13 March 2007: for immediate release
The Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament today condemned the government for ‘railroading’ through a decision on Trident replacement despite overwhelming public opposition to the plans.
A recent Populus / More 4 News poll shows that only 24% of the British public support the government’s plans to replace Trident now (note 1).
An amendment to the government’s motion was tabled last night by Jon Trickett, Sir Menzies Campbell, Dr Gavin Strang, Nick Harvey, Peter Kilfoyle and Joan Ruddock, which has already been signed by a total of 105 MPs. The amendment states that the case for Trident replacement is not yet proven and calls for a delay in the decision.
The amendment reads:
‘That this House notes the government’s decision as set out in the white paper The Future of the United Kingdoms Nuclear Deterrent (CM6994) to take the steps necessary to maintain the UK minimum strategic nuclear deterrent beyond the life of the existing system and to take further steps towards meeting the UK’s disarmament responsibilities under Article VI of the non proliferation treaty but believes the case is not yet proven and remains unconvinced of the need for an early decision.’
Kate Hudson, Chair of the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, said:
‘We want a full consultation and debate on Trident replacement where all options are considered, not the minimal one-sided discussion which has taken place so far. The vast majority of the public – 72% – do not want the government to replace Trident now. The government is railroading this decision through parliament and the country. This is a travesty of democracy.’
Jeremy Corbyn MP, Chair of Parliamentary CND, said:
‘By committing to rearming the government is going against both the spirit and the word of the Non-Proliferation Treaty. If we really want to see a nuclear-free world then we have to vote for it tomorrow.’
CND has called an emergency parliamentary lobby on 14th March, the day of the debate and vote on Trident replacement. CND has also organised a rally in Parliament Square from 6-8 pm on the day of the vote.
end
Notes to Editor:
1 . For further information and interviews please contact Rick Wayman, CND’s Press & Communications Officer, on 0207 7002350 or 07968 420859
2 . An ICM poll from June 2006 showed that 81% of the British public believes that any decision on Trident replacement should be made by Parliament, not the Prime Minister alone.
3 . According to a July 2006 ICM poll, 59% of the British public opposes a replacement of Trident when presented with a cost of at least £25 billion.
4 . The Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND) is one of Europe’s biggest single-issue peace campaigns, with over 35,000 members in the UK. CND campaigns for the abolition of all nuclear weapons everywhere.