Trident Claims Labour Scalps

The Shadow Minister for the Armed Forces has stood down from his position with immediate effect following a shadow cabinet reshuffle by Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn.

Kevan Jones, the MP for North Durham and the Commonwealth War Graves Commissioner, resigned after Maria Eagle was moved from her post as Shadow Defence Secretary to the Culture, Media and Sport job.

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Mr Jones has opposing views on the future of the Trident programme with both Jeremy Corbyn and the new Shadow Defence Secretary Emily Thornberry.

In a letter to the Labour leader posted on his Twitter account Kevan Jones said: "The issue of the UK’s nuclear deterrent and how we progress the aim of nuclear disarmament has always been one that has divided opinion within the Labour party."

"There are well-founded views on each side of the debate, and I respect those like yourself who advocate a unilateralist position. However, as you know from our discussions when you appointed me in this role, I do not agree with this view.

I have been clear and consistent that I believe it is the right policy for the country to maintain a minimum credible nuclear deterrent, while working to advance global nuclear disarmament.

I am determined to continue making the case for Labour to have strong, credible defence and security policies, and I feel that the most effective way for me to continue to do this is from the backbenches."

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Formerly the Shadow Minister for Veterans, Kevan Jones publicly clashed with the co-covener of Labour's Defence Review Ken Livingstone in November 2015. Mr Jones, who has openly spoken about suffering from depression, was told to get "psychiatric help" by Mr Livingstone when the two fell out over defence.

Mr Livingstone, a long-time opponent of the UK's nuclear deterrent later apologised.