Thank you to the constituents who have contacted me about the “serious malfunction” which resulted in a Trident missile heading for the United States instead of its intended target off the west coast of Africa.

As you may be aware, I voted against the renewal of Trident in July 2016 and would like to see greater progress towards a world without nuclear weapons. I agree that this incident was incredibly concerning.

I am aware that one of my colleagues has tabled an Early Day Motion calling for an inquiry into what went wrong but unfortunately as an opposition whip I am unable to sign it.

I can, however, confirm that I have now written to the Secretary of State for Defence, Rt Hon Sir Michael Fallon MP, to pass on your concerns.