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Tony Blair faces crucial votes on Lords, Trident

Hasan Suroor

A defeat will further undermine the Premier's authority

— PHOTO: AP

STRIDENT PROTESTS: Anti-nuclear protesters at Parliament Square in London on Wednesday.

LONDON: The Blair Government was on Wednesday facing two crucial parliamentary votes — one in the Lords over the future of the Upper House, and the other in the Commons over the Government's controversial plans to renew the nuclear weapons system, Trident. On both issues, political passions were running high but there was no threat to the Government.

In the Commons, where a significant number of Labour MPs threatened to vote against the official line, along with the Liberal Democrats, the Government was hoping to win with the support of the Tories.

In the Lords, peers were widely expected to reject the proposal for a fully-elected Upper House passed by the Commons last week. A "no'' vote would have no immediate political fallout but simply prolong the process of reforms to the Lords.

The Commons vote is more significant for Mr. Blair. If a large number of Labour MPs vote against the Government forcing it to depend on the Tories for survival it would further undermine Mr. Blair's authority within his party barely months before his planned retirement.

During Prime Minister's Question Time, Mr. Blair faced some sharp questions from Labour MPs on his plans to modernise the Trident system at an estimated cost of £20 billion though it is not due for decommissioning until 2024. He said he respected the views of those who disagreed with him but he believed it was "sensible'' that a decision was taken now.

Seeking to rub in the fact that Mr. Blair was isolated, Tory leader David Cameron reiterated his MPs' full-throated support.

In the past two days, two junior Ministers, Nigel Griffiths and Jim Devine, have resigned in protest at Mr. Blair's refusal to back down.

Nearly 80 Labour MPs were reported to be backing an amendment to the official motion arguing that the case for replacing Trident was "not yet proven'' and that they were not convinced of the need for "an early decision.'' Anti-nuclear campaigners were planning a big rally outside Parliament ahead of the vote expected late in the evening.

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