A MYTH-BUSTING report released today that seeks to clarify the arguments surrounding Trident could give fresh impetus to pro-nuclear groups.

An interim report prepared by the Back Bench Defence Committee is intended to clarify the facts surrounding the debate that has split Labour over recent months.

The defence committee, chaired by Barrow and Furness MP John Woodcock, has held a series of hearings to gather evidence from leading defence experts.

“The debate about the renewal of the UK nuclear deterrent should be based on hard facts, not the misinformation and science fiction spread by anti-nuclear campaigners.

“This report makes it clear that the new generation of boats that will be constructed in the shipyard are necessary for our security and that so-called compromise options are not credible,” said Mr Woodcock.

There have been a series of high-profile clashes between pro- and anti-Trident supporters within the Labour party.

The suggestions tabled by Trident-sceptic ministers such as shadow defence secretary Emily Thornberry have been labelled as “not realistic” by shipbuilding activists in Barrow.

Mr Woodcock hopes that the report will signal a shift in policy, that ensures that investment keeps flowing into the North West, he said: “There is already a cast-iron majority for the successor programme in the House of Commons, the Vote should be held as soon as possible so that work can progress and funds can be released for investment in Barrow."

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