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Over 50 MPs call on Blair to delay vote on nuclear replacement

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

London, Jan 12, IRNA
UK MPs-Nuclear Weapons
Over 50 MPs are calling on Prime Minister Tony Blair to delay a parliamentary vote on his controversial plans to replace Britain's submarine-based Trident nuclear missiles.

"A period of three months is insufficient for a discussion on a decision of this magnitude," says an Early Day Motion in the House of Commons, signed so far by 52 MPs.

It said that the government needed to extend the period of consultations pledged by Blair to enable all political parties and other organizations with a legitimate interest to undertake full discussion."

Many MPs believe that the prime minister is rushing through the decision to ensure its approval before he steps down from power later this year.

Despite a sizeable rebellion by MPs, Blair is expected to gain parliamentary approval with the support of the main opposition Conservative Party, which also favours replacing the country's nuclear missiles.

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