'We've stopped Trident' brags Liberal Democrat President in email to party supporters

By Tim Montgomerie

It was in August that it became obvious that Ming Campbell was determined to stop Trident. See my blog from 1st August. Today Ming and his party succeeded and at least two Tory MPs expressed their disappointment in the Commons. David Cameron has, of course, said that Trident is only being delayed but the government has communicated hesitancy.

Ros Scott, the Liberal Democrats' President, has emailed all her party members claiming a "significant victory" for her party. This is the full text of her email:

"Dear member,

The Liberal Democrats have long argued that Trident is an out of date, unnecessary and hugely expensive weapons system that the UK has no need of in modern times. In this period of fiscal constraint it is also a luxury we can ill afford. Nick Clegg was right to argue powerfully against Trident renewal during the Leader's Debates. Our party was right to stand in contrast to both the Conservatives and Labour on this issue.

Today, within the Strategic Defence Review, the Coalition Government announced that there will be no final decision on the like-for-like replacement of Trident during this parliament. So Trident will not be renewed this parliament - not on a Liberal Democrat watch. Let us be clear, this is a significant victory for Liberal Democrat campaigners, and a fantastic example of what our Ministers can and do achieve in government.

But the Coalition Government is not just saying no to replacing Trident this parliament. It is going further. It is also taking important steps towards the goal of multilateral nuclear disarmament. The announcement today sees a 25% cut in warheads.

Today is yet another day that we can all feel hugely proud to be a party of government, delivering key Liberal Democrat priorities.

Best wishes,

Ros Scott
Party President"