Written evidence from the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament

The Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND) campaigns to rid the world of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction and to create genuine security for future generations. Genuine security is based on building and respecting a rules-based international system which is guided by ethical and fair decisions. In this context we have grave concerns about recent political developments which are undermining the international treaty framework which underpins the commitment expressed by the global community in pursuit of nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation. This commitment is expressed via both multilateral and bilateral treaties and challenges exist to both. We are concerned that the UK should do its utmost to support these treaties and work with its partners to defend the agreements that have helped reduce nuclear weapons stockpiles, eliminate certain classes of nuclear-capable missiles and prevented further nuclear proliferation.

Specifically we have recently seen the withdrawal by the US from the historic Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (which was agreed between Iran, US, UK, France, China, Russia and Germany in 2015), imposing further sanctions on Iran. These sanctions have made it less likely that Iran will adhere to the original disarmament objectives of the deal, increasing the threat of Iran becoming another nuclear weapons state and therefore increasing global instability. We applaud the actions by the UK and partner governments in attempting to sustain this crucial treaty.

However, we have also seen the recent US withdrawal from the 1987 Intermediate-range Nuclear Force (INF) Treaty with Russia, and Russia’s subsequent withdrawal. This is an extremely concerning development for global nuclear arms control and the international order. The INF Treaty has been a vital arms limitation treaty, and in actively reducing nuclear arsenals it has been an important step towards nuclear disarmament. The INF treaty has a special role in ensuring greater European security, which remains necessary to this day and considerable concern has been expressed by our European partner states over its termination. We regret that the UK government in this instance has not acted to support the continuation of the INF Treaty and we would like to see the FCO work with European partners to urge the US and Russia back to the treaty.

Furthermore, the likely termination of the INF also calls into question the likelihood of possible US-Russia cooperation in working to renew the New START treaty on its expiry in 2021. Signed in 2010, the New START treaty limits the number of nuclear warheads of Russia and the US to 1,550. This treaty is therefore fundamental for preventing a global arms race and ensuring nuclear de-escalation. We would like to see the UK government using its influence positively to urge a renewal of the New START treaty, without which there will be no constraints on nuclear weapons.

These historic treaties brought about greater global stability after the cold war, and are crucial to preventing a new arms race. It is essential that they must be protected to provide global stability, ensure nuclear de-escalation and eventual disarmament.

We would also like to draw attention to another treaty area where we would like to see the UK backing the international rules-based system with action which can encourage other global players to comply with international treaty law. In particular, the cornerstone of international disarmament - the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) – to which the UK is a signatory, is notable for its lack of progress.

There is significant international consensus that the UK and the nuclear weapon states are currently failing to deliver their side of the agreement they have made with the non-nuclear weapon states, signatory to the NPT. The stand-off between the nuclear ‘haves’ and ‘have-nots’ remains. Indeed, the limitations of the NPT in expressing a political commitment to global disarmament, but without either the formal prohibition, or a time frame or a mechanism to deliver that goal, has meant that the majority of states globally have pursued a further Treaty through the UN General Assembly to bring about nuclear disarmament.

CND believes the UK must make a commitment to fulfil its NPT obligations, including giving support to new international initiatives to advance nuclear disarmament such as the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW), which is in the process of being ratified and becoming part of the rules-based system. This would be welcomed internationally and could help break the log jam and aid movement towards a safer, nuclear-weapon free world.

We would like to see the FCO taking a more pro-active position in defence of, and to advance, the treaties referred to above. Britain’s position in the world enables it to play a leadership role and build upon and underpin the international rules-based, humanitarian architecture, supported by the overwhelming majority of the international community through the United Nations. The FCO can take practical steps to support and develop an international culture which values and promotes peaceful, humane, just and equal relations between states. Any strategy developed by the British government on its relationship with other countries should first and foremost be based on how it can best contribute to a safer and more peaceful world. States are more connected than ever before and where we face common threats such as climate change and terrorism, it is imperative we consider how our actions impact upon the wider international community.

At this time of global instability and uncertainty, the defence of existing international treaties is the bedrock of what we can do to secure humanity’s survival.

March 2019