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Blair refuses parliamentary vote on replacing nuclear arms

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

London, June 28, IRNA
UK-Blair-Nuclear
Prime Minister Tony Blair refused to say Wednesday whether he will grant a parliamentary vote before ordering a new generation of nuclear weapons.

Speaking at prime minister's questions, Blair confirmed that a decision would be taken 'this year' on whether to upgrade Britain's ageing submarine-based Trident missile systems following the publication of a government white paper.

Opposition Conservative leader David Cameron accused Chancellor of the Exchequer Gordon Brown of undermining parliament by pre-empting the prime minister's promised debate, after he indicated support for replacing the nuclear deterrent last week.

"That afternoon the chancellor of the exchequer went around saying he had made a decision and it would be announced later this year. Can the prime minister tell us what the chancellor is up to?" he asked.

Blair said that Brown, who is designated to eventually replace him as prime minister, had only echoed what was in Labor's election manifesto.

"It is important that Britain makes sure that we defend our country properly. I believe an independent deterrent is an essential part of that," he said.

But Cameron claimed that briefing by the chancellor's camp had gone further than the manifesto pledge to 'retain' a nuclear deterrent and demanded a vote among MPs before any decision is taken.

"One of the things the chancellor said is that there should be a vote. So can the prime minister tell us, in plain English, will the House of Commons have a vote on whether Trident is replaced?" he asked.

Instead of answering direct on whether there would be a parliamentary, Blair only promised there would be 'the fullest possible debate'.

"We will of course consult the House (of Commons) fully. The method of doing that will be announced when the white paper is published."
The Conservative leader also argued that Blair's Education Secretary Alan Johnson had said he wants a vote to take place and asked why the prime minister would not agree.

But again Blair insisted that 'of course we believe it is extremely important we have the fullest possible debate on this subject'.

Anti-war Labor MP Jeremy Corbyn further said that replacing Trident would do nothing to prevent 'nuclear disarmament around the world'.

In response, the prime minister said again the issue was one that could be discussed as part of a 'lively debate' but insisted that retaining a nuclear deterrent would not be 'inconsistent' with being in favor of non-proliferation.

Blair is facing demands from nearly 100 Labor MPs for a parliamentary vote, but ironically the government is expected to win any vote, largely because of the support of Conservatives, who also favor retaining nuclear weapons.

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