Churches deliver Trident petition

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Scottish churchmen have delivered a 20,000-signature petition to Westminster calling for the UK nuclear weapons system to be decommissioned.

A white paper outlining options for replacing Trident is due on Monday.

The Moderator of the Church of Scotland Alan McDonald said there was no moral case for nuclear weapons, which are based on submarines at Faslane.

Reverend McDonald also took part in September's peace march from nuclear base on the Clyde to Holyrood.

The Liberal Democrats have called for a 50% reduction in Trident's capability and for a decision to be delayed for eight years.

Prime Minister Tony Blair and Chancellor Gordon Brown have indicated they want to see the UK keeping its own nuclear weapons system.

There will be a three-month consultation on the plans which are published in the white paper and a vote by MPs in the House of Commons.

Ministers want a quick decision to ensure any replacement is ready when Trident's working life ends in 2024.