Part of the Trident: we don't buy it tour blog
A parliamentary vote to "replace" the Trident nuclear weapons system and tie Britain into having nuclear weapons for the next 50 years is being rushed through this Wednesday.
The government's proposal to spend £76 billion replacing the Cold War Trident system breaches its international disarmament treaty obligations, under the Nuclear Weapons Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
How can the UK seriously expect other states not to develop nuclear weapons when, instead of taking genuine steps to disarm, it decides to replace its own weapons?
A strong rebellion is growing amongst MPs. On Sunday the BBC reported that their poll indicated that two thirds of Labour MPs plan to vote against the government and oppose the Trident replacement. Today Deputy leader of the Commons Nigel Griffiths resigned over the issue. The public's view is shifting too, with only 24% of the public supporting the government's plans to replace Trident.
So if you oppose new nuclear weapons, NOW is the time to act - there are three things we need you to do:
1. Please email your MP today and tell them to vote for a nuclear-free future. Urge them to vote for maximizing the rebellion against the government's plans by backing the cross party amendment sponsored by John Trickett MP. This is a new amendment so even if you've already contacted your MP please do so again. It's particularly important to send the email if your MP is a Liberal Democrat.
2. Join the emergency lobby. It will run between 1pm and 6pm on the day of the vote. If you want to join it please contact your MP today to schedule an appointment on Wednesday. There will be CND stewards at the St. Stephen's Entrance of the House of Commons to provide you with any information you may need, and to direct you to Committee Room 16 where you can pick up briefing papers and receive advice on lobbying.
3. Come and join us at the emergency rally. This will run from 1-8pm on Wednesday in Parliament Square. We need to show the government that the public do not support building new nuclear weapons. This is about all of our futures and the kind of world we want to live in. If you cant make the rally then check out information about other protests - both in London and other parts of the country by visiting www.tridentvoteday.org.uk
Thank you,
Louise
