Counter proliferation
The UK is working around the world to stop the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Scientific advancements, expanding civilian nuclear power programmes and the threat of terrorists acquiring such weapons make this one of the main security threats for the 21st century.
The UK Government is working around the world with partners to develop, promote and implement the policies on nuclear weapons, chemical and biological weapons, conventional weapons, export controls, and ambition for an arms trade treaty.
Working with Partners:
All Departments of the UK Government work closely as well as with international partners to tackle this threat.
The spread of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons has been successfully limited by international arms control and disarmament agreements. Inspections by organisations such as International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the Organisation for the Prevention of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) help to enforce arms control.
Global Threat Reduction Programme
Lifting the nuclear shadow: Creating the conditions for abolishing nuclear weapons
Useful Links
Foreign & Commonwealth Office Weapons Proliferation Webpage
Department for Business, Enterprise & Regulatory Reform
UK at the UN Disarmament & Counter Proliferation Webpage
Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons
Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention
Latest news
- Iran urged to continue cooperation over nuclear issue (September 24, 2009)
- UN Security Council agrees resolution on nuclear weapons (September 24, 2009)
- Nations urged to work together on five 'urgent challenges' (September 23, 2009)
- World leaders head to the United Nations (September 21, 2009)
- Blueprint for addressing global nuclear challenges (July 16, 2009)
