Jeremy Corbyn is now replying to Theresa May.
He says: “I would not take a decision that kills millions of innocent people.
Trident vote: Theresa May says she is prepared to authorise a nuclear strike that would kill hundreds of thousands of people
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Theresa May has said she would be prepared to authorise a nuclear strike that would kill 100,000 people, as she called on all MPs to back Trident, calling it the ultimate safeguard for British national security.
She said it was “sad” that the Green Party and some members of the Labour party seem to be the “first to defend the country’s enemies.
Mrs May adds that it would be an act of “gross irresponsibility” to not renew our deterrent, adding that Trident “has been an insurance policy for this country for nearly 50 years .”
Jeremy Corbyn said he would not press the nuclear button, adding: “I do not believe the threat of mass murder is a legitimate way to go about international relations.”
The Government are today forcing a vote of the issue, which could see more than 100 Labour MPs defy Jeremy Corbyn by supporting the Trident nuclear programme.
The final vote is expected at 10pm this evening and we expect MPs to vote in favor of renewing the nuclear deterrent given that Corbyn, a life long pacifist, has given the PLP a free vote on the issue.
Labour insiders believe that a heavy rebellion could provide much needed momentum to Angela Eagle and Owen Smith, the two MPs challenging Mr Corbyn for the party leadership.
Downing Street wants to use the Trident vote to provide a major boost to Conservative backbenchers ahead of their summer break later this week.
It comes as Tom Watson, Labour’s deputy Leader, has said that if Jeremy Corbyn wins Labour leadership election he is unlikely to be able to form a unified front bench.
Tim Roche, head of the GMB Union said: “I think the leader of the Labour party should get behind the current policies that party espouses.”
“I do not believe the threat of mass murder is a legitimate way to go about international relations.”
He says Trident costs are ballooning upwards, claiming replacement could cost up to £200billion.
Corbyn also welcomes Mrs May to the despatch box and says he is glad that her election was “quick and short”.
“Is it not time for us to step up to the plate and promote, rapidly, nuclear disarmament?” he asks.
Kevan Jones, the former shadow defence minister, hit out at Corbyn for not backing Labour policy.
The Labour leader is heckled after saying that’s “what the policy was”.
May prepared to authorise a nuclear strike
George Kerevan, the SNP MP, has asks if Theresa May is prepared to authorise a nuclear strike that would kill hundreds of thousands of civilians.
The Question was: “Is she prepared to authorise a nuclear strike that would kill hundreds of thousands of men women and children?”
She replies: “Yes.”