Replacing the Trident nuclear deterrent would cost, by some estimates, £100 billion; this is a tremendous waste of money for an weapon that will never be used.

Labour are adamant that renewal will go ahead and the SNP that it won't, if they have anything to do with it. But this shouldn't stop them forming a pact for government after the election.

They can let the decision wither on the vine by not put the issue to a vote in parliament. This would save face for Ed Miliband, give the British people a £100 billion reprieve from austerity and allow the existing submarines to age into decommissioning.

GEOFF NAYLOR, Colden Common.