ANDREW Smith, Labour MP for Oxford East, has vowed to rebel over Britain's nuclear weapons programme.
Mr Smith said he planned to defy the party line in the Commons today and vote against the Government's £20bn plans to replace Trident.
It will be the first time the former Cabinet minister has voted against the Government on a major issue.
Prime Minister Tony Blair faces the humiliation of having to rely on Tory MPs to approve a new generation of submarines capable of firing Trident D5 missiles.
Mr Smith said he loathed nuclear weapons. He said: "I don't believe they offer real security.
"The enormous amount of money would be better spent in areas that would do more to protect our future, such as tackling climate change, improving our schools and hospitals, international development and better equipping our conventional forces."
Labour whips fear up to 80 backbenchers will revolt, causing one of the biggest rebellions since Mr Blair swept to power a decade ago.
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