Debate on 24 January: Multilateral Nuclear Disarmament

This Library Note provides background reading in advance of the debate to be held on 24 January on the prospects for multilateral nuclear disarmament, and the contribution which Britain could make. The Note provides statistics on the estimated number of nuclear weapons worldwide; outlines the various international instruments relating to the control of nuclear weapons and to nuclear non-proliferation; sets out the UK’s position on multilateral nuclear disarmament and the policy to maintain a UK nuclear deterrent; and summarises selected commentary on the prospects for disarmament.