UK Nuclear Energy and Nuclear Deterrent Policy in the post-Brexit era. A study of the UK's nuclear energy and nuclear weapons programs and how policy around them should be updated in the light of the post-Brexit era and the aftermath of the UK leaving the EU.

Abstract

This thesis aims to offer policy recommendations for the UK's nuclear energy and nuclear weapons programs in the context of the post-Brexit era. Both sectors entail significant government expenditure due to the requirement for advanced and costly equipment. Given the controversy surrounding the utilization of these technologies, comprehensive policy and regulation are imperative, with Brexit's aftermath further complicating matters. In order to address the challenges posed by Brexit to these programs, this study will provide a historical overview of nuclear energy and nuclear weapons, followed by a comprehensive analysis of current policies, considering the implications of Brexit on the UK. The findings will inform policy recommendations presented in subsequent sections. The nuclear energy segment will explore the future trajectory of nuclear research, assess the comparative advantages of nuclear power versus renewables post-Brexit, and evaluate the optimal mix of nuclear power stations in the UK's energy portfolio. Meanwhile, the nuclear deterrent section will focus on the potential challenges of threatened Scottish independence, a possible situation for the UK which has been exacerbated by Brexit. Key considerations include the likelihood of Scottish secession, the heightened importance of the deterrent amid Brexit-induced calls for independence, uncertainties surrounding NATO commitments, the potential loss of the submarine base at Faslane, and contingency plans for submarine deployment in the event of Faslane's unavailability.