British Prime Minister Tony Blair said Wednesday that a nuclear deterrent remained a key part of Britain's defence, despite being useless against terrorism.
"We're committed to retaining the UK's independent nuclear deterrent," Blair said in reply to a question in parliament on whether he intended to replace the ageing Trident submarine-launched nuclear-tipped ballistic missile system.
"Although I don't think anyone pretends that the independent nuclear deterrent is a defence against terrorism, nonetheless I do believe it's an important part of our defence."
He admitted that the decision was looming before May 2010 but said that lawmakers would be given the chance to have their say on replacing Trident before the government decides if it will proceed.
"No decisions on replacing Trident have yet been taken, but these are likely to be necessary in the current parliament. It is to early to rule in or out any particular option," he said during the weekly prime minister's question time in the House of Commons.
Comments
Comments are closed.