British Pugwash note: Two Thirds of UK Public Opposed to “First Use” of Nuclear Weapons (PDF report here) The “Interim National Security Strategic Guidance” of the United States, released on 3 March 2021, states that the Biden administration will take steps to reduce the role of nuclear weapons in national security strategy, while ensuring that […]
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VIDEO: ‘Missile Defence and Strategic Stability in the Hypersonic Age’
This year’s post-AGM Lecture was held on 22nd September. The title was: ‘Missile Defence and Strategic Stability in the Hypersonic Age’ It was given by Harry Spencer, a postgraduate at University of Birmingham, speaking about his ongoing research with British Pugwash on missile defence systems, hypersonics and strategic stability. For some background on the […]
New research on climate change impacts on nuclear security
British Pugwash is pleased to release newly commissioned research about the potential impacts of climate change on the UK’s nuclear weapons infrastructure. The report, by Dr Sally Brown from Bournemouth University, is titled ‘Risks of sea-level rise to ports and associated facilities aligning with the Trident programme: A focus on Coulport, Faslane, Barrow-in-Furness and Devonport’. […]
Note on Nuclear Weapon Announcements in the UK’s Integrated Review of Security (May 2021)
The below is a summary of and link to a commentary by Ambassador Peter Jenkins, Chair of British Pugwash. Summary The United Kingdom government recently announced, in the context of an integrated policy review, that it will move to an overall nuclear weapon stockpile of no more than 260 (from a previous target of no […]
British Pugwash statement on the Integrated Review of Security, Defence, Development and Foreign Policy (March 2021)
British Pugwash is troubled to note the UK Government’s decisions, announced in the Integrated Review of Security, Defence, Development and Foreign Policy, to increase the UK’s stockpile of nuclear warheads and no longer to reveal the number of these weapons that will be kept operational. Both these moves are retrograde. The change from the previous […]
VIDEO: Peace Workshops, SYP UK, March 2021
Throughout March, Student/Young Pugwash (SYP) UK ran a series of online ‘peace workshops’, bringing together international researchers and policy practitioners to discuss opportunities for international co-operation, arms control and peace. Some of the sessions were recorded (below). Others were held under Chatham House rules. Keynote: Dr Lassina Zerbo (Chief Exec, CTBTO), in conversation Our keynote […]