Documents to download

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.


Documents to download

Related posts

  • British Sovereignty Protection (Chagos Islands) Bill [HL]: HL Bill 15 of 2026–27

    The British Sovereignty Protection (Chagos Islands) Bill [HL] is a private member’s bill sponsored by Lord Weir of Ballyholme (Democratic Unionist Party). The bill would restrict any cession or transfer of sovereignty of the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) unless certain requirements were met, including the consent of the Chagossian people and an act of parliament. It would also see the UK remain sovereign over the military base on Diego Garcia.

    British Sovereignty Protection (Chagos Islands) Bill [HL]: HL Bill 15 of 2026–27
  • Armed Forces Bill: HL Bill 36 of 2026–27

    The primary purpose of the Armed Forces Bill is to renew the Armed Forces Act 2006, continuing in force the main legislation governing the armed forces for a further five years. However, the government has stated the bill also provides an opportunity to renew the nation’s contract with the armed forces, strengthen national security, improve conditions of service, and introduce a package of measures relating to the service justice system.

    Armed Forces Bill: HL Bill 36 of 2026–27
  • National Security (State Threats) Bill: HL Bill 35 of 2026–27

    The National Security (State Threats) Bill would create new powers for the home secretary to designate bodies engaged in state threat activity, equivalent to the proscription of terrorist organisations under the Terrorism Act 2000. The bill would create three new offences associated with designation of supporting, assisting, or receiving material benefit from a designated body. These offences would carry sentences of up to 14 years’ imprisonment.

    National Security (State Threats) Bill: HL Bill 35 of 2026–27