LETTER: Pacific nuclear tests: French public opinion, British history, Labour policy
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.From Dr David Clark, MP
Sir: Having entirely misrepresented the Labour Party's position on French nuclear testing ("No fuss please, we're British", 8 September), you will permit me to set the record straight. In the wake of Tuesday's test, Tony Blair took a lead in roundly condemning the French action. In the strongest possible terms he has criticised the Government's silence, called for an international test ban treaty and described the test programme as unjustifiable.
In a press release, I condemned the test as "a deplorable act" and "a flagrant breach of the spirit of the non-proliferation treaty". I called on the Government to "end its silence, and support Labour in condemning the French nuclear test". I released a second press release, on 7 September, which drew attention directly to the British government's silence and criticised its lack of response. I urged Mr Portillo to "come off the fence and commit the Government to a zero threshold, truly comprehensive, test ban treaty".
Each of these statements was faxed on at least two occasions to the Independent. Unfortunately your paper was not alone among the British media in failing to carry Labour's condemnation of the French action, despite our repeated attempts to put it across.
Under the umbrella of the Party of European Socialists, Labour will shortly present a petition from socialist MPs and MEPs to the French embassy expressing our condemnation of the tests.
I fail to see how Labour's response to the dangerous and outdated folly of nuclear testing can possibly be described as "disappointing in its opposition". Your allegations that Labour has failed to speak or act in criticism of nuclear testing are belied by the facts.
Yours faithfully,
David Clark
MP for South Shields (Lab)
House of Commons
London, SW1
8 September
The writer is shadow secretary for defence.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments