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14 June 2007 |
Trident Opportunism
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Letter to the Editor / Newsdesk
Dear Sir
It is important that your readers understand that the Green Party motion, carried by a majority in the Scottish Parliament this evening, is not a clear anti-Trident position. Of course, it could have been if the words “at this time” had been removed as suggested by the amendment in the name of Elaine Smith MSP. The Green motion was drafted to include the words “at this time” to appease the Liberals who will not state a clear anti-Trident position.
Unfortunately, the Scottish Parliament has now agreed an unclear position simply stating that Trident shouldn’t be replaced at present; which in effect concedes the principle of renewal. Had this been Westminster and the motion actually delayed the implementation of Trident and was the only game in town, it would have been much easier to support it. The reality, however, is that decisions on this are taken at Westminster and so the motion’s value is essentially that of propaganda. Due to this it should have been a clear attack on the principle of Trident renewal and not simply treating it as if it is something which can be dealt with by delay.
Furthermore, the Green party cheapened the debate by reducing the time available for it and played along with attempts to embarrass Labour rather than win the position in the wider community. This certainly appears to have been a deliberate attempt to manipulate the issues for narrow political purposes rather than help build a broad anti- Trident coalition. Scottish CND, who apparently were not involved in drawing up the wording, really must consider how they engage in the future with members of Parliament instead of simply acquiescing to a narrow coalition of opinion that includes members supportive of replacing Trident and seeks to exclude those who oppose it.
The Labour members who supported this motion found it difficult to do so because of the narrow party political posturing behind it. This must cease if we are to build a successful consensus across the country of all those who wish effectively to state a principled anti-Trident and anti-Trident renewal position.
Yours sincerely
Bill Butler MSP |
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