It is deeply regrettable that the Labour party under Jeremy Corbyn looks likely to go into the next election backing Trident replacement (Jeremy Corbyn steps back from damaging Trident row, 27 September). Keeping these weapons of mass destruction sends a dangerous signal to the rest of the world that security requires their possession, and at a time of increased tension that’s the opposite of what we should be saying.
But it’s not only safety concerns that make replacing Trident a bad idea. They’re also a colossal waste of money. While the families of our armed forces are provided shoddy housing, troops are underequipped and our NHS is in crisis – do we really want to be pouring billions into this cold war relic?
The truth is that Jeremy and Clive Lewis, his otherwise excellent shadow defence secretary, both know the risks and costs associated with Trident and have previously opposed it. But I fear they’re on the verge of giving up this fight.
This is no time for backtracking. Labour has a unique opportunity to make the case against Trident, and for a Britain whose place in the world is no longer defined by the size of our nuclear arsenal. Such a case must, of course, include a just and funded job transition for those who build and maintain Trident – and for our armed forces to be best equipped for playing a positive role in the world.
Jeremy Corbyn is a man of principle who has, like me, spent much of his time in parliament trying to rid this country of weapons of mass destruction. I urge him to take this issue back to the Labour party conference as soon as possible so members can have a vote on this most vital of issues.
Caroline Lucas MP
Green, Brighton Pavilion
• I never thought I would agree with US presidential candidate Donald Trump and disagree with one of Jeremy Corbyn’s shadow cabinet, but on Monday I did, on nuclear weapons.
Trump said in the presidential debate in New York on Monday: “I agree with her [Hillary Clinton] on one thing. The single greatest problem the world has is nuclear armament, nuclear weapons.”
Meanwhile, Labour shadow defence secretary, Clive Lewis, controversially said at the Labour conference on the same day: “I am clear our party has a policy for Trident renewal.”
Later, on BBC’s Newsnight, John McDonnell put forward the nonsensical justification that Labour could have a policy in favour of renewing Trident, while he as shadow chancellor and Jeremy Corbyn as leader, could continue to oppose it.
That is untenable, as the leader of the Labour party cannot campaign in a general election against something included in his party’s manifesto for that very election.
The issue cannot be “parked” as Lewis and McDonnell have intimated to various media; it has to be decided.
Publishing the review of Trident, security and defence issues, to which many Labour members contributed in good faith in the spring, would be a good start.
Dr David Lowry
Former director, European Proliferation Information Centre (Epic),
Stoneleigh, Surrey
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