Deputy Commons leader quits over Trident
Nigel Griffiths is the most senior MP to announce his opposition to the plan
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Two more ministers are set to resign over the government's forthcoming vote on Britain's Trident nuclear deterrent. |  |
Monday, 12, Mar 2007 10:35
Jack Straw's deputy in the House of Commons has resigned in protest at the government's intention to renew Britain's nuclear deterrent.
Nigel Griffiths, the deputy leader of the Commons, confirmed his decision to quit as a minister this morning amid growing opposition to the plans to renew the Trident system.
The 51-year-old said he had made his decision with a "heavy heart" but his departure is the biggest setback to prime minister Tony Blair's plans to ensure the measure is approved in a vote later this week.
"I'm confirming that I have resigned from the government with a heavy heart but a clear conscience," Mr Griffiths told the BBC.
"I will be making a statement in the parliament setting out the full reasons."
It emerged over the weekend that ministerial aide Jim Devine and Labour party chairwoman Hazel Blears' parliamentary private secretary, Stephen Pound, would also quit in opposition to the vote.
Mr Blair is still set to see his plans for Trident's renewal approved, however, as the Conservatives have said they will back the government.
Speaking on the Today programme this morning, Tory leader David Cameron said that he strongly supported an independent nuclear capability for the UK.
"I think it is the right idea. I think it needs to be done and I have always supported Britain having an independent nuclear deterrent," he said.
He went on: "When Trident comes to the end of its life it needs to be replaced. I agree with the prime minister's white paper which says this should be submarine-based.
"On Wednesday when the vote comes along, the prime minister knows that the Conservative party will back this policy. He can have a Labour rebellion and not worry about it because we will do the right thing for the country."