Let the arguments begin
Sunday 13 June 2010
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EmailI agree with much of what Steven Schofield writes about the bizarre outcome of the Nuclear Non Proliferation Treaty (NPT) conference, ending up cheerleading for an out-of-date, last century, expensive, hazardous and essentially irrelevant power generation technology in nuclear energy ("Warm talk of nuke treaties a mere mask," M Star June 9). I agree with much of what Steven Schofield writes about the bizarre outcome of the Nuclear Non Proliferation Treaty (NPT) conference, ending up cheerleading for an out-of-date, last century, expensive, hazardous and essentially irrelevant power generation technology in nuclear energy ("Warm talk of nuke treaties a mere mask," M Star June 9).
But I differ with his assertion that "parliamentary lobbying by the peace movement has proven to be a dead end." Despite the clear majority in public opinion polls opposed to Trident modernisation and the ã20bn price tag, all the major parties - including the Lib Dems in coalition - are committed to replacement."
In a little-noticed written answer to new Green MP Caroline Lucas, on June 7 (Hansard, column 11), who had asked the MOD if Trident would be included in the strategic defence review, she was told by Tory Defence Secretary Liam Fox: "Both the value for money review of the Trident programme and the re-examination of the UK's declaratory nuclear policy will be conducted within the framework of the Strategic Defence and Security Review."
It is thus now up to the peace movement and progressive MPs to make sure the opposition arguments are fully aired.
Dr David Lowry Former director, European Proliferation Information Centre (EPIC) Stoneleigh
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