Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Nuclear Weapons

Monday 18 November 2024 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • UK recognises the humanitarian consequences of nuclear weapons.
  • UK voted against establishing a panel for studying the effects of nuclear weapons.
  • Minister committed to exploring concerns about access to medical records for nuclear test veterans.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Jeremy Corbyn Your Party Islington North
Defence
Context

Concerns over the risks associated with nuclear weapons and historical incidents involving UK nuclear arms.

Question

Whether he has had recent discussions with Cabinet colleagues on potential risks arising from the use of nuclear weapons. We recognise that there have been 110 historical incidents involving UK nuclear weapons, including near misses between the US and Russia/Soviet Union. Will the Minister explain why Britain voted against establishing a panel for studying the effects of nuclear weapons at the UN General Assembly?

Answer from Maria Eagle

The UK recognises the humanitarian consequences of nuclear weapons. However, we voted against establishing a panel for studying their effects because it does not establish a clear mandate for advancing progress towards nuclear disarmament.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Commitment to co-operate in examining the devastating effect of nuclear weapons

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Q2 Jeremy Corbyn Your Party Islington North
Defence
Context

Concerns over the UK's vote against establishing a panel to study the humanitarian impact of nuclear weapons.

Question

According to the Nuclear Information Service, there have been 110 historical incidents involving UK nuclear weapons. There were also 25 well-recorded near misses between the US and Russia/Soviet Union. In this context, will the Minister explain why Britain voted against establishing a panel for studying the effects of nuclear weapons at the UN General Assembly?

Answer from Maria Eagle

The UK recognises the possible humanitarian consequences of using nuclear weapons but voted against establishing a panel for studying their effects, as it does not establish a clear mandate for advancing progress towards nuclear disarmament.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Commitment to co-operate in examining the devastating effect of nuclear weapons

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Q3 Rebecca Long-Bailey Lab Salford
Veterans
Context

A report in the Daily Mirror alleged that inaccurate testimony and incomplete documentation were given to judges by civil servants in nuclear test veterans' legal disputes over many years.

Question

The Secretary of State's commitment to nuclear testing veterans is well known, but he may be concerned by a report in the Daily Mirror claiming incorrect testimony and incomplete documentation were provided by civil servants and given to judges. Will the Minister investigate these claims urgently?

Answer from Maria Eagle

My hon. Friend has met nuclear test veterans to establish a new relationship, committed to exploring concerns about access to medical records, and progress will be made.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Commitment to report to the House on urgent investigations

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