This is, of course, a very valid point !! What IS the point of having any sort of nuclear capability ,if one doesn"t have the autonomy to use it ?? Far better to spend the money on some "conventional " (diesel-electric ) submarines, a brace of new carriers ( I"m biased ! ) and some more appropriate kit for our soldiers , if the government MUST keep our dwindling army bogged down in God -forsaken places like Afghanistan,where,the experience of the last 100 years or so clearly indicates, they can NEVER win against the Pathan, or the Taliban, or whoever.