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Blair 'in rush' to approve new generation of nuclear missiles

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

London, Nov. 17, IRNA
UK-Nuclear Weapons
Prime Minister Tony Blair was reported Friday to be `in a rush' to approve a new generation of nuclear weapons for Britain before he leaves office next year.

According to the Guardian newspaper, Blair told his cabinet ministers on Thursday that he plans to launch a debate on the controversial replacement of the country's ageing Trident nuclear missiles as early as next week and wanted a quick decision.

Defence Secretary, Des Browne, was also said to have started one- to-one meetings with colleagues before the imminent publication of a white paper supporting what is being called the "retention of Britain's independent deterrent."
The UK government has already faced strong opposition, including from inside the ruling Labour Party, against upgrading the submarine-based nuclear system, including over the costs which is estimated to be at least Pnds 20 million (Dlrs 36 m).

Peace campaigners and legal experts have also argued that any replacement would represent a breach of Britain's obligations under the non-proliferation treaty to disarm.

Britain's Labour Party supported a policy of nuclear disarmament until the mid-80s when it was changed to multilateral disarmament.

Many members of the government were also members of the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament.

The Trident system entered service in late 1994 and has a projected life span of approximately 25 to 30 years, but it is argued that an early decision is required given the long procurement process for a replacement to enter into service around 2020.

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