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The Tories would be prepared to launch a pre-emptive nuclear strike, their Defence Secretary has confirmed.

Michael Fallon said today: "In the most extreme circumstances we've made it very clear that you can't rule out the use of nuclear weapons as a first strike."

The comments come after weeks of tension between the West and North Korea - which has warned it will "wipe America off face of the Earth".

And US President Donald Trump has warned he will reverse the trend of western nations reducing their nuclear arsenal.

He said in December: "The US must greatly strengthen and expand its nuclear capability until such time as the world comes to its senses regarding nukes."

The confirmation was squeezed out of Mr Fallon as he was interviewed about the rival Labour Party - whose leader ducked questions over whether he would pull the nuclear 'trigger'.

In a tough interview yesterday Jeremy Corbyn , a lifelong anti-nuclear campaigner, could not say exactly when he would tell the controllers of Britain's nuclear arsenal to fire.

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Despite his criticism, top Tory Mr Fallon could not say what those circumstances would be for him either.

He told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "They are better not specified or described, which would only give comfort to our enemies and make the deterrent less credible.

"The whole point of a deterrent is you've got to leave uncertainty in the mind of anybody who might be thinking of using weapons against this country."

Meanwhile Labour's campaign chairman confirmed Trident renewal WILL be in its general election manifesto for June 8 - despite Mr Corbyn saying it was still being decided yesterday.

Andrew Gwynne said: "Yes, it's Labour Party policy. We are committed to renewing the Trident system."

(Image: Andy Commins / Daily Mirror) (Image: Getty)

The government has set aside £41bn to renew Trident but campaigners warn the real cost will be £205bn.

Mr Fallon claimed the Labour leader's interview was "staggering", saying: "Mr Corbyn wants to be Prime Minister in six weeks' time.

"This is somebody who would certainly put the security of our country at risk."

Yet he then refused to say the generals and Tory grandees who oppose Trident renewal are a security risk too.