Strong group of SNP MPs could force Westminster to think again on Trident

Bill Kidd MSP – on his return from a key nuclear disarmament conference in Vienna - said a strong group of SNP MPs could win more from a Westminster government - including having to think again on Trident.

Mr Kidd, who is a Co-President of the Parliamentarians for Nuclear Non-proliferation and Disarmament (PNND), said: “With over 160 government delegations and over 600 members of nuclear disarmament NGOs attending this conference from around the world, there is clearly a growing will for change.

“It is telling however that the UK Government has had to be dragged kicking and screaming to even send a delegation. This speaks volumes about their unwillingness to engage.

“The general election in May next year is a massive opportunity to make progress on bringing about a nuclear free Scotland.

“A strong SNP group of MPs at Westminster will make getting rid of Trident a real possibility – arguing for its removal from our shores and urging Westminster to think again on renewal.

“This is in stark contrast to Scottish Labour, who have shown time and time again that on this issue they are not prepared to take a stand against UK Labour’s pro-nuclear position.

“Nuclear weapons are financially stupid and morally repugnant. We simply must stop wasting billions of pounds a year on them – particularly at a time when Tory cuts mean that many families can’t put food on the table.

“The SNP will continue to press the case for their safe removal.”