Committees

Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and nuclear disarmament inquiry launched

22 November 2018

The International Relations Select Committee launches its inquiry into the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and nuclear disarmament.

Scope of the inquiry

As a result of rising tensions between nuclear-armed states and the fragmenting of existing non-proliferation and arms control agreements, nuclear weapons are on the international agenda in a way they have not been since the end of the Cold War. In this context, the House of Lords International Relations Committee is launching an inquiry into the NPT and nuclear disarmament, during which it will examine the state of global nuclear diplomacy and the United Kingdom's role in it.

Chairman's comments

Lord Howell of Guildford, Chairman of the Committee said:

"The nuclear order, shaped largely by the agreements and underlying doctrine of deterrence developed in the 20th century, is now being challenged by rising tensions between nuclear-armed states, by the collapse of crucial agreements, by the prospect of continuing nuclear proliferation, by the empowerment of non-state actors, as well as by the development of technologies that undermine traditional nuclear thinking.

"Constant endeavours to contain and reduce nuclear risk in changing global conditions must be a continuing international priority. Our inquiry will examine the best ways in which  the UK can contribute to this crucial task."  

Focus of the inquiry

We are looking for submissions on the state of global nuclear diplomacy and the United Kingdom's role.

The Committee is seeking evidence to address the following issues:

  •  Nuclear risk
  •  The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty
  •  The role of The United States
  •  Nuclear arms control
  •  Nuclear modernisation programmes 
  •  New technologies
  •  The Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons
  •  The P5
  •  The role of the UK

For the full list of questions, please refer to the Call for Evidence

Timeline

Written evidence is sought by Friday 18 January 2019. Public hearings will be held from 12 December 2018.

Further information

Image: PA