Press Release
4 December 2006
Government hits wrong target with announcement on new nuclear weapons
Nuclear Free Local Authorities (1) expressed disappointment in today’s announcement by the Prime Minister that the UK will develop a new nuclear weapons capability.
Manchester City Councillor, Bill Risby, Co-Chair of the Nuclear Free Local Authorities stated:
“I am appalled by the decision to replace the Trident nuclear weapon system. This in a Nation that only a short while ago began a terrible war against Iraq because, we were wrongly advised, they were developing weapons of mass destruction. A Nation that expresses concern about the development of nuclear weapons by North Korea and the possibility of Iran doing the same. Such a Nation should not continue replacing or modernising its own nuclear arsenal. Even our own Prime Minister admits to the fact that there is no recognisable potential nuclear enemy.
“In my opinion this is a scandalous waste of at least £20bn of taxpayers money which could so easily be used for so many obvious necessities including the abolition of the poverty that still affects millions of our own citizens.”
ENDS
1. Nuclear Free Local Authorities is a growing network of councils across, England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland campaigning to reduce nuclear hazards and increase public and environmental protection.