Labour is being warned not to play “fast and loose” with the livelihoods of workers supported by the Trident nuclear system if it expects to win the 2020 general election.
The GMB is reaffirming its support for Trident renewal, arguing it sustains skilled jobs.
The union’s Scotland Secretary, Gary Smith, said at the GMB’s annual conference in Bournemouth that Labour should learn the lessons from Scottish Labour’s division over Trident renewal.
“There is a warning from Scotland for the Labour party heading to the 2020 general election – you cannot play fast and loose with the jobs and lives of working-class communities and expect to win at the ballot box.
“There is no doubt that Scottish Labour’s self-indulgent position against Trident renewal contributed to its humiliating Holyrood election results last month – third place in Scotland and teetering on the brink of irrelevance.
“GMB Scotland supports our members who do the skilled and valuable work that maintains Trident, we support the working-class communities sustained by Trident and we support Trident renewal.
“Ahead of Labour’s defence review interim report, it’s time for the Labour party to end the divisions, put the issue to bed and focus on the real issues affecting working people if it is serious about winning the 2020 general election,” he said.
