Member News
The exclusion of Trident from the Strategic Defence and Security Review is now untenable; it should be included and receive the scrutiny which strategic, political and financial circumstances demand
Lib Dem conference motion
The exclusion of Trident from the Strategic Defence and Security Review is "untenable", Liberal Democrats heard today as the approved a conference motion calling for it to be included.
As the Lib Dem conference in Liverpool comes to a close, the party debated an emergency motion on Britain's nuclear deterrent.
The like-for-like replacement of Trident is expected to cost at least £20bn, and the money will have to come from the Ministry of Defence rather than the Treasury.
The motion read: "The exclusion of Trident from the Strategic Defence and Security Review is now untenable; it should be included and receive the scrutiny which strategic, political and financial circumstances demand."
Under the terms of the Coalition programme for government the Lib Dems and Conservatives agreed that Britain would maintain its nuclear deterrent but that it should be "scrutinised to ensure value for money".
And the agreement allows the Lib Dems to "continue to make the case for alternatives".
In their 2010 election manifesto the junior coalition partner said they would say no to the like-for-like replacement of the Trident nuclear weapons system.
Speaking in the debate, defence minister Nick Harvey called for conference to support the motion, which is conflict with government policy.
The point of no return on the project is known as "main gate", when the money is spent and construction begins.
Harvey told his party that this was not due to begin until at least 2014, he argued that therefore it was of "no military significance" to delay this until after a 2015 general election.
But he said this was of "great political significance" as it would prohibit Labour from painting the Lib Dems as merely Tories in disguise.
Baroness Shirley Williams told the conference hall that it would be "ludicrous" to replace Trident at a time when President Obama is trying to move the United States towards multi-lateral disarmament.
Article Comments
By focussing on big, shiny bits of kit (as the military would call them) there is the danger that we will shape our perception of the future threats to our country around the equipment that we have available, or we would like to buy.
We must focus clearly and accurately on the real threats, and then retain or buy the best pieces of equipment to counter those threats cost-effectively.
For this reason, Trident's replacement must form part of an objective and level-headed Strategic Defence and Security Review.
James, R
23rd Sep 2010 at 7:43 am
Have your say...
Please enter your comments below.