12 March 2007: for immediate release
The Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament today welcomed the resignation of
Nigel Griffiths MP from his position as deputy leader of the Commons.
Mr Griffiths announced his resignation today ‘with a clear conscience’
in response to the government’s plans to replace Trident, Britain’s
nuclear weapons system.
MPs will debate and vote on the issue of Trident replacement this Wednesday
14th March. A substantial rebellion is expected against the government’s
position which would extend Britain’s status as a Nuclear Weapon
State until at least 2054.
Kate Hudson, Chair of the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, said:
‘We welcome Mr Griffiths’ principled stand against the government’s
ill-conceived plan to replace Trident with a new generation of nuclear
weapons. It is quite clear that if Britain declares that nuclear weapons
are necessary for our security, other countries will come to the same
conclusion, leading to a dangerous escalation in global nuclear proliferation.’
‘We hope that more ministers will come to the same conclusion as
Nigel Griffiths, and that when MPs vote on Wednesday they will remember
that 72% of the British public do not want Trident to be replaced now.’
‘With only two days before parliament is to debate and vote on
Trident replacement, the government still has not answered the vital questions
raised in last week’s Defence Select Committee report. No wonder
there will be a massive rebellion against the government’s position
– there are serious outstanding issues of democracy, accountability
and transparency.’
‘It is overwhelmingly clear that a decision on Trident replacement
does not have to be taken now. Numerous defence experts have testified
that this decision does not have to be taken now, and over 150 MPs have
now signed EDM 579 calling for an extension to the consultation period
on Trident replacement.’
CND has called an emergency parliamentary lobby on 14th March, the day
of the debate and vote on Trident replacement. CND has also organised
a rally in Parliament Square from 6-8 pm on the day of the vote.
end
Notes to Editor:
1 . For further information and interviews please contact Rick Wayman,
CND's Press & Communications Officer, on 0207 7002350 or 07968 420859
2 . An ICM poll from June 2006 showed that 81% of the British public believes
that any decision on Trident replacement should be made by Parliament,
not the Prime Minister alone. Click here
for a full copy of the poll.
3 . According to a July 2006 ICM poll, 59% of the British public opposes
a replacement of Trident when presented with a cost of at least £25
billion. Click here
for a full copy of the poll.
4 . The Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND) is one of Europe’s
biggest single-issue peace campaigns, with over 35,000 members in the
UK. CND campaigns for the abolition of all nuclear weapons everywhere.
www.cnduk.org
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