Nicola Sturgeon and Jeremy Corbyn address Trident protest

NICOLA Sturgeon joined tens of thousands of anti-nuclear weapons activists to march against Trident renewal in London today.

Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon joins demonstrators on a 'Stop Trident' march though central London Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images

The First Minister was joined by Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and Plaid Cymru leader Leanne Wood. Marchers were protesting against plans for the Ministry of Defence to acquire four new submarines to carry the Trident deterrent – a move expected to cost £31 billion over the course of the 20-year procurement programme, with a further £10bn set aside as a contingency.

Addressing protestors, Sturgeon said: “It is the norm in the world today to be nuclear-free. It is the exception to the rule to possess nuclear weapons, let that ring out loudly and clearly. The use of nuclear weapons would bring about human devastation and suffering on an unimaginable scale.”

She confirmed the SNP would be making Trident a political issue at forthcoming elections.

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 27: Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon joins demonstrators on a 'Stop Trident' march though central London Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images

Former Green Party leader Caroline Lucas described nuclear weaponry as “a cold war relic”.

She said: “To contemplate using nuclear weapons is both illegal and immoral.”

Last night Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson, who was not at the rally, said: “I believe in the renewal of our nuclear deterrent and while I disagree with those who want unilateral disarmament on moral grounds, I respect their position. However, I cannot respect the moral cowardice of a Labour party which can’t decide what it believes in any more. The SNP’s stance against Trident shows it will always put separation before anything else. Labour’s failure to even organise a clear policy stance shows what a complete mess it has become.”