On the Trident Debate
Tuesday, 19 July 2016
Yesterday I listened proudly to the Labour MPs stating their opposition to Trident renewal. They may still be in a minority but their voice is getting louder as the questions about Trident pile up...
But why stay with Labour if so many Labour MPs still vote for Trident I hear?
First because we are a UK party and its only a UK government that can rid us of nuclear weapons. It's winning the arguments and minds in the Party and the PLP that will change things. More MPs are starting to question it on many different grounds. Just listen to Emily Thornton, the Shadow Defence Secretary. And there is growing support in the party membership to stop the programme.
Second, the argument to vote SNP so an independent Scotland will rid Scotland of Trident is no argument for me. I object to the principle of just moving these weapons of mass destruction over a border so they become someone else's problem. And besides, a nuclear strike on Barrow will destroy central Scotland just as surely as if they were still at Faslane.
Who knows what complexion of UK government would be in charge them - all we do know is Scotland would have little influence.
And as we are learning from Brexit, post separation negotiations have a habit of delivering unexpected consequences. Who'd bet against a UK base on the Clyde still being there in 50 years time with a long term UK lease Hong Kong style agreed as part of an economic setttlement - only we would have no control at all over it...
Ridding this country of nuclear weapons needs a united Labour Party and a united country. I'll keep campaigning for both...
