Thousands of people expected to take part in Trident protest

Tens of thousands of people opposed to the renewal of the Trident nuclear system are set to take part in the biggest demonstration of its kind in a generation.

Vanguard-class submarine HMS Vigilant, one of the UK's four nuclear warhead-carrying submarines Picture: Danny Lawson/PA Wire

Leaders of the Labour party, SNP and Plaid Cymru will be among speakers addressing a rally in central London on Saturday, it has been announced.

Union officials, faith leaders, anti-nuclear activists and anti-war campaigners will also take part in the Stop Trident protest.

Coaches will travel to the capital from across the UK, including Scotland, where the Trident submarines are based.

Organisers of the march said it will send a strong message of growing support against renewing the nuclear weapons system.

They also argued that worries about job losses were a “red herring.”

Green MP Caroline Lucas told a Westminster press conference: “The costs of this reckless vanity project are spiralling out of control.

“Britain is a rogue state for trying to replace Trident, especially as there is an international process involving 130 nations, trying to ban nuclear weapons.”

Kate Hudson, who chairs CND, said: “The extent of popular opposition is becoming clear. Saturday will not be a gathering of the anti-nuclear clan - it will show the breadth of opposition.”

SNP MP Brendan O’Hare said the consensus in Scotland was now against renewing Trident, adding: “Trident will cost £167 billion over its lifetime, which is immoral, at a time of austerity.”

A Parliamentary vote on renewing Trident is expected later in the year.

Scottish heritage: for stories on Scotland’s people, places and history >>