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Consequences for UK defence of INF withdrawal

15 November 2018

The Defence Committee launches inquiry examining the potential withdrawal of the US from the INF Treaty and its possible implications for UK defence.

What is the INF Treaty?

The INF Treaty, signed in 1987, prohibits the US and Russia from testing and deploying ground-launched ballistic and cruise missiles which have a range between 500 and 5500km. Last month, the President of the United States announced the intention of the US to withdraw from the Treaty. Given that this Treaty is predominantly aimed at securing Europe, the Defence Committee has decided to examine what the implications might be for UK defence of such a withdrawal.

Send a written submission

The terms of reference are:

  • Has the INF Treaty been violated?
  • How best could a return to compliance with the Treaty be achieved?
  • What would the consequences be of the US withdrawing from the Treaty?
  • Could the Treaty be amended to make it more attractive to both sides?
  • Is the INF Treaty still relevant given the technological and geopolitical developments since it was signed?
  • What role could the UK play in future discussions of the Treaty?

Send a written submission to the inquiry on INF Treaty withdrawal.

Deadline for written submissions is 8 January 2019.

Further information

Image: BBC