NUCLEAR disarmament is a noble mission, but unrealistic, after protesters travelled from South Cumbria to Manchester to protest.

They were among thousands to gather in the city with various messages on the first day of the Conservative Party conference.

The members of South Lakeland and Lancaster District Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament in attendance wanted the billions spent on the Trident nuclear programme to be redirected elsewhere.

Philip Gilligan, speaking on behalf of the campaigners, said the Government's priorities were 'very wrong'.

Angus MeCoatup said: "Of course we live in a capitalist society, would anyone seriously prefer a communist one? Good in theory, but it doesn't work. And the reason humans are the only animals to spend money on killing others and fighting wars is because we are the only ones who have money. Doing away with weapons? A wonderful theory that is impossible to achieve."

Fed Up Pedestrian said: "It would be great if we could get rid, it would mean the world is at peace at last. Unfortunately, as safe as you think we are on these shores; which you are thanks to nuclear deterrent, we are; there are still countries trying to land grab and conquer others, if we got rid, we'd be sitting ducks and would lose any bargaining power we had."

NotFarWrong said: "An absence of capitalism didn't prevent the Soviet Union from almost starting WW3 in Cuba in the 60's. However, this commenter helpfully reveals the true purpose of this group and so many others like them, which is to serve as a front group for communism. They will use any issue to try and undermine western democracies in order to usher in communism through the back door. They should be ignored."

Josh Thompson said: "Good thing too we live in a capitalist society. That's why we have an over consumption problem and not a starvation one, it's why the poorest people here are the richest people in the world, it's why you can engage in the free market of ideas."