Trident Q&A

This Q&A outlines the Trident system, which is currently being replaced by the UK government. It describes why this policy is unnecessary and how it will increase the dangers of nuclear proliferation. It also discusses the Non-Proliferation Treaty, and how the UK and the other signatories are in breach of the agreement by failing to begin negotiations to eliminate nuclear weapons as the treaty directs them to do, despite a draft document for such negotiations already existing.

Devonport Briefing

Description of the nuclear work carried out at the Devonport dockyard in Plymouth.

No Trident Replacement -  May 2007

A briefing in response to the UK government’s decision to replace the Trident missile system, this discusses the reasons why this policy is unnecessary and dangerous. Crucially, it argues that nuclear weapons do not provide a defence against terrorism – the main security threat the UK currently faces, that the UK does not in fact face a nuclear threat, and that renewing Trident will increase the dangers of nuclear weapons proliferation. The supposed independence of Trident from the US is also challenged.

Opposing nuclear rearmament - April 2007

This paper describes the plan to update the Trident missile system as unnecessary at time when the UK faces no threat from a nuclear-armed state, and also as likely to increase the possibility of nuclear proliferation. The paper raises concerns about recent turns in both UK and US policy towards the possibility of using nuclear weapons against non-nuclear armed countries, and argues that the US National Missile Defence programme is likely to be aimed at China, which the US sees as a potential military rival. UK involvement in the NMD programme is outlined, including the cost and other implications.

 Iran's nuclear progress: the reality - July 2006

This briefing outlines the current impasse over Iran’s nuclear programme, as well as providing historical context. It describes the policy positions of key actors in the dispute, including the US, Iran, the EU-3 and the IAEA, and discusses the hypocritical positions of those opposing Iran’s nuclear programme in the light of their own policies on nuclear weapons. It calls for all parties to pursue peaceful negotiations towards a nuclear-free Middle East, and for existing nuclear powers’ obligations to eliminate their own arsenals to be enforced.

 Israel's weapons of mass destruction 

This outlines the evidence that Israel possesses biological, chemical and nuclear weapons programmes, including tactical nuclear weapons, including the means to deliver them. It discusses the history of Israeli weapons programmes, including the support afforded by the US, Israel’s role in the militarization of space, the arms trade, and NATO’s relationship with Israel.

 The US National Missile Defence Programme: A Destabilising Provocation- May 2009

This briefing discusses the implications of the US National Missile Defence programme, which it argues is designed to allow US first strike capability. As a result, it has alarmed Russia and China and increased the chances of a new arms race. The possibility of the NMD leading to the full-scale militarization of space is also discussed, as is US resistance to legal constraints on their ability to place weapons in space. The role of the UK is also discussed, including the implications in terms of cost, the risk of UK-based facilities becoming military targets, and the effects on the sites' surrounding localities.