AS STROUD campaigners prepared for an anti-Trident protest, defence secretary Michael Fallon reaffirmed the need for a nuclear deterrent.

The Conservative politician visited Stonehouse-based manufacturing company DuroWipers to show his support for the firm and to see how it produces high performance window wipers for the marine and rail industries.

His visit came as a group of peace campaigners from Stroud wrapped a huge knitted pink scarf around Parliament at the weekend in a protest against the renewal of Trident – the UK’s nuclear weapons programme.

Parliament debated Trident on Tuesday, January 20 and agreed to support its renewal.

Defending the decision on Thursday Mr Fallon said: “We are committed to backing our armed forces and giving them the equipment they need.

“We have threats at the moment but we have to plan for possible threats in the future.”

Mr Fallon was also in the district to show his support for Stroud MP Neil Carmichael ahead of the General Election in May.

“He has been a champion of Stroud and in particular a champion of its manufacturing excellence which is exactly typified by this company here today,” said Mr Fallon.

“It is a world-beating company, they’ve got a wiper design that nobody else in the world has got, a wiper design that comes with a lifetime guarantee.”

Mr Fallon said that after making cuts, the Ministry of Defence has started investing again which is having a positive impact on jobs across the country.

“I am keen to see how small to medium size businesses like this are a good example of how spending in this country helps jobs and growth,” said Mr Fallon.

“This company benefits from investment in defence.

“Its wipers are used on our Navy Auxiliary ships and they are a great example of British industry excellence.”

“We have a programme of investment ahead of £160 billion over the next 10 years and that will help companies like these.”

Mr Fallon said the UK must invest in the new submarines as we are in a time of “global security uncertainty”.

“The decision on Trident was taken eight years ago, back in 2007,” he said.

“Every government – Conservative or Labour – has supported a nuclear deterrent.

“It’s very important that we keep that up when you have North Korea testing, and Iran refusing to give up the military option.”

Mr Fallon met staff and apprentices while being shown around the Oldends Lane factory.

Green Party Councillor John Marjoram was one of seven peace campaigners who travelled to London on Saturday for the protest.

A coach booked for the trip was cancelled as enough people didn’t turn up to fill it.