HC Deb 09 February 1998 vol 306 c15
13. Mr. Brady

What steps he is taking to work towards the global elimination of nuclear weapons. [26107]

Mr. George Robertson

As we made clear in our manifesto, we are committed to the global elimination of nuclear weapons. We shall press for multilateral negotiations towards mutual, balanced and verifiable reductions in nuclear weapons.

Mr. Brady

I thank the Minister for that interesting response. While unstable and undemocratic regimes such as that in Iraq continue to hold weapons of mass destruction, is it not vital that we should retain an independent nuclear deterrent?

Mr. Robertson

This Government were elected on a manifesto commitment to retain Trident, and we shall.