July 5th 2024.
As the newly appointed Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer's first task will be to write four identical letters that will hold the fate of the United Kingdom in the event of a nuclear attack. This crucial task has been passed down to each new Prime Minister since 1969 when submarines were first used for the UK's deterrent. The contents of these letters, known as the Letters of Last Resort, have always been kept top secret.
The Letters of Last Resort detail what the UK should do in the face of a nuclear attack if all those in authority have perished. This includes the Prime Minister, the designated "second person" (usually a high-ranking member of the Cabinet), and any other leadership figures. The letters are a command to the submarines carrying nuclear deterrents, in the event that London is hit and the government has been decapitated.
The weight of this responsibility is not lost on the new Prime Minister. Tony Blair reportedly turned white when he was given the task, while John Major described it as one of the most difficult things he had ever had to do. The letters are written in duplicate, with one kept in a safe within a safe, alongside another letter detailing the final steps to be taken before opening the Letter of Last Resort. These instructions are then delivered to the commanding officers of the four Vanguard-class submarines.
Once a Prime Minister steps down, their letters are destroyed without ever being opened, ensuring the secrecy of their contents. The choices presented to the commanding officers in the Letters of Last Resort are unknown, but speculation suggests that they may include options such as doing nothing, seeking an ally, using their own judgement, or retaliating with nuclear weapons.
With the potential for mass destruction and loss of life, it's no surprise that the writing of these letters weighs heavily on the shoulders of those in power. The Vanguard-class submarines, each carrying 12 operational tubes capable of deploying 8-12 missiles, carry a deadly amount of weaponry. It is believed that each submarine carries around 50 warheads, which is seven to eight times more destructive than the bomb that devastated Hiroshima in 1945.
Tom Unterrainer, Chair of the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, highlights the gravity of this responsibility for new Prime Ministers. They are immediately indoctrinated into a nuclear framework and presented with scenarios of potential targets, casualties, and repercussions. It's a decision that weighs heavily on the conscience and one that is not often brought up during election campaigns.
The letters are to be opened only in the event that all communication with Naval command has been lost and both the Prime Minister and their designated "second person" have been killed or incapacitated. One of the indications that the British Government may have been destroyed, according to Lord Peter Hennessy, is the absence of the BBC Radio 4 Today programme for three consecutive days. These submarines have very limited communication with the mainland, making it essential for them to have alternative triggers for opening the Letters of Last Resort.
In conclusion, the Letters of Last Resort are a solemn and secretive responsibility bestowed upon each new Prime Minister. With the potential for mass destruction and loss of life, the weight of this decision is immense and not one to be taken lightly.
As the newly appointed Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer's first task in office will be a matter of life or death. He will have to complete a monumental task that has been passed down to each new Prime Minister since 1969 - writing four identical letters of instruction known as the Letters of Last Resort. These letters, which are kept top secret, detail what the UK should do in the event of a nuclear attack that has left all those in authority dead.
According to reports, previous Prime Ministers, including Tony Blair and John Major, have found this task to be extremely difficult and daunting. The letters are a command to the submarines carrying the UK's nuclear deterrent, in the event that London has been hit and leadership has been decapitated. This is a crucial step in ensuring the country's survival and protection.
The letters are kept in a safe within a safe and are only to be opened in the event that the designated "second person" is also incapacitated and all contact with Naval command has been lost. Once a Prime Minister steps down, their letters are destroyed without ever being opened, leaving their decisions forever unknown. This weighty responsibility is a heavy burden for those in power, as they must contemplate the unimaginable consequences of their choices.
The Vanguard Class of the Royal Navy's nuclear deterrent consists of four submarines - HMS Vanguard, Vengeance, Victorious, and Vigilant. Each submarine is equipped with 12 operational tubes, each capable of deploying between 8-12 missiles with a total of around 50 warheads. This is seven to eight times more destructive than the bomb that devastated Hiroshima in 1945, killing over 140,000 civilians. It is a sobering reminder of the devastating power of nuclear weapons.
The responsibility of making these decisions is not taken lightly. As Tom Unterrainer, Chair of the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, explains, incoming Prime Ministers are immediately indoctrinated into a nuclear framework and taken through various scenarios by senior military officials. This includes discussions on which cities to target, how many lives will be lost, and the potential repercussions.
The letters will only be opened in the direst of circumstances - when both the Prime Minister and their designated "second person" have been killed or incapacitated and all contact with Naval command has been lost. This is a last resort option, and other indicators of a destroyed government may include the absence of the BBC Radio 4 Today programme for three consecutive days, as noted by Lord Peter Hennessy, a Member of The House of Lords.
This serves as a stark reminder of the gravity of the situation and the limited communication capabilities of these submarines. In the face of such a devastating attack, the Letters of Last Resort serve as the final instruction from a fallen government to ensure the survival and protection of the country. It is a weighty responsibility that rests on the shoulders of each new Prime Minister, and one that highlights the unimaginable consequences of nuclear warfare.
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