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Quits over Trident plans

Hasan Suroor

LONDON: In a sign of growing revolt against Prime Minister Tony Blair's plans to renew Britain's nuclear weapons system Trident, the Deputy Leader of the Commons, Nigel Griffiths, resigned on Monday while another junior Minister was expected to follow suit. The surprise resignation came two days ahead of a vote on the issue in the Commons amid increasing opposition within Labour ranks against Mr. Blair's decision to go ahead with plans to modernise the system at a cost of £20 billion even though it is not due for decommissioning until 2024. Mr. Griffiths, who has been an MP since 1987 and was Trade and Industry Minister, said he was resigning with a "heavy heart''. Jim Devine, a junior Minister, also indicated that he would resign as more Labour MPs planned to join hands with Liberal Democrats to vote against the Government plans. But with Tories backing the Government, it is expected to win the vote.

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