Bridget says no to Trident replacement

4.51.00pm GMT Tue 13th Mar 2007

This week MPs vote on the future of Britain's 'independent' nuclear deterrent, Trident. The Labour government wants to commit now to replace Trident at an estimated cost of up to £20bn.

Islington South campaigner Bridget Fox says:

"Liberal Democrats have a clear anti-Trident position. Instead of committing to new nuclear weapons today, we want to halve the UK's nuclear arsenal by 50% immediately, taking a practical lead to promote disarmament around the world.

"The Labour Government's position means once again Britain is pouring resources into the wrong option, and losing moral authority on the international scene. Experts including the Commons Defence Select Committee all agree that even if Britain does choose to replace Trident, there's no need to decide that now.

"The rush to replace Trident is all about Tony Blair's legacy and nothing to do with making our country or our world safer."

Liberal Democrat MPs will all be voting against the Government's proposals.

Bridget adds:

"This whole issue is horribly reminiscent of Iraq.

"Just like the war in Iraq, committing to a new generation of nuclear weapons now will waste money, tie us in US foreign policy whether it is in Britain's interests or not, and do nothing to make the world a safer place.

"Just like Iraq, it may not even be legal. Under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, Britain should not be re-arming but moving towards total nuclear disarmament.

"And just like Iraq, the other parties are showing their true colours. David Cameron will following Blair & Brown one way, while those Labour MPs who want to do the right thing will be following the Liberal Democrats. "