CAMPAIGNERS have made a final rallying call to MPs to back the renewal of Britain's Trident nuclear weapons programme.

Today, MPs will debate Trident - the UK's nuclear deterrent carried onboard four Barrow-built Vanguard submarines.

The four boats, built at the shipyard in the late 1980s and early 1990s, have a lifespan of 25 years and, following today's debate, the House of Commons will vote on a motion to replace the fleet.

Known as the Successor programme, work to replace the Vanguard subs has already begun in Barrow, with hundreds of millions of pounds invested into new facilities at the yard and throughout the town.

If the majority of MPs vote in favour of the motion to maintain the UK's continuous at-sea deterrent, Barrow's future as a submarine-building town, and thousands of jobs, will be cemented.

Indications suggest a majority in favour is highly likely although a number of politicians, including Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and members of the Scottish National Party, are expected to vote against the motion.

Barrow and Furness MP John Woodcock has spoken out against his leader's stance on Successor and led a cross-party campaign, working alongside some of his political rivals, to ensure a majority vote is secured.

The debate is expected to start around 6pm, with a vote by 10pm. The result will be announced immediately.

“This vote has been such a long time coming and walking through the ‘aye’ lobby on Monday night will give me a real sense of a responsibility fulfilled and a promise kept," Mr Woodcock said.

"The whole community has been working towards this day and I am proud to have done my part in parliament alongside the Keep Our Future Afloat Campaign.

"I’ll be speaking up for the amazing workforce at the shipyard in the debate and making sure we make the most of this great victory for our town.”