SNP efforts to force the new coalition to include Trident in the Strategic Defence review were blocked last night by the Lib Dems….
SNP efforts to force the new coalition to include Trident in the Strategic Defence review were blocked last night by the Lib Dems.
The SNP was joined in its efforts by Plaid Cymru and Green Party MP Caroline Lucas, all of whom are opposed to any renewal of Trident and to the UK maintaining nuclear weapons of any kind.
The amendment from the SNP asked the Lib Dems to live up to their pre-election promises and ensure there was a thorough review of the decision to renew these unnecessary nuclear weapons.
Commenting, SNP Westminster leader and Defence spokesman Angus Robertson MP said:
“This was an opportunity for the Liberal Democrats to make the case for alternatives, as they claim is their policy, but they have voted against it and betrayed the people who voted for them.
“To undertake a strategic review which excludes the hyper-expensive Trident programme, while considering cuts to conventional, front-line forces, is a sham exercise. A defence review is essential to prioritise our defence needs in a changed world, but you cannot have a meaningful debate about that if you start by excluding the future of the Trident programme.
“The forthcoming review is a prime opportunity to fundamentally consider the Trident nuclear weapons system yet Tory, Liberal and Labour MPs are determined to treat it as some sacred cow.
“It would appear that the Liberal Democrats have traded their opposition to Trident for the trappings of government. By voting against this amendment, the Liberals have let down voters across the country who backed their anti-nuclear stance.
“Whatever way you look at it, Trident is morally, economically and politically untenable – that is why the SNP will continue to fight to have it scrapped altogether.”