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Cabinet to debate nuclear future Cabinet debating nuclear future
(about 1 hour later)
Ministers are expected to discuss the future of Britain's nuclear weapons system for the first time at the weekly meeting of the Cabinet.Ministers are expected to discuss the future of Britain's nuclear weapons system for the first time at the weekly meeting of the Cabinet.
Prime Minister Tony Blair has already announced he and Chancellor Gordon Brown support Trident's replacement.Prime Minister Tony Blair has already announced he and Chancellor Gordon Brown support Trident's replacement.
But there have been reports that at least three members of the Cabinet are unhappy with that position.But there have been reports that at least three members of the Cabinet are unhappy with that position.
Campaign groups have said they are concerned a decision has already been taken on Trident's future.Campaign groups have said they are concerned a decision has already been taken on Trident's future.
Britain has 16 Trident missiles, based on four nuclear submarines, providing a total of 200 warheads.
Defence 'essential'
But they will reach the end of their operational life by the year 2024 and a decision is needed if they are to be replaced in time.
Mr Blair told MPs on Wednesday it was "important" the UK maintained its independent nuclear weapons system.Mr Blair told MPs on Wednesday it was "important" the UK maintained its independent nuclear weapons system.
'Arm-twisting'
Lib Dem leader Sir Menzies Campbell asked for an assurance that MPs would have a vote on whether or not to replace the Trident system.
Mr Blair said a White Paper outlining options would be published this year, adding he was sure MPs would have a vote.
He has previously promised a full debate before a decision is made, while Mr Brown has also said he wants to keep Britain's "independent nuclear deterrent".
The Times reported on Wednesday that Foreign Secretary Margaret Beckett, International Development Secretary Hilary Benn and Northern Ireland Secretary Peter Hain had concerns about replacing or extending Trident.
TRIDENT MISSILE SYSTEM Missile length: 44ft (13m)Weight: 130,000lb (58,500kg)Diameter: 74 inches (1.9m)Range: More than 4,600 miles (7,400km)Power plant: Three stage solid propellant rocketCost: £16.8m ($29.1m) per missile Source: Federation of American Scientists How Trident worksTRIDENT MISSILE SYSTEM Missile length: 44ft (13m)Weight: 130,000lb (58,500kg)Diameter: 74 inches (1.9m)Range: More than 4,600 miles (7,400km)Power plant: Three stage solid propellant rocketCost: £16.8m ($29.1m) per missile Source: Federation of American Scientists How Trident works
He has said before it was an essential part of Britain's ability to defend itself.
Lib Dem leader Sir Menzies Campbell asked him for an assurance that MPs would have a vote on whether or not to replace the Trident system.
Mr Blair said a White Paper outlining options would be published this year, adding he was sure MPs would have a vote - he has previously promised a full debate before a decision is made.
Supporters say Trident largely exists to deter any threat - particularly at a time when countries like North Korea and Iran harbour their own nuclear ambitions.
But critics say the cost of replacing Trident - estimated at up to £25bn - would be better spent elsewhere, particularly as nuclear weapons would be useless in the fight against international terrorism.
Cabinet pressure
The Times reported that Foreign Secretary Margaret Beckett, International Development Secretary Hilary Benn and Northern Ireland Secretary Peter Hain had concerns about replacing or extending Trident.
Defence minister Lord Drayson has said the White Paper would discuss whether to replace the current submarine-based missiles with a land-based or aircraft-based system.Defence minister Lord Drayson has said the White Paper would discuss whether to replace the current submarine-based missiles with a land-based or aircraft-based system.
It would set out options, including highlighting the government's preferred one.It would set out options, including highlighting the government's preferred one.
Campaigners say they fear the government has already decided to go-ahead with replacing Trident. Campaigners say Trident should be scrapped
John Sauven, campaign manager of Greenpeace, said: "We have heard that Margaret Beckett is opposed to Trident. We have heard Peter Hain is opposed to Trident. But campaigners say they fear the government has already decided to go-ahead with replacing Trident.
John Sauven, of Greenpeace, said: "We have heard that Margaret Beckett is opposed to Trident. We have heard Peter Hain is opposed to Trident.
"We have heard some of the Tory grandees like Michael Ancram are opposed to Trident. The same in the Liberal Democrat Party."We have heard some of the Tory grandees like Michael Ancram are opposed to Trident. The same in the Liberal Democrat Party.
"But I still get the impression that there will be pressure put on them and, as always, the Cabinet might have an argument, but then Tony Blair will say 'this is the decision and you are going to stick by it'.""But I still get the impression that there will be pressure put on them and, as always, the Cabinet might have an argument, but then Tony Blair will say 'this is the decision and you are going to stick by it'."
Green paper Kate Hudson, chairman of CND - the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament - said a White Paper could "close down" the wider debate and she would prefer to see all the issues discussed.
Kate Hudson, chairman of CND - the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament - said she wanted a Green Paper on the subject which would see all the issues discussed. She said: "Many MPs for example support that idea. A Green Paper would lay out all the possible alternatives including of course the possibility of non-replacement."
She said: "Many MPs for example support that idea. A Green Paper would lay out all the possible alternatives including of course the possibility of non-replacement.
"Many people are concerned now that the government takes a decision and issues a White Paper outlining its own views on the matter but that will really close down the possibility of having a much wider discussion about the security future."