Many people would prioritise spending on health or education, on infrastructure, job creation or supporting the vulnerable rather than on replacing Britain’s Trident nuclear weapons. Others would argue that spending over £100bn on a cold war weapons system – rather than maintaining our troops or combating cyber warfare – is detrimental to the national interest. Many of us see that there is no strategic, economic or moral case for nuclear weapons, but others who think otherwise. It remains a controversial debate.
A decision on the replacement of Trident is due to be taken in 2016. If the Labour party is to form the next government, now is the time to debate it, in an open fashion, to arrive at an informed policy – leaving aside past prejudices – in Britain’s best interests. For Labour to regain trust in its ability to govern openly and transparently, it must show it is confident enough in its own processes to have it. This year’s Labour party conference is the time to debate this crucial issue.
Nick Brown MP, Newcastle East / Martin Caton MP, Gower / Katy Clark MP, North Ayrshire and Arran / Michael Connarty MP, Linlithgow and Falkirk East / Jeremy Corbyn MP, Islington North / Paul Flynn MP, Newport West / Sheila Gilmore MP, Edinburgh East / Fabian Hamilton MP, Leeds North East / Kelvin Hopkins MP, Luton North / John McDonnell MP, Hayes and Harlington / Michael Meacher MP, Oldham West and Royton / Joan Walley MP, Stoke-on-Trent North / Claudia Beamish MSP, South Scotland / Neil Findlay MSP, Lothian / Christine Chapman AM, Cynon Valley / Jenny Rathbone AM, Cardiff / Central / Julie Morgan AM, Cardiff North / Julie James AM, Swansea West / Baroness Ruth Lister / Lord Alf Dubs / Clive Lewis PPC, Norwich South / Nancy Platts PPC, Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven / Lisa Forbes PPC, Peterborough / Ann Black NEC / Lucy Anderson, London NPF rep / Nick Davies, Wales NPF rep / Ruth Davies, Yorkshire and Humber NPF rep / Annabelle Harle, Wales NPF rep / Carol Hayton, South East NPF rep / Jenny Holland, East of England NPF rep / Chris Hughes, North West NPF rep / Sally Hussain, London NPF rep / George McManus, Yorkshire and Humber NPF rep / Doug Naysmith, South West NPF rep / Alice Perry, London NPF rep / Nicholas Russell, Labour Disabled Members Group NPF rep / Lorna Trollope, East of England NPF rep / Darren Williams, Wales NPF rep