| A group of lawmakers urged the Labour party on Tuesday to open debate on the contentious issue of replacing Britain's aging Trident nuclear missile system. The four nuclear-powered submarines - each capable of carrying up to 16 nuclear-armed missiles - are expected to end their operational life by 2024. The Labour Party, led by Prime Minister Tony Blair, promised in its 2005 campaign platform to maintain the country's nuclear capability as long as the current system lasts. Blair has promised a decision by the end of this year on whether to replace or renew it. |