Nuclear Weapons: Research
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what estimate he has made of the potential cost to the public purse of the Teutates programme in the 2025-2026 financial year.
Answered by Luke Pollard
The TEUTATES programme is part of the Defence Nuclear Enterprise (DNE). It includes the ongoing development of an interim firing point at the Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE) Aldermaston site. The Technology Development Centre is also at AWE Aldermaston and is now being repurposed to support other programmes, having originally been constructed for TEUTATES.
As set out in the DNE 2025 Annual Update to Parliament published on 22 May, the first X-rays by the UK-supplied Induction Voltage Adder machine were fired at the EPURE hydrodynamics facility in November 2024, marking an important Treaty milestone.
I hope the hon. Gentleman will understand that I am withholding cost estimates for the programme as release would prejudice international relations.
Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →