JOHN Tanner, in a letter (Friday’s ViewPoints), suggests that the Government’s decision to task Rolls-Royce to develop a new nuclear propulsion system for submarines contradicts its commitment to delay a decision on a Trident system replacement until after the next General Election.
Not so. Irrespective of the decision on the so-called nuclear deterrent, there is a long-term requirement to deploy submarines, and they will need the propulsion systems Rolls-Royce is to develop.
Mr Tanner also writes that submarines are a terrible hangover from the Cold War, implying they have no role today.
Again I beg to differ.
The nuclear submarine, with its ability to go unseen and unheard anywhere in the oceans of the world, armed with a variety of weapons, including cruise missiles with pinpoint accuracy, is formidable and provides a capability that we cannot do without.
CHRIS SPRENT Farm Close Lane Wheatley
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