Danny Kinahan MP has questioned why Sinn Fein have brought a debate on the renewal of Trident – the UK’s nuclear deterrent – to the NI Assembly on the same day the matter is being debated in Parliament.
Danny Kinahan MP said:
“Welcome to the topsy turvy world of Sinn Fein. Last week they were handing powers back to Westminster, this week they are wanting to debate powers that Westminster holds. But neither on Welfare Reform nor Trident will they actually be in the House of Commons to make their vote count.
“The renewal of Trident is not a devolved matter, as it relates to national security, so it seems questionable that time is being taken up in the Northern Ireland Assembly debating the matter on the same day it is being debated in Parliament. Perhaps this is a co-ordinated approach by Sinn Fein and the Scottish Nationalists?
“Ulster Unionist MPs are in favour of renewing Trident, not least due to increasing international uncertainty. As we see the resurgence of Russia alongside the increasing nuclear capabilities of countries such as North Korea, it is clear that renewal is not just desirable, but essential.”