The local SNP recently took part in the anti Trident protest at the office of Inverclyde MP, David Cairns, on Greenock’s Union Street.

The protest led by local SNP activists, was calling on the Inverclyde MP to vote no in Westminster’s debate on whether or not the UK should spend up to £76 billion on a new generation of nuclear weapons. Tony Blair’s UK government, of which the local MP is a part, is pushing for a new nuclear deterrent to replace the existing one.

Stuart McMillan, SNP Parliamentary Candidate for Greenock & Inverclyde in May’s elections said: “We are here today to call on David Cairns and his Labour colleagues to reject any idea to replace Trident with a new breed of nuclear bombs.

“A recent survey showed that 80% of Scots are opposed to nuclear weapons. That being the case it stands to reason that most people in Inverclyde are likely to be against nuclear weapons too. Mr Cairns has to remember whose interests he should be representing in Wednesday’s vote.”

Jim MacLeod, SNP Council Candidate for Port Glasgow and Kilmacolm, who is also a member of Scottish CND, said: “I wrote to David Cairns, as did some others, urging him to vote against the UK purchasing a new generation of weapons of mass destruction, particularly bringing these monstrous things to Scotland. He wrote back saying that he believes in a nuclear deterrent for the UK.

“Does he not realise that the Cold War is now over and that there is always the possibility of a nuclear accident on the Clyde not to mention the chance of a terrorist attack? He should also consider how much good that £76 billion could do with regards to health and education services, as well as tackling crime. I just hope David Cairns comes to his senses before Wednesday and votes against the proposed Son of Trident.”