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12/03/2007
Government minister resigns over Trident plans
Deputy leader of the Commons Nigel Griffiths has resigned from his post in protest over the government's plans to renew the Trident nuclear weapons system.
The MP for Edinburgh South, who has been an MP since 1987, resigned two days before a House of Commons vote on the issue.
Making a statement after he handed in his resignation letter to Downing Street, Mr Griffiths said that he was resigning with "a heavy heart but a clear conscience".
He said that planned to make a personal statement to MPs and said that it was "only right that they hear the reasons first".
A Labour rebellion is expected over the £20 billion plan to build a new generation of submarines to carry the Trident nuclear missiles.
The Liberal Democrats have said that Parliament should not make a decision on the plans until at least 2012. However, the Conservatives support the plans.
According to reports, Jim Devine, Parliamentary Private Secretary to Health Minister Rosie Winterton, has also indicated that he may quit his post over the issue.
(KMcA/SP)
The MP for Edinburgh South, who has been an MP since 1987, resigned two days before a House of Commons vote on the issue.
Making a statement after he handed in his resignation letter to Downing Street, Mr Griffiths said that he was resigning with "a heavy heart but a clear conscience".
He said that planned to make a personal statement to MPs and said that it was "only right that they hear the reasons first".
A Labour rebellion is expected over the £20 billion plan to build a new generation of submarines to carry the Trident nuclear missiles.
The Liberal Democrats have said that Parliament should not make a decision on the plans until at least 2012. However, the Conservatives support the plans.
According to reports, Jim Devine, Parliamentary Private Secretary to Health Minister Rosie Winterton, has also indicated that he may quit his post over the issue.
(KMcA/SP)
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Blair defends plans to renew Trident
Tony Blair has continued to defend government plans to renew the Trident nuclear weapons system. Speaking during Prime Minister's question time, Mr Blair said that the system was essential for Britain's security and that the decision on replacing the nuclear submarines should be taken now. MPs will vote on the issue around 7pm on Wednesday evening.
Blair defends plans to renew Trident
Tony Blair has continued to defend government plans to renew the Trident nuclear weapons system. Speaking during Prime Minister's question time, Mr Blair said that the system was essential for Britain's security and that the decision on replacing the nuclear submarines should be taken now. MPs will vote on the issue around 7pm on Wednesday evening.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
