TRIDENT REPORT IS A WAKE UP CALL FOR THE NATION

3.05.43pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 30th Jun 2009

Commenting on today's IPPR report, which calls for the Government to review its decision to renew the Trident nuclear deterrent, Liberal Democrat Shadow Defence Secretary, Nick Harvey said:

"This report is a wake-up call for the nation. We must act now to make our country safer by using precious resources more effectively.

"A radical, once in a generation security review is vital to secure Britain's future in an increasingly multi-polar world.

"We can no longer justify billions on Cold War relics like a full-scale Trident replacement or Typhoon fighter jets. We need armed forces that are relevant for the security threats of today and tomorrow, not for a Soviet invasion.

"We cannot mortgage future security solely on the goodwill of the US. Deeper defence co-operation with our European allies is now inevitable."