Tuesday 24th November 2015

(9 years ago)

Commons Chamber
Read Full debate Read Hansard Text Read Debate Ministerial Extracts
Brendan O'Hara Portrait Brendan O'Hara
- Hansard - - - Excerpts

I will make progress. I have taken a lot of interventions and been very generous.

I have always argued that there is no military case for Trident because it is not a military weapon. Trident is a political weapon that can never, and will never, be used. Nevertheless, it is set to consume between 30% and 50% of the UK defence procurement budget.

Liam Fox Portrait Dr Liam Fox (North Somerset) (Con)
- Hansard - -

Does the hon. Gentleman understand that Trident is being used every day? Every moment that we have continuous at-sea deterrence, Trident is being used. The fact that it is never fired in anger is a symbol of its success.

Brendan O'Hara Portrait Brendan O'Hara
- Hansard - - - Excerpts

It will come as no surprise to the right hon. Gentleman that I do not agree with him at all, and I will come on to the point about deterrence.