6 December 2005: for immediate release
No Trident Replacement Public Meeting, Tuesday 6th December
6.30 – 8.30pm, Grand Committee Room, House of Commons, nr tube Westminster
Former Cabinet Minister Michael Meacher will launch an Early Day Motion calling for a vote in Parliament on Trident Replacement at a Parliamentary public meeting later today. Speakers at the meeting, organised by the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, will also demand that a full public and parliamentary debate takes place on the replacement of the Trident nuclear weapons system, and will argue that the option of not replacing Trident must be on the table.
Early Day Motion 1197
‘That this House believes there should be the fullest possible public debate on a decision to replace the Trident nuclear weapons system; notes that a successor to Trident could cost as much as £25 billion therefore affecting significantly other public spending options; calls upon the Government to produce a Green Paper on Trident replacement that considers all possible options, including non-replacement; and further calls upon the Government not to conclude any agreements, or to engage in preparations to build a new generation of nuclear weapons, until after this debate and a deciding vote is held in Parliament.’
Michael Meacher MP, Environment Minister 1997 – 2003
“It is highly questionable whether a non-independent British nuclear weapon still serves any useful purpose. Replacing Trident would come at an estimated cost of £15 to £25 billion; surely this money could be better spent elsewhere. We must have a proper debate and vote on Trident Replacement and the option not to replace Trident must be on the table.”
Trident will reach the end of its lifespan in 2025. A decision will be made in this parliament on its replacement. It is estimated that the total cost of replacing ‘Trident’ missiles, warheads, submarines and related facilities could be as much as £25 billion.
For press credentials contact Ruth Tanner on 07968 420859
End
Notes to Editor:
For further information and interviews please contact Ruth Tanner CND’s Press & Communications Officer on 0207 7002350 or 07968 420859
The meeting will be addressed by former Cabinet Ministers Clare Short MP, Michael Meacher MP and Gavin Strang MP along side Gordon Prentice MP, Katy Clark MP, Jim Devine MP (MP for Robin Cook’s former Constituency), Alan Simpson MP, Baroness Jenny Tonge (Liberal Democrat Peer), Elfyn Llwyd MP (Plaid Cymru), Angus Robertson MP (SNP), There will also be speakers from Trade Unions: Keith Sonnet, UNISON, Barry Camfield, TGWU, London Assembly Member Jenny Jones and The First Secretary at the High Commission of New Zealand, Bill Dobbie, They will be joined by CND’s Chair, Kate Hudson, Vice-Chair Jeremy Corbyn MP, and Vice-President Bruce Kent.
In a recent MORI/Greenpeace poll 54% of the British public said they would oppose a costly replacement of Trident. This clearly shows that when faced with the financial implications of replacing Trident the majority (54%) oppose the development of a new nuclear weapons system. CND believes this money would be better spent on defeating poverty at home and abroad, and providing for employment, education and health.
The Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND) is one of Europe’s biggest single-issue peace campaigns, with over 32,000 members in the UK. CND campaigns for the abolition of all nuclear weapons everywhere.