Tories defying public anti-nuclear protests

Despite public protests, the UK Conservative government has decided to announce £642m in further spending on a replacement for Trident nuclear submarines.

The Defense Secretary Michael Fallon is to make the announcement even though parliament is not scheduled to vote on whether to go ahead with the program until later this year.

Experts say the move will make it harder to pull out of the project, given that substantial sums will have already been spent.

The £642mn will bring money already spent on the Trident replacement program to £3.9bn. The total cost of the program, which has steadily risen, is estimated at £31bn, the Guardian reported.

The government is backing the building of the four new nuclear submarines that are scheduled to become operational in the early 2030s and continue through to the 2070s. The Commons vote, pencilled in for the autumn, is almost certain to back the program, with Labour MPs split on the issue.

Last month, people in Britain held a large protest against the renewal of the country’s nuclear weapons. The protest in London was attended by political heavyweights including Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and Green Party MP Caroline Lucas.

The anti-nuclear campaigners say the project is a waste of money and urge the government to invest the money in more vital sectors like education.

Speaking at the rally, Corbyn said, "If a nuclear war took place there would be mass destruction on both sides of the conflict.”

He warned about the consequences of a possible use of nukes, saying, "Everyone should think about the humanitarian effects on people across this globe if they're ever used."

Prime Minister David Cameron's Conservative government says the system is vital to safeguard Britain's security.

Britain currently has four submarines in its Trident fleet, at least one of which is on patrol somewhere in the oceans 24 hours a day, AFP reported.

Observers say the government is not concerned about the people's real demands.

"Instead of sustaining public services, the government is determined to raise its nuclear capabilities," said a London-based analyst Alan Hart.

In an interview, he told Press TV's UK Desk that the government is increasing getting out of touch with the public opinion as most people are against the renewal of nuclear weapons.

He went further adding that people are desperately struggling with bad economic conditions resulted from the Conservative government’s policies.

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