NPT Review Cycle: United Kingdom National Report

Stephen Doughty Excerpts

Thursday 26th February 2026 Written Statements

[The Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Stephen Doughty)]

Today the Government are publishing the United Kingdom’s updated national report under the treaty on the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons. The report reviews the UK’s progress against the treaty’s three mutually reinforcing pillars—disarmament, non-proliferation and the peaceful uses of nuclear energy—and demonstrates our commitment to fulfil our obligations under the treaty.

The UK’s enduring commitment to the NPT

The UK was an original signatory of, and remains committed to, the NPT. We reaffirm our obligations under the treaty, including our undertaking—shared by the other NPT nuclear weapon states—to pursue negotiations in good faith on effective measures relating to nuclear disarmament, consistent with the maintenance of international peace and security, always guided by the UK’s national interests and defence and security.

A more contested and volatile world

Russia’s aggression, strategic competition among major powers, advances in disruptive technologies, and challenges to the multilateral system have sharpened nuclear risks and made deterrence, defence and resilience ever more important for our national security. The 2025 strategic defence review and the national security strategy provided a comprehensive review of the strategic environment and the adaptations the UK must make to safeguard our national security.

Disarmament, transparency and risk reduction

The UK remains committed to the ultimate, long-term goal of multilateral disarmament, which we believe can best be achieved by a step-by-step, verifiable approach to disarmament consistent with the global security environment. This includes practical work on nuclear disarmament verification, risk reduction and transparency where it supports stability. Nuclear deterrence will remain the bedrock of our national security as we are confronted by more serious and less predictable threats.

Non-proliferation and safeguards

The International Atomic Energy Agency has a more important role than ever to ensure states can take advantage of the benefits of the peaceful uses of nuclear technology and prevent its misuse. This balance is delivered by adherence to the IAEA’s system of comprehensive safeguards agreements and the additional protocol, strengthened export controls and assistance to enhance the security of nuclear materials worldwide.

Peaceful uses and nuclear responsibility

The UK will continue to advance the peaceful applications of nuclear science and technology—in medicine, agriculture, food security, climate change mitigation, adaptation and civil nuclear power—consistent with the NPT and in close co-operation with the IAEA and international partners. Access to the peaceful uses of nuclear technologies is a benefit that should be afforded sufficient importance, attention and resource.

Conclusion

The Government will work constructively with all NPT states parties ahead of the next NPT review conference to ensure the treaty endures as the irreplaceable foundation of the global nuclear order—reinforcing non-proliferation, enabling the responsible, peaceful uses of nuclear technology for the benefit of all and supporting disarmament progress where conditions allow. The UK national report is available on gov.uk, and a copy will be placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

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