Britain warned to prepare for ‘terrifying’ possibility as Donald Trump could make major decision against UK

Britain has been warned to prepare for a potentially “terrifying” situation if  US President Donald Trump decides to cut off American support for the UK’s nuclear defense system. While experts say it’s “extremely unlikely” Trump would take such a drastic step, they stress that the UK must be ready for any possibility, given the unpredictable nature of the US leader.

The warning comes amid growing tension in the historic alliance between the UK and the US, particularly following Trump’s recent heated exchange with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Many in Britain are left wondering where the UK stands in this complex political landscape, especially after Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer met with Trump and later hosted Zelenskyy at Downing Street. Starmer has tried to navigate the situation carefully, urging all parties to find a way to work together.

The UK’s nuclear deterrent, known as the Trident system, is a critical part of its defense strategy. It consists of four nuclear-powered submarines, each capable of carrying 16 Trident missiles. While the UK has its own nuclear warheads, the missiles themselves are made and maintained by the US. These missiles are stored in a joint UK-US facility in Georgia before being loaded onto British submarines.

Experts warn that if Trump were to cut off access to these missiles, it would leave the UK in a vulnerable position. Nicholas Drummond, a defense analyst and former British soldier, said such a move would be a “strategic betrayal on a grand scale” and would harm both the UK and the US. He emphasized that the UK is heavily reliant on the US for technical support and maintenance of the Trident system. Without this support, the UK’s nuclear deterrent could be significantly weakened.

Drummond added that while the idea of the US refusing to provide missiles seemed unthinkable a year ago, it’s now a scenario that the UK must prepare for. He described the potential consequences as “terrifying,” noting that it could render the UK’s multi-billion-pound investment in its nuclear submarines useless.

Matthew Savill, a military expert at the Royal United Services Institute, echoed these concerns. He pointed out that if the US were to cut off support, the UK would eventually need to develop its own missiles, which would be extremely costly and challenging.

Despite these warnings, some remain optimistic. Tobias Ellwood, a former chair of the Defence Select Committee, noted that Trump will no longer be in office by the time the UK needs to replace its missiles, so the immediate risk is low. However, the broader message is clear: the UK must be prepared for any scenario, no matter how unlikely it may seem.

The situation highlights the delicate balance of international alliances and the importance of being ready for unexpected changes in global politics. As the UK navigates these challenges, the need for careful planning and contingency measures has never been more critical.