20 January 2006: for immediate release

The Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament today welcomed the announcement by the Defence Committee that it will be holding a series of inquiries over the course of the current parliament on the issue of replacing Trident, Britain’s nuclear weapons system. The first inquiry will focus on the strategic context and timetable for replacement. CND suggests that the second inquiry focus on Trident replacement in the context of the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, and specifically the UK’s obligation to disarm under Article VI of the treaty.

Kate Hudson, Chair of the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, said, “It is a positive step that the Defence Committee is willing to hold inquiries on the subject of Trident replacement. However, it is essential that these inquiries consider that non-replacement of Trident is also an option – in fact, it is the only option that will allow us to fulfil our obligations under the NPT. Britain must set an example for the rest of the world by taking the lead in the movement to eliminate the global threat of nuclear weapons.”

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