available to NATO but operates them independently—only the UK Prime Minister can authorize the use of its nuclear weapons, even if used as part of a NATO response.
There are serious problems with the UK’s nuclear infrastructure and it is extremely costly. Each boat in the Vanguard fleet is way past its planned service life of 25 years. This has resulted in serious reliability problems and extensive delays for maintenance. Delays cause increased patrol lengths for the submarines, with serious negative impacts on crew members, and even more lengthy maintenance requirements needed on its return.
To replace the ageing Vanguard subs, the UK is building new Dreadnaught-class submarines and developing a new nuclear warhead. These are meant to come into service in the early 2030’s. Increasing budgets and deficient management have led to major budget over-runs of billions of pounds.
Another major problem is that the majority of Scottish people do not want nuclear weapons stored and deployed in their country. Should Scotland ever achieve independence, the costs and logistics involved with relocating somewhere else in the UK would be prohibitive.
On top of our UK nuclear weapons we now have changes in the status of US nuclear weapons here. US nuclear ballistic missile submarines, whilst not being based in the UK, have nevertheless resumed occasional visits to UK ports since 2015, when the USS Wyoming docked in Faslane in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and annexation of Crimea.
And although the US withdrew the last of its nuclear weapons from RAF Lakenheath prior to 2008, marking the first time since 1945 that there were no US nuclear weapons in the UK, we now know that they are coming back to the UK.
US documents talk of the construction of a “surety dormitory” at RAF Lakenheath. The term “surety” refers to the safety and security of nuclear weapons. The 495th Fighter Squadron of the 48th Fighter Wing at Lakenheath became the first squadron in Europe equipped with the new nuclear-capable F-35A Lightning II, certified to carry the new B61–12 nuclear gravity bomb. And recent satellite images indicate that 22 of the nuclear shelters, or vaults, at Lakenheath are being reactivated to receive these bombs. Announcements also tell us that the F-35A fighter jet maintenance and repair facilities at the base have now been completed. Recent announcements of full forward deployment means the nuclear bombs are now likely to have already been delivered.
So we know definitely that Lakenheath will be central to
NATO nuclear escalation.,
So I assume that you will not be visiting the U.K. anytime soon?
Blimey
None so close to the Middle East and potential big trouble as Cyprus. Enjoy your holiday, but I certainly will remain in Central and Western Europe for the foreseable.
As for Lakenheath, there may not be US nuclear weapons at the moment- but in the current situation, the UK could be put under huge pressure for doing so again. And we won't be asked for our opinion about this, I am sure.
'The UK is unique in that its nuclear program is completely intertwined with that of the US. The UK’s warhead designs are closely tied to their US counterparts and, the UK shares the Trident missiles from the US Navy pool. The UK’s nuclear deterrent relies so heavily on American nuclear infrastructure, that it cannot honestly be seen as “independent”, even though the UK can launch weapons independently.
This nuclear relationship with the US is governed by the US-UK Mutual Defence Agreement, which was, controversially, amended in September 2024 so it no longer requires renewal every 10 years. The Agreement enables the transfer of nuclear materials, research, training, and technology, between the two countries, contravening the UK’s legal obligation to disarm, and enabling the US to exercise significant leverage over the UK’s foreign and defence policy.
UK and US targeting plans have been integrated for decades, and throughout the Cold War included a mix of civilian and military targets, although the UK reportedly has an independent targeting doctrine centred around the so-called “Moscow criterion,” which calls for destroying the capital, along with other important cities in Russia – all of which are contrary to International Humanitarian law.
Since 1962 the UK has made its nuclear weapons available to NATO but operates them independently—only the UK Prime Minister can authorize the use of its nuclear weapons, even if used as part of a NATO response.
There are serious problems with the UK’s nuclear infrastructure and it is extremely costly. Each boat in the Vanguard fleet is way past its planned service life of 25 years. This has resulted in serious reliability problems and extensive delays for maintenance. Delays cause increased patrol lengths for the submarines, with serious negative impacts on crew members, and even more lengthy maintenance requirements needed on its return.
To replace the ageing Vanguard subs, the UK is building new Dreadnaught-class submarines and developing a new nuclear warhead. These are meant to come into service in the early 2030’s. Increasing budgets and deficient management have led to major budget over-runs of billions of pounds.
