Give Parliament the opportunity to vote on Britain’s nuclear future - Rennie (Aberdeen Central Liberal Democrats)

Aberdeen Central Liberal Democrats <info@libdems.org.uk>

Give Parliament the opportunity to vote on Britain’s nuclear future - Rennie

April 23, 2009 10:57 PM
Originally published by Scottish Liberal Democrats

Decisions over the replacement of Britain's Trident submarines are being "snuck out" by Minister's trying to avoid a discussion about the nation's nuclear capability according to Liberal Democrat Defence Spokesperson Willie Rennie MP.

Speaking on Monday during a debate on Defence Procurement in the House of Commons, Mr Rennie challenged Minister Quentin Davies MP to send the world a message about Britain's commitment to nuclear non-proliferation by giving Parliament the chance to vote on the replacement Trident subs.Willie Rennie MP

Commenting Mr Rennie said:

"This Labour Government sent out a signal in 2006 when they made a full and final decision on Trident six years before it was absolutely essential.

"That unnecessary and reckless decision-taken without any kind of proper debate-sent a message to all the nations who will attend the Nuclear Non-Proliferation talks next year that we have no intention of giving up our nuclear deterrent until at least the middle of next century.

"Parliament must be given the chance to vote on the replacement of Trident at the initial gate stage, rather than the initial gate decision being snuck out in another recess.

"If the Government were to announce that they intend to give the House the power to vote on Britain's nuclear future, it would send a message to all other nations that we were seriously contemplating a nuclear-free world."

Notes:

A full transcript of the speech made by Willie Rennie MP during a debate in the House of Commons on Defence Procurement can be found here:

http://pubs1.tso.parliament.uk/pa/cm200809/cmhansrd/cm090420/debtext/90420-0010.htm#09042018000100