EAST Renfrewshire MP Kirsten Oswald is spearheading a cross-party campaign against plans to expand Britain’s nuclear arsenal.

The Westminster group led by Ms Oswald is also opposing a controversial proposal by Prime Minister Boris Johnson to use the deadly bombs in response to non-nuclear threats.

Their campaign group was formed following the publication of the UK Government’s “integrated defence review” outlining the country’s military role for the next decade, including nuclear weapons.

The UK Government had previously been committed to reducing the number of warheads to 180.

However Ms Oswald, whose constituency includes Barrhead and Neilston, slammed the new policy reversing that plan and increasing the limit to 260.

Last week, she tabled a motion in the House of Commons opposing the new nuclear policy, with support from the Lib Dems, Labour, Greens and Plaid Cymru.

The MP told the Barrhead News:“It’s extremely concerning that the UK Government is making such radical and immoral changes to nuclear policy, which are a clear breach of Britain’s obligations under the UN nuclear non-proliferation treaty.

“It is unbelievable that in the wake of a global pandemic, the UK Government should decide its priority is to reverse the trend towards nuclear disarmament and risk opening a new arms race.

“Instead of increasing the stockpile of nuclear warheads, the Prime Minister should be showing true global leadership by abandoning these dangerous changes and committing his government to taking further steps towards disarmament.”

The government review also now defines a non-nuclear threat as chemical or biological weapons, or emerging technology.

Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, who now sits as an independent in the House of Commons, is also backing Ms Oswalds campaign.

A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said:” The review is a comprehensive articulation of the UK’s national security and international policy. 

“It outlines three fundamental national interests that bind together the citizens of the UK – sovereignty, security and prosperity

“It also stresses the importance of our relationships with allies and partners around the world, as well as moving more swiftly and with greater agility.”