A decision on whether Britain should retain its nuclear weapons and remain a nuclear power, or whether to retire its four Trident missile submarines as they wear out and not replace them is edging closer. Meanwhile those opposed to Trident renewal are trying to mobilise public opinion in their favour. Indications are that the great majority of the public realises that the decision is an agonising one that cannot be reduced to a simple slogan. Parliament’s duty is to reflect that difficulty and uncertainty, and not to reduce the argument to a party political one.The temptation to use the issue for political point-scoring will be great. But the statesmanlike option is to step back from short-term politics and address the moral and strategic issues thoughtfully on their merits. In doin