David Cameron has announced a parliamentary vote on the renewal of the Trident nuclear deterrent in just over a week, as he seeks to unite the feuding Conservative party and exploit divisions in Labour.

The outgoing prime minister said the vote on replacing four ageing Vanguard submarines will take place on Monday 18 July before parliament breaks up for summer recess.

He is pressing ahead even though his Conservative successor has not yet been chosen, as there is broad agreement within his party about renewal of Trident at a time of bitter infighting over Europe.

The timing of the vote will also be seen as an attempt to highlight Labour’s split on the issue, as Jeremy Corbyn is against maintaining the nuclear deterrent while most of his party is in favour.

It is certain to inflame tensions as Corbyn faces the prospect of a leadership challenge on Monday by Angela Eagle, the former shadow business secretary, who is in favour of renewing Trident.

Speaking at a Nato summit in Warsaw, Poland, Cameron said: “Today, I can announce we will hold a parliamentary vote on 18 July to confirm members of parliament’s support for the renewal of four nuclear submarines capable of providing around-the-clock cover.

“The nuclear deterrent remains essential in my view, not just to Britain’s security but as our allies have acknowledged here today the overall security of the Nato alliance.

“While Britain may be leaving the EU, we are not withdrawing from the world. Nor are we turning our back on Europe or European security.”

Asked about the timing, Cameron denied that he was holding it now to cause maximum pain to Labour. He stressed that holding the vote was a Conservative election manifesto pledge that the whole party could agree on.

“We need to get on with that, we need certainty about it so investment decisions can go ahead,” he said. “So I think it makes sense to hold this vote, to hold this vote now, to put it beyond doubt so our military planners and investors can get on the investment that is needed.

“That’s the reason for holding the vote. Obviously the whole Conservative party supports it, we stood on that manifesto, so I don’t think it would in any way get caught up in the leadership election.”

Labour’s policy has in recent years been in favour of renewing Trident, as confirmed by its party conference. However, that stance was put under review by Corbyn, who appointed Emily Thornberry, who was the shadow defence secretary and is now the shadow foreign secretary, to look into the policy.

This has led the Labour leadership to argue it no longer has a pro-Trident position, which may mean it allows a free vote on 18 July.

Much of Corbyn’s new shadow cabinet, including the shadow defence secretary, Clive Lewis, are thought to be against Trident but many others in the parliamentary party are in favour.

Reports on Friday suggested Labour’s defence review would ultimately leave open the option of retaining the UK’s nuclear deterrent despite Corbyn’s support for unilateral disarmament.

BBC Newsnight said the review is expected to set five tests for the UK’s continued status as a nuclear power, including whether it makes a “demonstrable contribution” to the defence of the country and if it represents value for money.



Corbyn told Sky News on Saturday: “We are having a look at all the issues surrounding it. I believe security in the world is achieved through peace, through democracy, through justice, through human rights.

“I do not believe that nuclear weapons actually enhance security, I support the nuclear non-proliferation treaty – which we are signed up to – which is trying to bring together collective disarmament. Those are the views that I will be putting forward.”







