Trident: Test Firing Debate

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Department: Ministry of Defence

Trident: Test Firing

Julian Knight 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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The hon. Member for North Durham (Mr Jones) addressed the question to me, which is why I am here answering it.

I have made it very clear that both Prime Ministers, who separately had ultimate responsibility for the nuclear deterrent, were kept fully informed as to how that deterrent is maintained. Both were made aware of the successful return of HMS Vengeance to the operational cycle.

Julian Knight Portrait Julian Knight (Solihull) (Con)
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Does my right hon. Friend agree with Steve Aiken, an experienced former submarine commander, who told a goading BBC this morning that this makes absolutely no difference to the case for renewal, and that the Government are correct in not commenting on matters that could prejudice our national defence, certainly on live television?

Michael Fallon Portrait Sir Michael Fallon
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I completely agree with that.