I am writing with particular reference to weapons of mass destruction and the UK role with regard to non-proliferation.

  The UK has frequently expressed commitment to world-wide nuclear disarmament and is well placed to take a lead.

  Regrettably steps towards non-proliferation seem to be stalled at present. Meantime India and Pakistan are now nuclear weapons states and Iraq, Iran and North Korea appear to be working towards that goal.

  Progress under the Non Proliferation Treaty seems unlikely until nuclear states honour their agreements under Article 6 to "pursue negotiations in good faith on effective measures relating to cessation of the nuclear arms race at an early date and to nuclear disarmament".

  The Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty has suffered a severe set-back by the refusal of the US to ratify it. It is to be hoped that UK pressure on the US to ratify it will continue.

  We appear to be moving towards revival of the Cold War as the US is perceived as pursuing global military domination. In apparent retaliation, Russia is stepping up its nuclear arsenal and adopting a more confrontational attitude. I note also that Russia now says that nuclear weapons may be used in response to conventional attack in line with NATO's previously adopted position.

  Russia is no doubt irritated by the US Ballistic Missile Defence programme which contravenes the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty. The UK role in this is puzzling considering that its base at Menwith Hill in Yorkshire will play an essential role for BMD, despite the face that BMD's so-called defensive shield would protect only the US.

  The 1997 announcement in the Labour Party's Strategic Defence Review that the expertise of Aldermaston would be used partly to develop effective monitoring and verification regimes for treaties is to be welcomed.

  The proposed Fissile Material Cut-Off Treaty would be a great step forward, particularly if the UK were to allow current stocks of plutonium to be included in its remit.

  In conclusion I must stress that the best way to encourage non signatory states is for the signatories to comply with the terms of the treaties referred to here. The UK can make a difference at a most crucial, uncertain and dangerous period.