Let's be bold on nukes, says Stephen Williams MP

5.17.30pm GMT Thu 1st Mar 2007

Stephen Williams MP agrees with local Greenpeace campaigners that Britain should not replace Trident.

Local Lib Dem MP Stephen Williams has urged his party to oppose government plans to replace the UK's nuclear missile system. After meetings with local anti-nuclear campaigners, Mr Williams will argue for the Lib Dems to take a fresh approach on the issue.

The UK's nuclear missile system, Trident, is expected to come to the end of its working life in the next 20 years. The government has already announced plans to spend a further £20 billion on replacing the submarines that carry the UK's nuclear warheads.

Speaking on Trident, Stephen Williams said "We need to have the courage to oppose any moves to replace Trident. The world is a very different place compared to 20 years ago and the need for a nuclear missile system has passed. Like on Iraq, the Lib Dems should not be afraid to follow their convictions and take a stance on these issues of international importance."

Stephen Williams has been listening to the concerns of local anti-nuclear activists including prominent Greenpeace member Wilf Mound.

Speaking on Mr Williams' stance, Mr Mound said "I praise Stephen Williams for his principled and practical stand against the renewal of Trident both in my position as Chair of the Bristol Greenpeace group and as a concerned constituent. I do hope that other Bristol MPs will also put sanity over self-interest on this issue."

The Liberal Democrat position on Trident's replacement will be decided at their Spring Conference in Harrogate on Saturday.