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February 16, 2007
It isn't rocket science
Blair once again showed a complete disconnect from reality over replacing Trident. A CND press release today highlighted the fact.
Speaking at a Young Labour conference in Glasgow today, Tony Blair said that he ‘doesn’t really know’ why there has not been a debate on Trident replacement in the Labour Party.
After Blair’s speech in front of hundreds of Young Labour members at today’s conference, the press were asked to leave the room prior to the question and answer session.
During the Q&A, a delegate asked the Prime Minister why there has not been a debate and vote in the Labour Party on Trident. Mr Blair, visibly caught off-guard by the question, replied:
‘I don’t really know the answer to be frank. I think in the end there will be a vote in the Commons. There should be a very lively debate in the party and elsewhere. The trouble is we need to take a decision at some point…In terms of the process I honestly don’t know the answer. I know it was an issue at the National Policy Forum and so on but I don’t have a problem with people voting on it at all. Let the party express their view on this but we will need to take a decision on this as a government.’
Seventeen motions on Trident replacement from Constituency Labour Party groups were ruled out of order before the Labour Party conference in 2006. In January 2007 three motions on Trident from members of the Labour National Executive Committee, including CND Vice President Walter Wolfgang, were again ruled out of order.
An ICM poll last June showed that 81% of the British Public believe that Parliament should decide the matter.
In another poll a month later 59% of the public said that Trident should not be replaced if the cost were to exceed £25bn.
Yet 20 motions calling for the Labour Party to debate the matter have been overruled, Blair has expressed his intention to use the Whip to ensure the PLP toes the line and Brown is backing him.
And he doesn't know why the Party hasn't debated the matter. It's very simple Tony. The Party hasn't held a debate because you and Gordon won't let them. It isn't rocket science (well alright, it is in one way I suppose.)
Posted by Clive on February 16, 2007 9:40 PM in the category Labour
Comments
Hey! Welcome back.
Posted by: simon at February 16, 2007 11:42 PM
Thanks mate. Been a bumpy ride, but looking forward again.
Posted by: Balders at February 16, 2007 11:56 PM