Why the Royal Navy has no nuclear-powered surface fleet

Why does the Royal Navy operate nuclear submarines but no nuclear-powered surface ships?

Conventional propulsion has met surface-fleet needs without the port-access and diplomatic complications of nuclear ships, though future power requirements could alter that balance.

Nuclear-powered surface ships can face restrictions during foreign port visits, reducing their usefulness for naval diplomacy. Britain has repeatedly considered nuclear propulsion for major carrier and surface-ship projects but has continued to find conventional power sufficient. Rising electrical demand, particularly from laser weapons, could reopen that decision. Small modular reactors offer a possible British option, although their future application to surface warships remains uncertain. A British plant is preferred because Rolls-Royce already supplies reactor expertise and domestic construction supports British employment. Reactor selection would also have to account for differing British and American expectations about staffing and watchkeeping.