Trident: Test Firing Debate

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Department: Ministry of Defence

Trident: Test Firing

Andrew Murrison Excerpts
Monday 23rd January 2017

(7 years, 9 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Michael Fallon Portrait Sir Michael Fallon
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I understand why the hon. Gentleman, who is a supporter of the deterrent, says that, but the security of our deterrent is absolutely paramount at a time like this. Whether he likes it or not, I am not going to respond to speculation about the tests that occurred last June or give details of the particular operations of HMS Vengeance during that test.

Andrew Murrison Portrait Dr Andrew Murrison (South West Wiltshire) (Con)
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Does my right hon. Friend agree that the continuous at-sea nuclear deterrent has kept us free from aggression day in, day out since 1968, and that we owe a huge debt of gratitude to the men and women who operate it?

Michael Fallon Portrait Sir Michael Fallon
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I wholeheartedly endorse what my hon. Friend says, and I hope that that at least would be common ground. The nuclear deterrent has played its part in keeping this country safe through a series of continuous at-sea patrols seven days a week, 52 weeks a year. I join him in paying tribute to the crews of all four of our nuclear submarines.