Rambling Corbyn refuses to rule out scrapping Trident
LABOUR’S shambolic election campaign plunged further into chaos yesterday when Jeremy Corbyn refused to rule out scrapping Britain’s Trident nuclear deterrent if he snatches power.
The hard- Left Labour leader surprised his own MPs by signalling that a unilateral nuclear disarmament pledge could feature in his manifesto for the June 8 General Election.
Soon after his outburst in a rambling live television interview yesterday, a Labour spokesman was scrambled to insist that giving up the submarine- based defence system was not official party policy.
The extraordinary row threatened to re- ignite Labour’s civil war over nuclear defence just over six weeks before polling day.
And Mr Corbyn also appeared to rule out backing a drone strike on the commander of the Islamic State terrorist group if given the opportunity.
Senior Tories last night accused the Labour leader of plotting to “dismantle” Britain’s defences.
Tory Cabinet minister Damian Green said: “This man could be Prime Minister in seven weeks’ time.
“I couldn’t think of a better reason for sticking with the strong leadership of Theresa May than that Jeremy Corbyn would dismantle this country’s defences.”
And Home Secretary Amber Rudd said: “Jeremy Corbyn would refuse to strike against terrorists, dismantle our nuclear defences and fail to control our borders.
“Unless people turn out and vote Conservative, this man could be our Prime Minister in less than seven weeks’ time – propped up by the SNP and Lib Dems in a coalition of chaos.”
When quizzed about his plans for the Trident missile system on the Andrew Marr show yesterday, Mr Corbyn said he would review all Britain’s defences if he reached Downing Street.
“We will have a strategic defence review immediately which will include all aspects of defence. We would then look at the situation at that time,” he said.
The lifelong supporter of nuclear disarmament added: “I have made clear my views on nuclear weapons. I have made clear there would be no first use of it. I have made clear that any use of it would be a disaster for the whole world.”
His remarks contradicted a recent assurance from his shadow defence secretary Nia Griffiths that Labour was committed to retaining Trident.
After the interview, a Labour spokesman released a statement saying: “The decision to renew Trident has been taken and Labour supports that.”
Mr Corbyn also dodged answering
‘ There is no better reason for sticking with Theresa May’