Martin Deane on David Miliband

Martin Deane, of Hull Green Party, talks on occasion of the Wilberforce Lecture at Holy Trinity Church, Market Square, Kingston upon Hull, on Friday 21st November, 2008.

Shan Oakes, Hull and E. Riding Green Party,  writes,  I was there when David Miliband, Foreign Secretary, gave the Wilberforce lecture on Friday night in Holy Trinity Church, Hull.    I agreed with his emphasis on the crucial role of diplomacy. However, when I asked, Does Great Britain want to be on the moral high ground?  If so, why do we want a new Trident? I was shocked by the implications of his answer.  Earlier he had stated that strong states need to realise that force is not the answer, but Milibands answer was something like, Its all very well to talk of the moral high ground in this lofty cathedral, but... and then he proceeded to justify Trident.  Considering that Britain signed the Nuclear Proliferation treaty in 1970, committing ourselves to serous nuclear disarmament, yet now David Miliband continues to turn his back on this renewing these WMD in our name.  How, then, can we continue to complain when other countries develop nuclear weapons?  It is illogical, dishonest and dangerous. The best way to lead is by example If the foreign secretary is not even aiming for the moral high ground, what will we base our next war on... ? Answer: Let's not have one; let's not plan for one.

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News & Politics

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• Miliband
• Deane
• Wilberforce
• Hull