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Emily Thornberry clashes with Labour MPs over Trident Emily Thornberry clashes with Labour MPs over Trident
(7 months later)
Emily Thornberry, the shadow defence secretary, has clashed with Labour MPs after she urged them to keep an open mind on the replacement of the Trident nuclear deterrent.Emily Thornberry, the shadow defence secretary, has clashed with Labour MPs after she urged them to keep an open mind on the replacement of the Trident nuclear deterrent.
The senior Labour MP, who is leading a review of the party’s defence policy, was heckled by colleagues at a meeting of the parliamentary party as she set out her progress so far and revealed she was not convinced by the current delivery system.The senior Labour MP, who is leading a review of the party’s defence policy, was heckled by colleagues at a meeting of the parliamentary party as she set out her progress so far and revealed she was not convinced by the current delivery system.
Labour’s position is in favour of having a continuous at-sea nuclear deterrent but this is under review and could change at its party conference in the autumn.Labour’s position is in favour of having a continuous at-sea nuclear deterrent but this is under review and could change at its party conference in the autumn.
Jeremy Corbyn, who opposes Trident, is heading for a battle with much of his shadow cabinet, MPs and trade unions over the issue but the Labour leader is likely to have the support of grassroots members.Jeremy Corbyn, who opposes Trident, is heading for a battle with much of his shadow cabinet, MPs and trade unions over the issue but the Labour leader is likely to have the support of grassroots members.
Tensions broke into the open at the parliamentary meeting on Monday evening, as Thornberry gave an update on the review and promised a series of “fireside chats” to listen to the views of colleagues.Tensions broke into the open at the parliamentary meeting on Monday evening, as Thornberry gave an update on the review and promised a series of “fireside chats” to listen to the views of colleagues.
Related: Labour MP challenges Corbyn with unofficial Trident review
Pro-Trident Labour MPs were particularly exercised by her suggestion that the technology of Trident’s replacement deterrent would be as out of date as having Spitfire planes patrolling the skies within a few decades.Pro-Trident Labour MPs were particularly exercised by her suggestion that the technology of Trident’s replacement deterrent would be as out of date as having Spitfire planes patrolling the skies within a few decades.
She was openly criticised by some Labour MPs, causing her to tell them not to shout her down.She was openly criticised by some Labour MPs, causing her to tell them not to shout her down.
According to those present, Madeleine Moon, the Labour MP and member of the UK’s Nato parliamentary assembly delegation, said people in Nato were worried about Labour’s position and argued it was a fantasy to suggest the UK could scrap Trident while remaining a Nato member.According to those present, Madeleine Moon, the Labour MP and member of the UK’s Nato parliamentary assembly delegation, said people in Nato were worried about Labour’s position and argued it was a fantasy to suggest the UK could scrap Trident while remaining a Nato member.
Neil Coyle, the MP for Bermondsey and Old Southwark, said his Labour predecessor in the seat had lost to the Lib Dems because Labour was perceived as weak on defence and asked for assurances this would not happen.Neil Coyle, the MP for Bermondsey and Old Southwark, said his Labour predecessor in the seat had lost to the Lib Dems because Labour was perceived as weak on defence and asked for assurances this would not happen.
One MP said: “People were really unhappy when they were told [by Thornberry] to keep an open mind and look at all the evidence in almost the same breath as she seemed to be determined to find a way of breaking from Labour’s established position on this.”One MP said: “People were really unhappy when they were told [by Thornberry] to keep an open mind and look at all the evidence in almost the same breath as she seemed to be determined to find a way of breaking from Labour’s established position on this.”
The stormy meeting comes after reports that pro-Trident MPs would consider standing on a different manifesto if Labour changes its policy to become in favour of unilateral disarmament.The stormy meeting comes after reports that pro-Trident MPs would consider standing on a different manifesto if Labour changes its policy to become in favour of unilateral disarmament.
Related: ‘Trident is old technology’: the brave new world of cyber warfare
The former shadow health minister Jamie Reed told the Sunday Times (£): “The vast majority of Labour MPs are keen to listen to and represent the ambitions and views of Labour voters and ex-voters.The former shadow health minister Jamie Reed told the Sunday Times (£): “The vast majority of Labour MPs are keen to listen to and represent the ambitions and views of Labour voters and ex-voters.
“It’s entirely possible that MPs will react in a similar fashion to policy proposals with catastrophic consequences such as abandoning Trident renewal. It’s ultimately about saving, not splitting the party.”“It’s entirely possible that MPs will react in a similar fashion to policy proposals with catastrophic consequences such as abandoning Trident renewal. It’s ultimately about saving, not splitting the party.”
Corbyn was not present at the meeting. He moved Maria Eagle, who supports Trident, from her role as shadow defence secretary to shadow culture secretary in his January reshuffle, installing Thornberry instead.Corbyn was not present at the meeting. He moved Maria Eagle, who supports Trident, from her role as shadow defence secretary to shadow culture secretary in his January reshuffle, installing Thornberry instead.
Thornberry is opposed to renewing Trident but is keeping an open mind during the review and thoroughly exploring the options.Thornberry is opposed to renewing Trident but is keeping an open mind during the review and thoroughly exploring the options.
The government is considering when to hold a vote on whether to proceed with replacing Trident, which could come as early as this spring.The government is considering when to hold a vote on whether to proceed with replacing Trident, which could come as early as this spring.