Legality of Trident called into question

A LEGAL challenge to the Government's proposals to replace the Trident nuclear deterrent was launched today.

Lawyers for two organisations, the Nuclear Information Service (NIS) and Peacerights, lodged papers at the Royal Courts of Justice in London seeking judicial review, claiming the Government is acting illegally.

A judge will decide in private over the next few days whether they have an "arguable case" which should go to a full hearing. Peacerights, which works to promote the peaceful resolution of conflicts, and NIS, which provides information on nuclear issues, say there has been lack of "accountability and due process".

Peacerights says it has obtained counsel's opinion justifying a legal challenge from leading lawyers Michael Fordham QC and Naina Patel.

NIS spokeswoman Di McDonald said: "In 200 years' time, nuclear weapons will be viewed with the abhorrence felt about slavery. As in 1807, the law is the means to redress unacceptable social practices, and Britain can take the international lead again - before it is too late."