Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey will call for the United Kingdom to develop a completely independent nuclear deterrent, ending its reliance on the United States for nuclear weapons technology and maintenance.

Davey is expected to make the proposal during a speech at the Liberal Democrats' spring conference on Sunday. The party leader will argue that Britain should manufacture and maintain its nuclear weapons domestically rather than depending on American systems and support.

The proposal represents a significant shift in defense policy thinking, as the UK's current nuclear deterrent relies heavily on US technology and cooperation. Britain's Trident nuclear missile system uses American-made missiles, though they are deployed on British-built submarines.

Davey acknowledges that developing an independent nuclear capability would cost billions of pounds. The proposal comes amid ongoing discussions about defense spending and military independence among European allies.

The call for nuclear independence reflects broader concerns about transatlantic relations and defense cooperation. Currently, the UK's nuclear deterrent operates through close coordination with the United States on technology, maintenance, and strategic planning.

The Liberal Democrats' position on nuclear independence will likely face scrutiny over cost, technical feasibility, and strategic implications for Britain's relationship with NATO allies and the broader Western defense framework.