Review Conference of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty

Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domer Excerpts

Thursday 9th July 2026 Lords Chamber

Asked by

[Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domer]

To ask His Majesty’s Government what diplomatic steps they intend to take following the absence of consensus at the Review Conference of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty that took place in April and May.

[The Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Baroness Chapman of Darlington) (Lab)]

My Lords, the nuclear non-proliferation treaty is the cornerstone of the international nuclear order and the UK remains fully committed to it. It is a treaty that has kept us safe for over half a century, underpinning international security by constraining the spread of nuclear weapons. Although it is disappointing that consensus could not be reached in New York, the review conference covered a thorough examination of global progress to implement NPT obligations over the past four years so as to identify positive progress and those areas that remain challenging. We will continue to work with partners across the world to strengthen implementation of the treaty across all three of its pillars.

[Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domer (LD)]

My Lords, I thank the Minister for her reply. She will appreciate that the threat of nuclear war is as great as it ever was. The fact that the NPT did not reach a consensus was very disappointing, as she says. Will the Government continue, with all the energy they have, to pursue the things that they pursued very well before the treaty, including the UK’s capacity in verification science, nuclear safeguards, strategic stability and arms control negotiations, and, in particular, diplomatic engagement? Diplomatic engagement is the absolute prime issue in keeping us safe before we reach world disarmament, which we may never reach.

[Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Lab)]

The noble Baroness makes a very good point. I am happy to give her the assurances that she seeks.