Griffiths vows to spend time on peace drive

Published on Thursday 15 March 2007 11:46

CITY MP Nigel Griffiths has vowed to spend more time campaigning for peace after leading a Commons rebellion against the Government on the replacement of Trident.

Prime Minister Tony Blair today brushed off the revolt as individual MPs following their consciences. He said Britain had to remain in the "first division" of Western actions and could not just rely on US military strength to police the world.

Anti-nuclear campaigners said last night's rebellion at Westminster showed the "vast majority" of Scots were opposed to renewing of Britain's nuclear deterrent.

Mr Griffiths, the MP for Edinburgh South, resigned his post as deputy leader of the Commons in protest at the plans.

As well as Mr Griffiths, the rebels included Mark Lazarowicz, Edinburgh North & Leith, Gavin Strang, Edinburgh East, David Hamilton, Midlothian, Jim Devine, Livingston, and Michael Connarty, Linlithgow & East Falkirk.

Scottish CND said that of the 59 Scottish MPs, 33 voted against, 22 voted for, and four abstained. It said the Labour rebels included 15 of the party's 39 Scots MPs.

Alan Mackinnon, chairman of Scottish CND said: "This vote is further evidence that the people of Scotland have rejected Trident.

"The stance taken by the majority of MPs reflects the opinion of the vast majority of Scots."

Dunfermline and West Fife MP Willie Rennie and fellow Liberal Democrat John Barrett who represents Edinburgh West voted against Trident replacement.

Mr Griffiths' predecessor as Edinburgh South MP, Michael Ancram, abstained when the main vote was taken.