U.S. Navy admiral: U.K.'s exit from EU should have no impact on nuclear deterrence programs

The United Kingdom's exit from the European Union should not have any impact on nuclear deterrence programs and agreements with the United States, according to a U.S. Navy official.

Vice Adm. Terry Benedict, strategic systems program director, said at a June 24 breakfast organized by Peter Huessy in Washington that he had spoken with his Royal Navy counterpart Rear Adm. Keith Beckett this morning.

"I have no concerns," Benedict said, adding: "I think that was a decision based on its relationship with Europe and the EU and not its relationship with the United States -- and certainly not the nuclear deterrence programs that we have been partner with in the last 50 years."