'Tactical nuclear weapons are the logical solution'

Trident deterrent is operationally independent, but the missiles are US-built and the system does rely on the US for maintenance.

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Mr Ramsey suggested sub-strategic nuclear weapons might not be suitable. He said: "Most countries look for precision strike tactical nukes aren’t that. I think countries need to work out what problem this capability solves."

There are nine nuclear-armed countries in the world: the UK, US, France, Russia, China, Israel, India, Pakistan and North Korea. While the weapons are controversial, Mr de Bretton-Gordon argues they have helped prevent nuclear war.

He said: "People need to remember that it’s kept the [nuclear] peace for 80 years. But it’s all about balance and equilibrium, and there’s just a feeling that we're slightly unbalanced and slightly out of equilibrium."

A Ministry of Defence spokesman said: "Our nuclear deterrent keeps us all safe 24/7 and we are deliberately ambiguous about precisely when, how, and at what scale we would use our weapons. The SDR recognises new nuclear risks and recommends we discuss with allies how the UK can best support NATO’s nuclear mission in addition to our pledge of our nuclear deterrent to NATO.

"That enhanced support could take a number of forms, and will be subject to discussion with allies.

"We won’t comment on those discussions, which must take place behind closed doors."

Last week's Strategic Defence Review saw the Government lay out its 10-year vision for the military with plans to raise spending on the armed forces to 3% of GDP in the next parliament.

With the war in Ukraine, conflict in Gaza, threats from pariah states and a hostile China, the world is a more dangerous and volatile place than since the end of the Second World War.

This week the Express launches its Defending The Nation series with a deep-dive into the state of our forces and their ability to defend us in a new era. Today we look at the state of the UK's nuclear deterrent.