Watson highlights tensions with Corbyn over Trident

Tom Watson highlighted differences with Jeremy Corbyn over Trident by calling for an early vote in the House of Commons.

Labour’s deputy leader said “the sooner this vote is tabled” the better because it would be possible to provide certainty to Britain’s manufacturers and our international allies.

Watson, a longstanding supporter of Trident, said he had “rejected the usual policy briefing prepared by the party HQ” before writing the speech at manufacturers’ body the EEF. He also highlighted Labour’s own consistent support for Trident – although Corbyn has campaigned for many years against renewal of the weapon.

“I’m in favour of a continuous at sea nuclear deterrent. My party’s policy favours a continuous at sea nuclear deterrent. Our trade unions who represent the thousands of workers in the 450 companies who form the supply chain that make it are in favour of Trident.”

He urged David Cameron to bring forward a vote on Trident – although many suspect the Prime Minister is delaying to capitalise on Labour’s internal disagreements.

“I have made it clear to David Cameron that if he honours his promise of a vote on Trident I will support it. There are enough Labour MPs to guarantee that the vote is won.

“I know the PM is currently pre-occupied with the European Referendum but I happen to believe that the sooner this vote is tabled, the greater certainty we can give to industry, our allies and our enemies, that British Industry will deliver the Trident project in good time.”

Watson was speaking after Emily Thornberry, the unilateralist shadow Defence Secretary, said she had an “open mind” going into Labour’s defence review, which will consider the party’s stance on nuclear weapons.

The Commons vote on Trident is most likely to occur after the EU referendum.