David Cameron reveals Commons vote to replace Trident nuclear system

Vote: MPs will vote on whether to replace the ageing nuclear system
Russell Cheyne/Reuters
Jamie Bullen9 July 2016
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Prime Minister David Cameron has announced a Commons vote to replace the Trident nuclear missile system will take place on July 18.

Mr Cameron confirmed the move at the Nato summit in Warsaw where a parliamentary vote would confirm support to replace the full fleet of four submarines.

He said: “The nuclear deterrent remains essential, in my view, not just to Britain's security but, as our allies have acknowledged here today, to the overall security of the Nato alliance.”

As he nears the end of his reign in office, Mr Cameron swatted away suggestions he should have left the vote for his successor to announce.

He added: “It is a manifesto pledge to have a fully fledged deterrent, to replace all four submarines. We need to get on with that.”

Announcement: David Cameron revealed a Commons vote on Trident will take place on July 18
PA

“We need certainty about it so the investment decisions can go ahead so I think it makes sense to hold this vote, to hold this vote now to put it beyond doubt."

It comes amid reports Labour’s defence review will leave open the possibility got retaining the nuclear deterrent despite leader’s Jeremy Corbyn’s opposition.

The review is expected to set five tests for the UK’s continued status as a nuclear power, including whether it makes a "demonstrable contribution" to the defence of the country and if it represents value for money.

A report on BBC’s Newsnight said Mr Corbyn had already accepted draft conclusions which could be considered formally at the party’s conference in September.

Mr Corbyn was said to believe the report could provide a middle way between unilateral disarmament and maintaining a full-scale nuclear weapons system.

A Labour Party spokesman said: "The defence review is a continuing project looking at what is best for Britain. It will report in due course.

"As people would expect, we are assessing the impact of Brexit and the Chilcot Report as we consider the detail of our policy response. Ultimately it will be for the party members to decide Labour's policy programme."

Mr Corbyn told Sky News: "We are having a look at all the issues surrounding it. I believe security in the world is achieved through peace, through democracy, through justice, through human rights.

"I do not believe that nuclear weapons actually enhance security, I support the nuclear non-proliferation treaty - which we are signed up to - which is trying to bring together collective disarmament. Those are the views that I will be putting forward."

Additional reporting by Press Association

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