DAR AL HARB - U.K.: NUCLEAR DETERRENT TO BE RENEWED

Britain to renew nuclear deterrent despite revolt

LONDON - Prime Minister Tony Blair won a crucial parliamentary vote to renew Britain’s nuclear deterrent on Wednesday, but only after a revolt from within his ruling Labour ranks.
The bill itself passed by a healthy margin with 409 in favour of replacing the US-built Trident missile system, and 161 against, after a rowdy debate in parliament and the resignation of four junior government ministers through the course of the week.

While Blair, who is to stand down within months, told the House of Commons that nuclear weapons were essential for Britain’s future security, opponents argued that the costs were prohibitive and that Britain would be seen to be hypocritical in its dealings with Iran and North Korea.

Dissent was strong within his own Labour party, with 87 Labour MPs voting against replacing the submarine-based Trident. Some 95 backed a defeated amendment to delay the decision.
The government won both votes only with the support of the main opposition Conservatives in what was seen by some as a sign of Blair’s weakening control over his party after nearly a decade in power. He is expected to hand over to finance minister Gordon Brown later this year.

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