View from the House: We can't ignore fresh threats to peace in Europe

Jun 18 2009 Dominic Grieve Mp For Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire Advertiser

IT WAS good to hear that the Prince of Wales would be able to represent the Royal Family at the ceremonies to mark the 65th anniversary of the D-Day landings.

For some veterans, this will be the last opportunity to attend, because of their increasing age and physical frailty.

In 1944, those veterans were serving their king and country and cooperating with troops from across the globe to liberate Europe, so it is appropriate that the prince should attend.

In 2009, fresh threats compromise peace in the world, such as the proliferation of nuclear weapons and the spread of terrorism.

In the past few weeks, North Korea has carried out an under-ground nuclear test and other missile tests. There are continuing concerns about Iran's capability to develop nuclear weapons.

International cooperation, through the United Nations Security Council and through diplomatic measures, is the best way to try to prevent nuclear proliferation. However, we must also think seriously about the UK's nuclear defences.

Two of our Vanguard class submarines are due to go out of service by 2024 - 80 years after the D-day landings.

The world will have changed immeasurably in those 80 years, but the peace and security which Europe now enjoys has been preserved in part by the presence of those defences.

There are those who, in the face of the economic hardships we face, will say that we cannot afford to maintain the nuclear deterrent.

The next Parliament will have to debate this issue very carefully.