Britain has escalated the global nuclear arms race – and is bringing us closer to armageddon | Simon Tisdall

Keir Starmer's government's 2025 Strategic Defence Review proposes expanding Britain's nuclear arsenal, raising concerns about international non-proliferation and global security risks. This could deepen competition among major powers in nuclear arms races and increase lower-yield tactical nukes' deployment in conflict zones. Critics argue the move risks escalations by shifting from deterrence to rearmament, overlooks nuclear futility and climate change/inflation needs, while emphasizing the moral dilemmas of maintaining arsenals. Calls for pause emphasize the urgency to address deeper security challenges with alternatives rather than escalation.