John Baron MP supports Trident renewal

MP says recent international events highlight importance of deterrence

Yesterday in the House of Commons, the Scottish National Party, Plaid Cymru and the Green Party sponsored a debate opposing the renewal of the submarine-based Trident nuclear weapons system. John supports the like-for-like renewal of Trident, believing Britain’s nuclear weapons are the cornerstone of our defence, are an essential contribution to NATO and overall make the world a safer place.

In the Chamber, John asked,

“Can the Hon. Gentleman not see that recent events, even on NATO’s border, again remind us of the importance of retaining the ultimate insurance policy in order to help keep Britain and its allies safe?”

In answering, Angus Robertson MP [SNP leader at Westminster] said that other European countries did not have nuclear weapons, and so the argument was not valid.

John said afterwards,

“Such an argument does not hold water. Countries within NATO have the protection of its nuclear umbrella, which is in part supplied by Britain. Many countries not necessarily friendly to the West, including those with nuclear weapons, are rearming and becoming more assertive. We must keep our independent nuclear deterrent to guard against all eventualities.”