ANTI-NUCLEAR campaigners were “horrified” today after plans to host a thanksgiving service for Britain’s nuclear weapons system at Westminster Abbey were announced.

The Royal Navy is set to host a National Service of Thanksgiving to mark 50 years of the Continuous at Sea Deterrent (CASD) on May 3.

New CASD Dreadnought submarines are currently being constructed as part of a £205 billion Trident replacement scheme.

The Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND) says it will hold protests at Westminster Abbey if the service goes ahead.

CND’s Christian division will play a leading role in any demonstrations, as they believe nuclear weapons are “contrary to the teachings of Jesus and the Bible.”

The faith group says that holding such an event at the holy site would be contrary to a motion passed by the Church of England General Synod in July 2018. 

The motion said: “Nuclear weapons, through their indiscriminate and destructive potential, present a distinct category of weaponry that requires Christians to work tirelessly for their elimination across the world.” 

The Church is unable to formally block the use of Westminster Abbey however as it’s designated a “Royal Peculiar,” placing it outside the authority of traditional Anglican power structures.

CND general secretary Kate Hudson said: “It’s morally repugnant that a service of thanksgiving for Britain’s nuclear weapons system is due to be held at Westminster Abbey.

“This sends out a terrible message to the world about our country. It says that here in Britain we celebrate weapons — in a place of worship — that can kill millions of people.

“If the Defence Secretary doesn’t cancel this service we call on the Church authorities to step in.”

Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said to Parliament on Monday that he will attend the event and that the Ministry of Defence was “proud to continue to protect the security and stability not only of our nation, but of our allies.”

A Westminster Abbey spokesperson told the Morning Star: “The service marking the 50 years of the continuous at sea deterrent is not a service of thanksgiving or a celebration of nuclear armaments.

“The service will recognise the commitment of the Royal Navy to effective peacekeeping through the deterrent over the past 50 years and will pray for peace throughout the world.”