On: The D-Day rehearsal that cost 800 lives (2014)

[Steve44]

This is one of the reasons the "letter of last resort" the British submarines carry must remain secret. It’s the not knowing which helps keep the balance of peace.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/article/36824917/trident-what-...

[willyt → Steve44]

I can't find a source for it, but I'm fairly sure at least two prime ministers have, in their later years, gone on record saying that their instructions were to paraphrase 'don't retaliate'. Edit: Also, Britains nuclear deterrent is quite often out of service for maintenance.

[Steve44 → willyt]

I was under the impression we have a continuous patrol policy and there is always at least one submarine out on patrol.