THE future of Trident nuclear submarines went under the spotlight during a meeting in Tavistock last week, which saw West Devon and Torridge MP Geoffrey Cox face a barrage of questions. The Government wants a new generation of submarines to be built, at an estimated cost of £15-billion to £20-billion over 30 years, to carry the UK's existing Trident missiles. The meeting, organised by Tavistock Peace Action Group, saw local residents mainly concerned with hearing Mr Cox's opinions over the forthcoming Trident vote. The vote, taking place in the House of Commons this March, will decide the future of the UK's fleet of Trident nuclear submarines. Also present at the meeting in the United Reformed Church was the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND) representative Tony Staunton, who summarised concerns over Trident's cost and gave his views on the problems of nuclear defence. He also highlighted public health concerns, with Plymouth being a major servicing centre for Trident's nuclear reactors. 'Tavistock lies within the radiation footprint should there be a nuclear accident in Devonport dockyard,' said Mr Staunton. Arguing the 'immorality' of Trident, Dr Rupert Gude said: 'These are weapons designed to eliminate civilian populations. 'These very expensive American weapons are illegal under the Geneva Convention — the fact that Britain co-operated with American Foreign Policy means our hands are tied. Only public awareness can settle this issue.' Mr Cox told the Times: 'I enjoyed the meeting. It was interesting and instructive. 'We didn't agree on all points raised during the meeting, but we did agree that a much greater effort was needed to restart multilateral talks.' He said in order to increase pressure on the Government, he will raise the issue of multilateral disarmament in parliament.
