MPs praised for backing the renewal of Trident

THERESA May has praised the 140 Labour MPs, who supported the parliamentary motion to renew Britain’s nuclear deterrent, insisting they had put the “national interest first”.

In a bid to embarrass Jeremy Corbyn, the Conservative leader seized on the strong Labour support when replying to her first question at Prime Minister’s Questions.

MPs backed renewing the Trident nuclear weapons system, including the replacement of the Clyde-based submarine fleet carrying the missiles with four new Successor submarines, by 471 votes to 116; a substantial majority of 355.

However, all but one of Scotland’s 59 MPs opposed the motion, which has led the SNP to demand the swift removal of the nuclear deterrent from Faslane.

Reflecting the deep divisions within Labour, Mr Corbyn gave his party a free vote although he was among just 47 Labour MPs, who opposed the UK Government’s motion.

Renewal of the submarines for the continuous-at-sea deterrent is predicted to cost £31 billion, with a £10bn contingency fund also set aside. However, when the lifetime maintenance is included, it has been estimated the total figure is at least £180bn.

Addressing her first PMQs, Mrs May said she “enthusiastically” welcomed Monday night’s parliamentary result, insisting how the vote had shown the commitment of the Commons to Britain’s nuclear deterrent. “It showed that we have not only committed to our own national security but also considered the security of our European and Nato allies. We can now get on with the essential job of renewing our nuclear deterrent.”

The PM then added: “Can I thank those 140 Labour Members of Parliament who put the national interest first and voted to renew the nuclear deterrent.”

Later, Mr Corbyn was mocked by one of his own MPs for leading the split vote on Trident. Jamie Reed, who represents Copeland in Cumbria, said it was “refreshing” to hear Labour Party policy coming from the despatch box.