The British nuclear deterrent has helped maintain Britain's security for nearly 60 years. Information released at the end of the Cold War showed it was the major factor in deterring a Soviet attack on the UK.

A credible nuclear deterrent depends upon the ability to threaten an assured and effective response to aggression. The Trident II D5 missile has a range of over 4,000 nautical miles and an accuracy, which can be measured in metres. Each missile is technically capable of delivering up to 12 warheads, enabling a number of different targets to be engaged, and each Vanguard class submarine has 16 missile tubes. The missile is ejected from the submarine by high-pressure gas and only when it reaches the surface does the rocket system actually fire.

Ballistic missile submarines must at all times have a robust and reliable link with their chain of command on the mainland. A comprehensive network of communications installations connects Britain's nuclear fleet with the Commander-in Chief at Northwood, the Secretary of State for Defence in London and the Prime Minister in order to authorise the use of nuclear weapons and keep them under firm political control.

those who protest against Britain's nuclear weapons are at best an irritation for the people who work at Faslane, at worst they are a major threat to our national security.