Comments on: It’s one ex-leader apiece for Chris and Nick

By: Hywel

Hywel — Sun, 28 Oct 2007 10:30:55 +0000

Theo – Chris says (Observer interview) – “Huhne ruled this out. He said he favoured a less powerful, ‘minimal’ deterrent, even if that meant it would be ‘more vulnerable’ to attack by other nuclear powers”

I have to say I have no clear idea what his stance now is apart from looking like saying all things to all people.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Sun, 28 Oct 2007 10:17:57 +0000

Lord Maclennan, former leader of SDP and joint leader of Liberal Democrats with David Steel 1987-88 is listed as supporter of Chris Huhne at http://www.chris2win.org.

So it 2-1 for Chris.

By: Ian Roebuck

Ian Roebuck — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 17:30:42 +0000

Unfortunately a very large proportion of the billions is already committed as RollsRoyce and VSEL were given bankable guarantees of future orders so that the development costs of PWR2 and the construction facilities did not all appear in the Astute class costings, and the UK maintained a submarine manufacturing capability.

By: Geoffrey Payne

Geoffrey Payne — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 15:55:49 +0000

In the previous leadership election he said that he was not a unilateralist, but he made apoint of opposing replacing Trident.
I started posting a few comments about this this time round as well, but I desisted because given the party now has a policy, I am doubtful he can change it.
I suppose the policy gives you the flexibility to support it, but still be pro or anti replacing Trident, which got Simon Hughes and Tim Farron off the hook during the debate last time.
I guess that is how fudge works.

By: David Morton

David Morton — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 15:43:38 +0000

I’ve emailed his camapign today asking for clarification. lets see what he says.

By: Theo Butt Philip

Theo Butt Philip — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 15:29:03 +0000

I find this slightly odd; Chris’ team has put up a statement which hints that he’s anti Britain retaining nuclear weapons. If this is the case why isn’t he saying so openly? If it’s not the case what are they saying?

I recall in the last leadership election Chris Huhne did a podcast interview with Tom Paul in which he came out in favour of retaining a nuclear capability. As a unilateralist that did have an impact on how I voted last time.

By: David Morton

David Morton — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 15:16:04 +0000

Does anyone know what Huhnes stance on trident is? I must say that would swing my vote.

By: Geoffrey Payne

Geoffrey Payne — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 14:57:24 +0000

I think David Steel is spot on.
I wonder if this is going to be a matter for debate in this leadership contest?
The current policy completely lacks imagination and would appear to be one geared towards the Lib Dems not taking a position at the next general election. What a waste!
Yet at a time when global warming is a serious threat to our national security, having instead to contemplate spending billions on nuclear weapons that are most unlikely to have any deterance effect is a complete waste of money and wrong set of priorities.

By: David Morton

David Morton — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 14:54:34 +0000

Given our insistance on inclusivity for ” predecessor parties” does David Owen get a vote?

By: Laurence Boyce

Laurence Boyce — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 14:49:55 +0000

. . . so it all hangs on the casting vote of Jeremy Thorpe.