Church debate on Trident

On 5 December a debate took place in Dumbarton Presbytery of the Church of Scotland on the issue of nuclear weapons. Faslane submarine base is within the Presbytery's area.

The following deliverances were passed:

"Agree with the recent findings of both the General Assembly and ACTS that the possession, deployment or threatened use of nuclear weapons is morally repugnant.

"Welcome the recent decision of the five UN nuclear weapon nations to negotiate away their nuclear weapons and urge HMG to take positive steps to implement it.

"Noting the Government's declared intention to negotiate Trident away, and the severe economic and employment consequences of its withdrawal, urge HMG to come forward with alternative employment and economic strategies for the area, to be implemented with urgency as an earnest of its intention to abandon the Trident programme."