£20bn Trident useless, says military chief

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

In an attack on Labour's decision to renew the nuclear system, the former head of the Armed Forces, Field Marshal Lord Bramall, said Trident was neither independent nor effective in coping with terror threats. He added that huge sums being used to replace the ageing submarines that carry the ballistic missiles could be better spent on warplanes, ships, tanks and weapons desperately needed by the Armed Forces.

Lord Bramall, with retired Army generals Lord Ramsbotham and Sir Hugh Beach, wants to restart the debate over Trident's renewal, approved by the Commons in March 2007 despite a large rebellion by Labour MPs.

Lord Ramsbotham, who was "quite certain" his doubts are shared by some serving military chiefs, called Trident a "Cold War weapon".