Ministerial aide Jim Devine has become the second member of the government to quit over plans to renew the UK's Trident nuclear weapons.
Ministerial aide Jim Devine has become the second member of the government to quit over plans to renew the UK's Trident nuclear weapons.
The Livingston MP quit his job as a parliamentary private secretary at the Department of Health.
The Livingston MP quit his job as a parliamentary private secretary at the Department of Health.
Deputy Commons leader Nigel Griffiths quit on Monday in protest at Trident.
Deputy Commons leader Nigel Griffiths quit on Monday in protest at Trident.
Although a Labour rebellion is expected in a vote on Wednesday, the Conservatives back renewal of Trident, making a government defeat unlikely.
Although a Labour rebellion is expected in a vote on Wednesday, the Conservatives back renewal of Trident, making a government defeat unlikely.
It is understood Mr Devine hopes to speak during Wednesday's Commons debate on Trident, when MPs will vote on the £20bn plan to replace the submarine-based Trident nuclear weapons system.
It is understood Mr Devine hopes to speak during Wednesday's Commons debate on Trident, when MPs will vote on the £20bn plan to replace the submarine-based Trident nuclear weapons system.
Ministers say the long lead time in developing and building the replacement submarines means a decision needs to be taken soon on replacing Trident.
Ministers say the long lead time in developing and building the replacement submarines means a decision needs to be taken soon on replacing Trident.
Conservative leader David Cameron made clear his support for the plans on BBC Radio 4's Today programme on Monday.
Conservative leader David Cameron made clear his support for the plans on BBC Radio 4's Today programme on Monday.
He said: "I think it needs to be done and I've always supported Britain having a nuclear deterrent, so when Trident comes to the end of its life it needs to be replaced."
He said: "I think it needs to be done and I've always supported Britain having a nuclear deterrent, so when Trident comes to the end of its life it needs to be replaced."
'Clear conscience'
'Clear conscience'
The Liberal Democrats say Britain's stockpile of warheads should be cut by 50% but a decision on replacing them should be delayed until at least 2012.
The Liberal Democrats say Britain's stockpile of warheads should be cut by 50% but a decision on replacing them should be delayed until at least 2012.
The Lib Dems will vote against the government's proposals on Wednesday, with as many as 100 Labour MPs who also oppose renewal.
The Lib Dems will vote against the government's proposals on Wednesday, with as many as 100 Labour MPs who also oppose renewal.
Announcing his resignation on Monday, Mr Griffiths, MP for Edinburgh South, said: "I'm resigning with a heavy heart but a clear conscience.
Announcing his resignation on Monday, Mr Griffiths, MP for Edinburgh South, said: "I'm resigning with a heavy heart but a clear conscience.
"I intend to make a personal statement in the House of Commons to colleagues and it is only right that they hear the reasons first."
"I intend to make a personal statement in the House of Commons to colleagues and it is only right that they hear the reasons first."
Labour MP Stephen Pound, a ministerial aide to party chairman and deputy leadership contender Hazel Blears is also thought to be considering his position.
Labour MP Stephen Pound, a ministerial aide to party chairman and deputy leadership contender Hazel Blears is also thought to be considering his position.
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