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North East MP resigns as shadow defence minister

Kevan Jones, the Labour MP for North Durham, has stood down as shadow defence minister.

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North East MP's letter of resignation from front bench

The MP for Durham North has quit Labour's front bench, because he disagrees with leader Jeremy Corby's views on Britain nuclear deterrent.

Kevan Jones MP wrote a letter to Mr Corbyn explaining why he thought he had to step down. He then published a copy of the letter on Twitter.

Kevan Jones' resignation letter. Credit: @KevanJones MP

Kevan Jones has served the Labour Party as a defence minister, and as a shadow defence minister in opposition.

He believes that Britain needs a nuclear deterrent, while his leader, Jeremy Corbyn, opposes the renewal of Britain’s Trident nuclear weapons system.

Here is a transcript of his letter of resignation in full:

"Dear Jeremy,

I am writing to inform you that I will be standing down from my position as shadow minister for the Armed Forces with immediate effect. It has been an honour to serve the Labour Party in both government and in opposition. Defence has always been an integral part of the Labour tradition, and we should always remember that it is an important issue to Labour communities across the country.

"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.

"As you knew, on a personal basis we have always got on. I would particularly like to thank you for your campaign work around mental health, and would like to take this opportunity to wish you all the best for 2016."

– Kevan Jones MP's resignation letter.

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North East MP resigns as shadow defence minister

Kevan Jones, the Labour MP for North Durham, is standing down as shadow defence minister.

In a statement he said he strongly disagreed with Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn on scrapping the Trident nuclear defence programme.

Kavan Jones MP Credit: Stefan Rousseau/PA Archive/PA Images

Kevan Jones has been MP for North Durham since 2001.

In October 2008 he was appointed Parliamentary Under Secretary of State and Minister for Veterans at the Ministry of Defence.

In 2011, he was a member of the special Select Committee set up to scrutinise the Bill that became the Armed Forces Act 2011.

He was also a member of the Public Bill Committee for the Defence Reform Act 2014.

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