The Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND) has condemned Tony Blair for endorsing George Bush's decision to extend nuclear technology cooperation with India. CND chair Kate Hudson described the deal as “a disaster for non-proliferation and disarmament.” and condemned the Primes Minister for “demonstrating yet again his inability to separate UK foreign policy from George Bush’s rogue agenda.” She accused Tony Blair of “putting the US’s strategic interests ahead of international peace and security.”

The US has undermined its treaty obligations in doing a deal with India and agreeing to share nuclear technology. India has continually refused to sign up to the Non-Proliferation Treaty. A total of 187 states have joined the Treaty, including the five declared nuclear-weapon States (US, Russia, UK, China and France). The treaty works as a deal between the nuclear and non-nuclear states. The nuclear states agree to work towards abolition and the non-nuclear weapons states agree not to develop nuclear weapons. Only countries signed up to the treaty are allowed to share nuclear power technology. The US and UK are giving de facto recognition to India as a nuclear weapon state and in doing so are legitimising a dangerous nuclear situation.

Kate Hudson, Chair of the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament said,

“The Prime Minister has demonstrating yet again his inability to separate UK foreign policy from George Bush’s rogue agenda. He is putting the US’s strategic interests ahead of international peace and security. This deal legitimises India’s nuclear status. The US is showing a flagrant disregard for international treaty obligations. The message from the US and UK is clear - countries are free to go nuclear if they fit in with the US’s present foreign policy objectives. International treaties and global stability are being undermined in favour of short term unilateral actions. This is a disaster for non-proliferation and disarmament.”

In 1998 India conducted five nuclear tests. Pakistan followed suit by conducting its first nuclear bomb tests, six in all. In 2002 the tensions worsened and there were fears that the two countries were days away from nuclear war. The nuclear situation has improved but both sides continue to conduct tests of their ballistic missiles which are capable of carrying a nuclear warhead.

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Notes to Editor:

1. For further information and interviews please contact Ruth Tanner CND's Press & Communications Officer on 0207 7002350 or 07968 420859

2. CND briefing on India and Pakistan’s nuclear capability.

3. Blair backs improved nuclear cooperation with India http://politics.guardian.co.uk/foreignaffairs/story/0,11538,1566218,00.html

4. CNDS report to NPT review Conference May 2005 - http://www.cnduk.org/pages/campaign/NPT05.pdf

5. The Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND) is one of Europe’s biggest single-issue peace campaigns, with over 32,000 members in the UK. CND campaigns for the abolition of all nuclear weapons everywhere.