Nuclear Weapons

The Defence Nuclear Enterprise is strengthening the industrial capability and productivity required to deliver and sustain the UK's nuclear deterrent, which remains Defence's highest priority. This includes:

• The Dreadnought programme making use of recent reforms to the Single Source Contract Regulations. Under Delivery Phase 4, BAE Systems will operate under a revised incentive regime that links performance to the achievement of agreed cost, schedule and productivity outcomes, helping to drive delivery and value for money for the taxpayer.
• The National Nuclear Strategic Plan for Skills continues to support workforce development across the wider nuclear sector.
• We are prioritising the Barrow Transformation Fund, recognising Barrow’s role as a strategic national asset. Recently announced investments by other Government departments include £7 million to upgrade the Alfred Barrow Health Centre and £20 million being invested in Barrow Central as part of the Pride in Place programme.
• The Government has accepted the SDR recommendation to develop a ‘Defence Readiness Bill’. Defence is working closely with the rest of government to develop detailed policy requirements, including for the Defence Nuclear Enterprise, and to establish what new legislation is required as part of the Government’s wider Home Defence programme.