Coalition confirms go-ahead for Trident replacement

"That is why we will maintain Britain's nuclear deterrent and will go ahead with the Trident replacement programme," said Liam Fox, Defence Secretary, on the final day of the Conservative conference. He said no more than that, giving little indication of what might be announced later in the month.

On 20 October, the Strategic Defence and Security Review will be published, setting out the future landscape for defence in terms of both spending and strategy. Trident will be replaced — but how, when, and at what cost, will remain behind closed doors for two weeks yet.