What is the procedure for firing the UKs nuclear missiles? Is the order from the MoD or directly from the PM?

Question

also, what happens if contact with London or wherever is lost? is it just up to the sub commanders?

Answer 1

It's actually the US that decides if the UK fires nukes or not. That's the agreement we have with the Yanks.



The UK doesn't have an independent nuclear strategy.



I'm sure Israel has the same relationship with the US, considering that's where Israel gets all it's weapons from.

Answer 2

In the event of contact with London being lost a submarine Commander would automatically seek "clarification of UK status" from NATO allies, starting with the USA then Ireland, France, Germany (can't remember the list after that). Ireland is no 2 on the list as it is closest to the UK and the most likeliest destination for any fleeing Government hierarchy.



If it is confirmed that the UK has been destroyed then the sub's commander "shall seek consultation with the two highest ranking members of the crew in order to determine the most appropriate course of action".

Answer 3

In the event of a nuclear attack in which Britain is largely destroyed and the PM is killed before he has time to react, there is a safe attached to the floor of the control room. Inside that, there is an inner safe. And inside that sits a letter. It is addressed to the submarine commander and it is from the Prime Minister. In that letter, Gordon Brown conveys the most awesome decision of his political career. He made it alone, in the first days of his premiership, and none of us is ever likely to know what he decided. It is the Prime Minister’s answer to a grim but essential question: Should we fire back.



If communication lines are still open, the order to fire

comes in from a bunker at Northwood, deep from where the Prime Minister’s (or his personally appointed alternate decision maker's) instruction would be communicated to the submarine on patrol. Then the detailed on-board checks and balances leading up to the firing procedure happens.

Answer 4

The PM. A chain of command exists, so say all of London is flattened, somebody will always be in charge. Could even be your local mayor or other such communtiy leader.