Ditch nuclear weapons and lead by example

THE new Prime Minister, Theresa May, clearly believes that the UK must remain a nuclear power, claiming that it would be an “act of gross irresponsibility” for the government to discard the Trident weapons system (Western Mail, July19).

Of the 193 UN member states only eight are known tohave nuclear weapons (Russia, China, France, UK, USA, India, Pakistan, North Korea) with Israel probably having them. So there are only eight or nine countries so reckless as to entertain using nuclear weapons that would put the very existence of life on the planet at risk.

The other 184 or 185 UN member states are much wiser and don’t have nuclear weapons. One of them – South Africa – was a nuclear power, but relinquished its nuclear weapons. On this evidence it is almost impossible to believe that the real reason for the UK to retain nuclear weapons is defence. It is, of course, a means of maintaining England’s grandiose status, prestige and “influence on the world stage” now that her empire has been lost.

The UK should decommission all its nuclear weapons so that it would be in a strong position to lead a campaign to rid the world of nuclear weapons by persuading the other nuclear powers to do likewise.

I take this opportunity to warmly compliment the 177 MPs who voted against the renewal of Trident.

Gwyn Hopkins, Llangennech, Llanelli