MP Griffiths wins public backing on Trident

CITY MP Nigel Griffiths received overwhelming backing on the streets of his Edinburgh South constituency after his decision to quit his Government job over the replacement of the Trident nuclear deterrent.

The deputy leader of the Commons gave up his post yesterday, joining other Lothians MPs planning to vote against the renewal of the weapons system.

He had told his constituency party he would oppose any move to spend billions of pounds on the weapons, despite coming under heavy pressure from Gordon Brown to change his mind.

Now his stance has been supported by voters, with most of them opposing a replacement for Trident.

Many said they respected Mr Griffiths for following his conscience, and listening to local opinion.

But there were a few dissenting voices, and many reacted simply with: "Nigel who?"

Evander MacIver, 37, a catering manager from south Morningside, said: "I'm 100 per cent behind him. The city has people going hungry, and there are more important things to spend the money on. Britain doesn't need nuclear weapons. We should stop pretending we're more important than we are."

Mark Brown, 25, a student from Belhaven Terrace, said: "There's a lot to admire in him following his principles. There comes a point where your own personal beliefs are more important than following the party line. People voted for him because of his own beliefs."

Furzana Chaudhry, 42, a shop assistant, from Morningside, said: "I think it's to be admired. I'm totally opposed to nuclear weapons."

Jonathan Craig, a 19-year-old student from West Bryson Road, said: "It's good that a politician is finally listening to what the people are saying."

Roddy Burr, 47, a solicitor from Marchmont, said: "Anyone who sticks up for his beliefs is to be respected."

Terry Chaudhary, 20, a shop manager from Morningside, said: "I'm quite new to Edinburgh, so I don't know who he is. But I think it's a very good move. I'm opposed to Trident and I approve of him sticking up for his principles."

Receptionist Holly Moore, 22, from Morningside, said: "I think he did the right thing. Maybe it will make some of the other MPs think about it."

But although his anti-nuclear stance was widely welcomed, it appears Mr Griffiths might still have to worry about his recognition factor.

Despite hitting headlines yesterday, many of those in his constituency still did not know who their MP was.

Suzanne Murray, a 38-year-old full-time mum from Falcon Avenue, said: "I'm afraid I don't actually know who he is. I'm totally opposed to nuclear weapons, so I'd support what he's done." But some residents believed he should have toed the party line, saying a replacement for Trident was a necessary evil.

May Ferguson, 78, a pensioner from Morningside, said: "He's a member of the Government so I think he should have voted with them. We need nuclear weapons, although I don't really like them."

Mary Wilson, 63, a retired librarian from the Grange, agreed. She said: "I think a lot of people will be disappointed that he has done that. I don't like the idea of nuclear weapons, but other countries have them."

Mr Griffiths will be making a personal statement in the House of Commons tomorrow.

He said: "My view is very much that I took a decision based on a long-held belief. I'm very heartened there seems to be overwhelming support in my constituency, although I recognise that some have very different views. I'm sad to leave my job, but immensely proud of the achievements of the Government."