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Mutual Defence Agreement

EDM (Early Day Motion) 123: tabled on 02 September 2024

Tabled in the 2024-25 session.

This motion has been signed by 17 Members. It has not yet had any amendments submitted.

Motion text

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.

The first 6 Members who have signed to support the motion are the sponsors. The primary sponsor is generally the person who tabled the motion and has responsibility for it. The date shown is when the Member signed the motion.

In addition to the sponsors, the following Members have signed to support the motion.

There are no withdrawn signatures for this motion.