Replacement of Trident
Posted by Lynne Jones, MP for Birmingham, Selly Oak, at 10:56, Thu 30 November 2006:
The Government is shortly to publish a White Paper on options for the replacement of the Trident nuclear weapons system. There will then be a period of consultation followed by a vote in parliament. Once the White Paper is available, I will post my initial response on my website www.lynnejones.org.uk. I would be interested in receiving the views of constituents on the Government's proposals. Given that both the Prime Minister and the Chancellor have come out in favour of moving now towards replacing Trident with a new system, to what extent is the consultation meaningful? Should MPs be given a free vote (rather than being "whipped" to toe the party line) and would replacment of Trident be in accord with our obligations under the Non-Proliferation Treaty?
Comments
Commenting on this message is now disabled.
Posted by Rik Sowden, 11:13, Thu 30 November 2006: (Is this post abusive?) #
I would certainly welcome a free vote on what is an important issue in terms of defence, social responsiblity, economics and Britains role in global politics. Being forced into towing the party line would, i feel, be foolish.
Personally, i feel our role in global politics as one of the worlds leading nations (economically at least) means we should continue to have a strong military presence, however, with the trend of conflict to be either small-scale or insurgancies i'm unconvinced of the need for a 'nuclear deterrant'.
Thank you for asking for peoples thoughts on this.
Rik Sowden
Posted by Steve Laslett, 15:06, Thu 30 November 2006: (Is this post abusive?) #
I agree on the need for a free vote. In view of the negative consequences of going to war in Iraq, as many of us accurately predicted, it would be good to have meaningful consultation. Many of us will say that a nuclear deterrent is not effective nor even meaningful in the fight against terrorism and a geographically and socially diverse enemy.
Posted by Fiona Fraser, 19:44, Thu 30 November 2006: (Is this post abusive?) #
I believe the vote MUST be a free vote, this is a matter of conscience, not party policy.
I do not believe that we need a new nuclear weapons system. At the most we might consider refurbishing the trident system, no more.
Posted by Alison Russell, 13:41, Wed 6 December 2006: (Is this post abusive?) #
I agree with the previous posts - it needs to be a free vote. Personally I don't see how replacing Trident would comply with the non-proliferation treaty, and in addition it makes a nonsense of the government's protests about other countries obtaining nuclear capabilities.