Another major problem is that the majority of Scottish people do not want nuclear weapons stored and deployed in their country. Should Scotland ever achieve independence, the costs and logistics involved with relocating somewhere else in the UK would be prohibitive.
On top of our UK nuclear weapons we now have changes in the status of US nuclear weapons here. US nuclear ballistic missile submarines, whilst not being based in the UK, have nevertheless resumed occasional visits to UK ports since 2015, when the USS Wyoming docked in Faslane in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and annexation of Crimea.
And although the US withdrew the last of its nuclear weapons from RAF Lakenheath prior to 2008, marking the first time since 1945 that there were no US nuclear weapons in the UK, we now know that they are coming back to the UK.
US documents talk of the construction of a “surety dormitory” at RAF Lakenheath. The term “surety” refers to the safety and security of nuclear weapons. The 495th Fighter Squadron of the 48th Fighter Wing at Lakenheath became the first squadron in Europe equipped with the new nuclear-capable F-35A Lightning II, certified to carry the new B61–12 nuclear gravity bomb. And recent satellite images indicate that 22 of the nuclear shelters, or vaults, at Lakenheath are being reactivated to receive these bombs. Announcements also tell us that the F-35A fighter jet maintenance and repair facilities at the base have now been completed. Recent announcements of full forward deployment means the nuclear bombs are now likely to have already been delivered.
So we know definitely that Lakenheath will be central to
NATO nuclear escalation.,
GrannyGravy13
Claremont have you any evidence that the USA has nuclear weapons on its U.K. Airbases?
As of the beginning of 2025 they didn’t have any here, despite there being constant talks about maybe siting them at RAF Lakenheath, Suffolk.
They do have nuclear weapons in Italy distributed between Aviano and Ghedi Air Bases along with up to 70 stored at Incirlik in Turkey.
All,the above is in the public domain by the way.
In relation to Iran there is no likelihood of the US using nuclear weapons, the issue is preventing Israel using theirs and the US will do whatever it takes to do that.
Claremont
An honest question with someone with a lot of military information: 'would you go to Cyprus now'? It is VERY VERY close to an awful lot of trouble and potential major trouble.
Yes, we go there every year.
There are military bases in most countries in Europe, going by your logic we should all build safe rooms and remain in them.
Claremont
Keep trying. You might eventually find some. Information that’s true.
An honest question with someone with a lot of military information: 'would you go to Cyprus now'? It is VERY VERY close to an awful lot of trouble and potential major trouble.
Many believe, without clear evidence for good reasons, that the situation with Lakenheath is not in the public domain.
Claremont have you any evidence that the USA has nuclear weapons on its U.K. Airbases?
As of the beginning of 2025 they didn’t have any here, despite there being constant talks about maybe siting them at RAF Lakenheath, Suffolk.
They do have nuclear weapons in Italy distributed between Aviano and Ghedi Air Bases along with up to 70 stored at Incirlik in Turkey.
All,the above is in the public domain by the way.
David49
Claremont
Nuclear proliferation was always the massive risk- it was always clear that some nations would never accept that the 'West' was somehow allowed to have them, and other not. And that MAD (Mutual assured destruction) would only work for some time.
The development since of smaller, tactical and very targetted smaller nuclear weapons, that some believe could deliver a 'small and limited' nuclear attack have made that obsolete, and so has proliferation to the Middle-East, Russia, China and beyond. And to some States that were previously so called trusted Allies, and now have turned rogue states partly due to their new leaders, like Trump, Putin, KimJung and Netanyahu, and others. Proliferation was always going to happen, and was always going to be beyond massively dangerous. And the UK agreeing to have nuclear weapons on our soil for the USA puts all at increased risk.
Some of us tried in the 70s and 80s to explain- but it all fell on deaf ears.US nuclear arms in UK makes no difference, we ARE a nuclear power
We have 4 nuclear submarines each with 16? Missiles, each of those have multiple warheads. The deterrent value has served us well for 75 yrs, our entire lifetimes and I’m pretty confident that will continue.
I believe it makes a massive difference for other nations. The UK has control of its own nuclear weapons, but does it have control of weapons placed on UK's RAF bases? I don't think so. If anyone has a link with evidence, I'd be very interested to know.
If the UK has US nuclear weapons on its soil- then the perception for Iran and others is totally different.
Watching news today, I confirm my previous comments about not considering going on holiday to Cyprus or anywhere near for quite some time!
No problem GG13 easily done. Especially by me......
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