Stunell calls for full debate on future of UK's nuclear weapons

9.35.39am UTC (GMT +0000) Fri 27th Oct 2006

This week, Hazel Grove MP, Andrew Stunell has called for a full public and Parliamentary debate on the future of Trident, the UK's nuclear weapons system. He has joined back bench MPs of all parties in demanding action.

Mr Stunell said:

"This is not a decision that should be made behind the closed doors of Number 10.

"The true cost of replacing and operating the Trident nuclear missile system will be at least £76bn. That is £380 million of Stockport taxpayer's money over the next 30 years. There are also ethical questions that concern many local residents over whether we should be building more nuclear weapons.

"So far the government have run scared from having an open and honest debate about creating a new generation of nuclear weapons. Now I am calling on the government to urgently open things up by setting out their aims and options, and holding a debate."

ENDS