Chinese Liberal Democrats say to Cameron - the cold war is over

At the first leader's debate on 15 April, leader of the Conservatives Mr Cameron defended spending of up to £100 billion for a like-for-like replacement of Trident due to his claim that Britain has to preserve an independent nuclear deterrent against future threats from countries such as Iran and China.

"That statement was most revealing as it betrayed the hawkish approach of the Conservatives and their leader in the sphere of international and foreign relations.

"It is also insulting and absurd to use China, as an excuse for unnecessary defence spending in a nuclear missile system that is more suited to the days of the cold war."

said Merlene Toh Emerson, Chair of Chinese Liberal Democrats and Parliamentary Candidate for Hammersmith

Philip Ling, Parliamentary Candidate for Bromsgrove added:

"Unfortunately sabre rattling will not continue to build improved relationships with countries like China and Iran.

"Liberal Democrats on the other hand believe in working with the international community to lower the nuclear risk in the world, an example of which has been set by President Obama and President Medvedev in their agreement to reduce their nuclear missiles by a third."