UKIP (Dan Docker)
Dear Mr Farebrother,
Thank you very much for your email. In these times of escalating public debt, it is
natural to look for savings. This is one reason why are very keen to ensure people
know how much the EU costs us every year.
In response your question, I quote directly from our Defence Policy:
"To maintain Britain’s independent nuclear deterrent with existing Trident
submarines, and to replace them with four British built US missile armed submarines"
Please follow this link to find the policy in full:
http://www.ukip.org/content/ukip-policies/1453-defence-ukip-policy
With regard to your specific questions:
If elected, would you vote for or against the replacement of Trident? For.
If elected, would you back UK support for a Nuclear Weapons Convention banning all nuclear weapons internationally?
No. Only if there was no risk of such weapons being acquired by non-signatory states, or terrorist groups.
Do you agree that serious legal questions about Britain's nuclear weapons remain to be answered?
No. I would expect a British Parliament to ensure that action was legal and proportionate before they were used, but we just don't know what the future holds.
The duty of a government is to protect its people, and my view is that until such time as it can be ensured that a nuclear weapon free world is possible, we have to guard ourselves against the threat. The key word is 'deterrent'.
I trust that makes clear both the position of myself and the United Kingdom Independence Party on this subject, and thank you for the question.
However, this developed into quite and interesting correspondence.
Dear Daniel Docker
Thank you for your very prompt reply. It compares well with some of the other candidates insofar as it reflects some of your personal views as well as your party's position. I believe that agreement with my own ideas is secondary to your providing some care in considering this important topic.
I do query your comment that "... I would expect a British Parliament to ensure that action was legal and proportionate before they were used, ...". Parliament would not be consulted before any use of nuclear weapons. In addition, MPs are woefully ill-advised about the legality of nuclear weapons. The poor quality of this advice is something I, and others, are working to rectify. As far as the matter of proportionality is concerned, may I direct you to a paper I have written for a meeting I have had recently with lawyers at the Ministry of Defence. You can find this, and follow the links, on http://www.peacebourne.serifweb.com/WCPUK/page87.html
I would be interested in your views on this perhaps after the election when the pressure on you might ease.
