§ Mr. Keith SimpsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) if he will make a statement on the Government's policy towards maintaining the United Kingdom's independent nuclear deterrent; [15894]
(2) if the Strategic Defence Review will examine the role, shape, size and cost of the United Kingdom's independent nuclear deterrent. [15940]
§ Mr. George RobertsonThis Government were elected on a specific manifesto commitment to retain Trident while also pressing for multi-lateral negotiations towards mutual, balanced and verifiable reductions in nuclear weapons. The Strategic Defence Review will examine all aspects of our deterrence requirements to ensure they reflect changing strategic circumstances.