Debate in the European Parliament, Strasbourg

As we look ahead to the Nuclear Non Proliferation Treaty Review Conference in 2010, there is no doubt that the treaty is already under considerable stress, particularly with the debates around Iran and North Korea. So there could be no worse time to send out the message that nuclear weapons are essential for a country's security, however useless they are against the real threats that we face like climate change and terrorism.

But that is exactly what the British government is proposing to do. Tomorrow in Westminster they will be voting on whether to renew the Trident nuclear weapon system and take the UK and the rest of the world into a new nuclear age and a new nuclear arms race. Under the NPT we should be discussing a timetable for disarmament of these illegal and immoral weapons not their renewal.

I urge all UK groups here in parliament to support the resolution and our amendments to encourage UK MPs tomorrow to oppose Trident replacement and honour the commitment made over 35 years ago when the NPT was signed.

Jill Evans ASE/MEP