Lib Dems welcome Labour MP's shift on Trident (Newcastle upon Tyne Liberal Democrats)

Newcastle upon Tyne Liberal Democrats <info@newcastle-libdems.org.uk>

Lib Dems welcome Labour MP's shift on Trident

September 9, 2009 2:45 PM
Originally published by Greg Stone

Newcastle East Lib Dem Parliamentary Spokesman Greg Stone has welcomed hints by Labour MP Nick Brown that it may be time for a rethink on the Trident nuclear deterrent system.

In a glossy leaflet paid for by the taxpayer through Mr Brown's "parliamentary communications allowance", the MP implies that the Government's policy on Trident may need to be rethought. Observers believe this U-turn is as a result of the Government no longer being able to afford such an expensive weapon system at a time when the public finances are in crisis.

Greg Stone said "I am pleased to see that Nick Brown appears to be suggesting that there is a question mark over the future of the Trident system, as the Lib Dems have been calling for this to be rethought for some time now. We have serious concerns at whether it can be justified in terms of cost and in terms of strategic requirements.

"However I am very surprised that the Chief Whip appears to be going against Labour party policy in such a fashion. Is this a hint that the Government is about to carry out a massive U-turn, or is Nick acting unilaterally?"