Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Non-proliferation Treaty: 50th Anniversary Review

13 July 2022 · 5 other contributors · 8,574 words

Opened by Caroline Lucas Green Brighton, Pavilion

Responding minister: Graham Stuart

DefenceForeign Affairs

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Caroline Lucas raised concerns about non-proliferation treaty: 50th anniversary review in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • The UK refused to disclose specific numbers on the size of its nuclear stockpile or timelines for reduction.
  • Concerns exist over undisclosed NATO nuclear weapon storage locations in Europe and potential capacity increases at Lakenheath.
  • The UK Foreign Secretary is urged to attend the 10th review conference to emphasize the importance of eradicating all nuclear weapons.

Key requests to Government

The Foreign Secretary should attend the review conference personally to underscore the importance of eradicating all nuclear weapons and calling on Russia and other nuclear weapon states to declare that they will not threaten or use nuclear weapons. The UK should also engage constructively with the UN treaty on the prohibition of nuclear weapons, which has been ratified by 63 nations.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Caroline Lucas Green Brighton, Pavilion

The nuclear non-proliferation treaty (NPT), having celebrated its 50th anniversary, faces challenges such as the UK's refusal to provide specific numbers on the size of its current stockpile or timelines for reduction. Concerns have been raised about undisclosed NATO nuclear weapon storage locations in Europe and potential capacity increases at Lakenheath. The Government has not yet decided which Ministers will attend the 10th review conference, potentially undermining the UK's commitment to strengthening the NPT.

Other contributors (5)
  • Alyn Smith SNP Glasgow North West

    He welcomed the Minister to his place and congratulated Caroline Lucas on securing the debate. He explained the SNP's deep commitment to nuclear disarmament, expressing hope for meaningful action from the UK Government ahead of the 50th review conference.

  • Beth Winter Lab

    The UK's retention and increase of nuclear weapons contradicts the Non-Proliferation Treaty's goals, which aim for global nuclear disarmament. Over 60 years, the UK has replaced Polaris with Trident warheads and missiles, and now plans to further increase its arsenal contrary to international efforts towards nuclear abolition.

  • Fabian Hamilton Lab Leeds North East

    The UK's approach to multilateral nuclear disarmament is inconsistent, and there needs to be transparency regarding the number of warheads in the stockpile. The Government should allocate a Minister, ideally the Foreign Secretary, to attend the NPT review conference in New York.

  • Jeremy Corbyn Ind Islington North

    Mr Corbyn highlighted the importance of the NPT review conference, emphasizing its role in promoting disarmament and preventing proliferation. He noted that despite some countries developing nuclear weapons outside the treaty, many others have adhered to it. Mr Corbyn also addressed the need for a Middle East WMD-free zone, referencing the Iran deal as an example of progress. Additionally, he criticised Britain's expansion of nuclear warheads and its involvement in AUKUS. Calls for assurance that Britain will be represented by a suitably empowered delegation in New York and suggests offering a reduction in nuclear stockpiles as part of negotiations. Also requests for a parliamentary statement or debate following the NPT conference to discuss its outcomes.

  • Kirsten Oswald SNP East Dunbartonshire

    She noted that nuclear weapons are not stationed in Wales and expressed envy for this situation. She emphasized the opposition to their presence near Scotland's largest population centre despite civil society and political will against it. She highlighted that nuclear weapons are located in Scotland despite the opposition from elected representatives. She emphasised that nuclear weapons are morally and economically inappropriate for today's threats. Points out that it is not for the Minister to determine whether nuclear weapons are situated in Scotland, asserting that this decision should be made by those democratically elected by Scottish people.

Government Response

Graham Stuart

The Minister committed to the UK's continued support for the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), emphasizing ongoing efforts to foster dialogue among states with and without nuclear weapons. He highlighted the importance of risk reduction measures alongside disarmament obligations and mentioned efforts to strengthen international safeguards through diplomatic means and direct assistance from the UK's nuclear safeguards programme. The Minister addressed concerns about nuclear proliferation in Iran and North Korea, noting the UK's work to combat these risks. Regarding Scotland hosting nuclear weapons, he noted that Trident enjoys 58% support among young Scots, despite SNP and Green opposition. He also mentioned the UK's encouragement of peaceful nuclear technology development and exchange under the NPT framework.

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