ON Monday, MPs in the House of Commons are set to take part in a historic vote by deciding if the Trident nuclear weapons programme, carried onboard Barrow-built submarines, is renewed.

What is Trident?

Since 1969, a British submarine carrying nuclear weapons has been on patrol 24/7. The logic is to deter a nuclear attack because, even if the nation's conventional defence capabilities were destroyed, the submarine would still be able to launch a retaliatory strike, a concept known as mutually assured destruction.

The four Vanguard-class submarines, which were built in Barrow, carry up to eight Trident missiles; each can be fitted with a number of warheads.

Why do they need to be replaced?

The Vanguard subs are aging and set to come out of service by the late 2020s. Because of the length of time it takes to design and build submarines, while also continuing with the Astute-class construction programme, a decision is needed now. The Successor submarines as they are known, will be built in Barrow's shipyard, where preparatory work has already begun.

When will the vote take place?

Monday's debate on Trident is scheduled to start at 3.30pm with a deadline of 10pm by which a vote must take place. However, other parliamentary issues and questions must be dealt with before the debate and vote can take place.

Indications suggest the debate on Trident won't begin until around 6pm. By 10pm a vote must take place and if the results appear to be close, the house will be 'divided' and all MPs will leave the chamber before walking through one of two voting lobbies to register their vote.

Which way is the vote likely to go?

In 2007, MPs backed plans to renew Trident by 409 to 61 votes and many have since reaffirmed their allegiance ahead of Monday's vote.

Barrow and Furness MP John Woodcock has come under fire for speaking against the Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn over the issue. Mr Corbyn believes the programme should NOT be renewed, unlike many of his MPs.

However, Labour MPs will have a free vote - meaning they will not be 'forced' to vote one way or another by the whip. Official Labour Party policy has been to support renewal.

The SNP has a long-standing opposition to nuclear weapons and has confirmed its intention to oppose the renewal of the Clyde-based nuclear fleet when it goes to the vote at Westminster.

So when will we find out the result?

A result will be announced shortly after the voting process has taken place. It is likely the result may not be revealed until around 10.15pm/10.30pm.