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In a decision of the utmost gravity, Labour voted to give up Britain's independent nuclear deterrent unilaterally. Labour's defence policy-though 'defence' is scarcely the word-is an absolute break with the defence policy of every British Government since the Second World War. Let there be no doubt about the gravity of that decision. You cannot be a loyal member of NATO while disavowing its fundamental strategy. A Labour Britain would be a neutralist Britain. It would be the greatest gain for the Soviet Union in forty years. And they would have got it without firing a shot.

Margaret Thatcher#33

PoliticsPolicyDefenseGeopoliticsStrategy

About this quote

What does it mean?
Critique of a political party abandoning nuclear deterrence is seen as a strategic failure and gain for enemies.
In plain terms
Giving up nuclear weapons helps enemies without them shooting.
What can you take from it?
Deterrence is vital for security.

Where it applies

  • parliament
  • defense policy
  • alliance

Putting it to work

  • policy analysis
  • defense planning
  • debate

Questions to consider

  • Is nuclear deterrence always necessary?
  • What defines loyal alliance membership?

Another view

It presents a single perspective on defense policy without acknowledging alternatives.

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