The ministry's comments followed a BBC report which said that British submarine commanders could, theoretically, launch a nuclear strike without an encrypted code from the prime minister's office.

That differs from practice in the United States, Russia and France, where heads of government must give a secret code to any military officer to allow them to launch a nuclear weapon.

The code -- a Permissive Action Link (PAL) code -- is required in those countries to arm the weapons, and without it, the bombs are rendered useless.

"We're satisfied that robust arrangements are in place for political control of the use of the UK's strategic deterrent and these controls are tested and audited," a defence ministry spokesman told AFP.

"We don't discuss the detailed arrangements," he added, declining to respond to questions about the BBC report.

In a statement given to the BBC, the defence ministry argued that because of the large numbers of personnel involved in launching a nuclear weapon from its Trident submarines, PAL-type safeguards "found in other systems are not relevant."

"Launching a Trident missile from a submarine is a complex activity. Prior to launch, the command and control structure on board the submarine would need to be satisfied that the prime minister has issued instructions to launch nuclear weapons," the statement read.

"A coordinated effort involving key individuals from the boat's company of 150 is required to launch the missile."

The statement added: "UK nuclear weapons are designed first and foremost to be secure and safe. A rigorous system of processes ensures the safety and thoroughness of the operating system for the UK nuclear deterrent."

The BBC report came on the same day Defence Secretary Des Browne confirmed that Britain's stockpile of nuclear weapons had been cut by 20 percent to fewer than 160 in total.

In a written answer to a parliamentary question, Browne said that Britain was committed to "maintain only the minimum necessary deterrent."

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