Trident vote inevitable, Straw says
It is “inevitable” that MPs will have a vote on whether to replace Britain’s nuclear deterrent, the leader of the House of Commons said yesterday.
Jack Straw noted that the Labour government was the first government to allow the House a vote on a decision to go to war, ahead of the invasion of Iraq in March 2003, and said MPs would have their say in all equally important issues.
His comments come after Tony Blair last week refused to confirm that a vote would be held on replacing the Trident nuclear system, but said it was a “strong possibility”.
More than 120 MPs have signed an early day motion put by former environment minister Michael Meacher saying that no decision on Trident should be taken until “the fullest possible debate” had taken place “and a deciding vote held in parliament”.
About 207 have also signed a motion put by Labour MP David Chaytor, calling on the government to publish a consultation document setting out the issues surrounding Trident replacement, “as a basis for public debate”.
Questioned on the issue by Labour backbencher Gordon Prentice during business questions yesterday, Mr Straw confirmed that there would be a statement explaining the government’s position before any debate on replacing the submarine system was held.
“Of course, we should involve the House fully in a decision as important as the renewal of our nuclear deterrent, and in practical terms it is inevitable that there will therefore be a chance for the House to express its view on that important matter in a vote,” he added.
Britain’s four nuclear submarines are due to become obsolete in 2020, while its 48 warheads have a similar lifespan, and the government has promised to take a decision this year on whether they should be replaced or not.
Labour committed itself to retaining the country’s nuclear deterrent in its 2005 election manifesto, but many MPs are concerned about the cost of replacing Trident, which critics warn could cost up to £25 billion.
Anti-nuclear campaigners have also argued that under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, Britain is obliged to reduce the number of nuclear weapons it has. They warn replacing Trident would undermine its authority to stop other states going nuclear.
The row over Trident, although always on the backburner, was reignited last month when Gordon Brown – widely tipped to succeed Mr Blair as Labour leader – publicly stated his support for retaining Britain’s independent nuclear deterrent.
Liberal Democrat defence spokesman Nick Harvey welcomed Mr Straw’s comments, but said the government must make clear on what basis a vote would be held.
“A vote solely on options for a nuclear deterrent would be wholly inadequate. Jack Straw must also say when the vote will take place,” he said.
“It is essential for the government to fulfil its commitment to have the fullest possible debate, which should include a proper public consultation.”
