AS Stroud campaigners prepare 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 see how the firm produces high performance window wipers for the marine and rail industries.

His visit comes as a group of peace campaigners from Stroud are preparing to wrap a 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 and agreed to support its renewal.

Defending the decision 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.

“Neil will certainly retain his seat, he’ll be back in parliament with us on May 8 I have no doubt about that at all,” said Mr Fallon.

“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.

“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.”