Trident ‘could be based in Belfast’ says DUP MP

A NORTHERN Irish MP has told David Cameron that Trident could be based in Ulster.

Jeffrey Donaldson has suggested Trident could be based in Northern Ireland. Picture: PA

Jeffrey Donaldson, Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) member for Lagan Valley, told the Prime Minister that the controversial nuclear weapons programme could be hosted in Northern Ireland as Mr Cameron outlined the government’s £178 billion defence-spending plans for the next ten years.

Mr Donaldson’s remarks followed comments from the SNP’s Westminster leader Angus Robertson, who said that an overwhelming majority of MPs and civic groups are opposed to Trident.

Mr Donaldson told the Commons: “With support for the Union in Northern Ireland growing ever stronger, may I help to assuage the concerns of the Right Honourable Member for Moray by saying that we have lots of loughs and lots of ports, and that if the Government ever need a new home for Trident, Ulster is there.”

Northern Ireland’s Green Prty leader Steven Agnew described Mr Donaldson’s comments as ‘arrogant’, adding: “I think it is ridiculous that Jeffrey Donaldson is making such a statement.

“To make such a bold statement on behalf of Northern Ireland on an issue on which there has never been any consultation or public debate is arrogant. No political party is in a position to do that.”

Westminster yesterday admitted the cost of replacing the Royal Navy’s ageing Trident submarines could be as much as £40 billion.