So much for a nuclear ‘debate’

11:22am Thursday 30th November 2006

Dear editor,

Few things can better highlight the true priorities of New Labour than the announcement this week by Tony Blair of a period of "debate" about the future of British nuclear weapons.

In the strange world inhabited by New Labour, this is not to be a debate about whether the UK should retain its nuclear weapons -that is already decided.

It is to be about about whether to replace the existing systems with new ones (Blair's preferred option) or to extend the life of the existing weapons.

Although New Labour MP's will be allowed to express an opinion, it has already been made clear that they will then be whipped into supporting the replacement system, at a likely cost of £75billion.

Under international law, developing new nuclear weapons contravenes the Non-Proliferation Treaty, a treaty which the UK has signed. So, we have a position where New Labour are prepared to huff and puff and even go to war if countries such as Iraq or Iran breach the treaty, but are quite happy for the UK itself to act in total disregard of the same treaty.

New Labour tell us that they can't find enough money to fund some new treatments in the NHS, they can't find enough money to fund university education for our young people, they can't find enough money to fund care and proper pensions, and they can't find enough money to refurbish council housing. All issues of vital concern to people here in Pembrokeshire. But there's plenty of cash available for nuclear weapons which no sane person would ever use, and for illegal wars which cannot be won.

Politics is the language of priorities, it is said. We now know which language New Labour speaks.

John Dixon, Plaid Cymru, Assembly candidate Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire.