North Korea nuclear test
While condemning the nuclear test, we should remember our own folly in the nuclear debate.In 1970, the Nuclear Weapons States made a bargain with the Non Nuclear Weapons States, called the Non Proliferation Treaty. Under the NPT, the NWS would disarm, and the NNWS would not attempt to acquire nuclear weapons. We have not kept our side of the bargain. We have brought nothing to the negotiating table except plans to replace Trident, and facilities to build new nuclear weapons at Aldermaston. Our policy has been 'Do as I say not as I do', and it has failed.
How can we expect other countries to not go nuclear, when we claim that it is necessary for our security and to keep our place at the 'top table' of nations?
Nobody claims that UK disarmament would by itself bring North Korea or Iran into line. But only the NPT and the moral and political strength of non Nuclear Middle Powers can achieve this. There is no practical alternative.
Obama's summary of the NPT is excellent. He has given the world another chance to avoid nuclear free-for-all. The UK must follow by putting our own nuclear weapons on the negotiating table.
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