Very little progress has been made on the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) since the last major review in 1995. Since then more nuclear devices have been tested—recently by India and Pakistan; there is no evidence of new support from non-committed nations; and the signatories have made no substantial progress in carrying out their agreements. There is therefore much work to be done to prove effectiveness on our part.

  We have signed up to article 6, which says we will: "pursue negotiations in good faith on effective measures relating to cessation of the nuclear arms race at an early date and to nuclear disarmament". Unfortunately this government, despite its apparent support for world-wide disarmament, does nothing to carry it out.

—  We continue to reiterate that a nuclear deterrent is needed by us, and do not reduce spending on nuclear devices.

—  We maintain current stocks of plutonium, and do not allow them to be covered by the Fissile Material Cut-Off Treaty, thus negating our commitment there.

—  We put no limits on the use of Menwith Hill base by the USA, though the extensions they are making will be used for their new Ballistic Missile Defence System, which runs counter to their, and our, commitment to the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty.

  The UK could take action on all of these points. Without evidence that the NPT signatories are making some effort to activate the treaty, no other progress is likely to be made. It is up to us to act on this. We have taken on an obligation that we need to carry through. I hope your committee will make firm recommendations to this effect.