MM (and others) - actually I don't buy the argument about nukes and UNSC. Somehow I feel it will be difficult for the UN to word their press release: "The UK was today thrown off the Security Council for COMPLYING WITH our own non-proliferation treaty. France, who has broken the treaty by replacing their strategic deterrent, will, of course remain a member of the permanent 5......."
OA,
I'm not sure I understand your argument old chap (although I am a thick git). My belief is that retaining nukes is seen by HMG as one way of retaining political influence on the international stage, and therefore a seat on the P5.
Regards,
MM