Defence insider asks whether we need an 'independent nuclear deterrent'

Andrew Brookes, an ex-RAF defence analyst, has written an article about the post-election Strategic Defence Review for the 'Defence Management' website.

Andrew asks the questions 'When it comes to operational matters, does the UK need two new aircraft carriers alongside France's one? Do both need wholly separate, independently procured nuclear deterrents?'

Many years ago Andrew was the RAF Squadron Leader at the Greenham Common airbase when  US cruise missiles were based there, so he knows a thing or two about nuclear weapons!