Rafael Behr’s article (The schism at the heart of Corbynism is now clearly visible, 28 September) assumes that Trident renewal is popular and that Trident is an independent nuclear deterrent.
The ORB poll for the Independent in January showed that 51% favour nuclear weapons and 49% either favour keeping Trident without nuclear weapons or oppose any replacement of Trident. YouGov polls in November 2015 show a majority against replacing Trident and for either a cheaper option or no replacement. I wonder just how enthusiastic the public will be when the cost goes over the £100bn mark.
The codes for arming Trident’s nuclear weapons are held by the Americans. In what sense is Trident independent? Behr talks of “forcing” Corbyn to test his appeal with a wider electorate” – but exactly who is out of step with public opinion?
I have never supported unilateralism, but I find it perverse when the right slag off the Labour left for advocating borrowing money to invest in our economic infrastructure but have no problem in spending billions on Trident renewal.
Trevor Jones
London
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