Mutual Defence Agreement

That this House notes the expiry this year of the 10-year extension of the Agreement between the UK and the USA for Cooperation in the Uses of Atomic Energy for Mutual Defence Purposes; further notes that the published proposed amendments presented to the House in July 2024 extend the Agreement permanently, removing the current regular review and opportunity for amendment and expiry; believes that the relationship and activities enshrined by the Agreement confirm an indefinite commitment by the US and UK to collaborate on nuclear weapons; further believes that this violates both countries’ obligations under Article I and Article VI of the 1968 Non-Proliferation Treaty, which states that each nuclear-weapon State Party to the Treaty shall not transfer nuclear weapons or explosive devices and shall pursue negotiations in good faith on effective measures relating to nuclear disarmament; is concerned that the Government does not see a potential conflict of interest between the Agreement and the Treaty; and urges that a substantial debate be held on such a significant Agreement.