The Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, the Rt Rev Alan McDonald, has handed in a petition against Trident renewal together with the Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church, the Most Rev Idris Jones, and Richard McCready of the Scottish Catholic Church.

Almost 20,000 signatures were contained in the petition, handed over by the three churchmen to the Ministry of Defence on Friday.

The petition calls for the government not to invest in a replacement for Trident and to begin the process of decommissioning these weapons with the funds spent on nuclear weaponry to be diverted to aid and development projects.

Rev McDonald told Christian Today that is was "crucial" that churches unite on this issue.

Rev Jones meanwhile highlighted the "wider issue" of the arms trade. "One of the best ways to help Africa is to stop the Arms Trade," he said.

The Kirk Moderator arrived in London on Monday for his annual St Andrewstide visit.

He spent St Andrew's Day lunching with the Queen and Prince Philip at the Caledonian Club, a private members club for Scots in London since 1891, following the opening of the club's new wing by the Queen.

The Moderator also preached at the Crypt Chapel within the Houses of Parliament where a reading was given by the Secretary of State for Scotland, the Rt Hon Douglas Alexander, in the presence of members of the House of Commons and House of Lords.

On Advent Sunday, 3 December, Rev McDonald will preach at the two Church of Scotland churches in London, St Columba's and Crown Court.