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Senior UK parliamentarians to discuss nuclear nonproliferation and disarmament

Cross-party delegation will talk with their US counterparts.

From next Tuesday (8 September 2009), the most senior cross-party parliamentary delegation focused on nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation ever to visit Washington will be holding talks with key Senators and administration officials. Their meetings come at a critical and timely juncture with:

  • Obama to chair a special session of the Security Council on 24 September on the way forward for nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation;
  • the first ever summit of leaders March 2010 to consider nuclear security;
  • the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty Review Conference in May 2010;
  • the Obama Administration in the throes of considering its nuclear posture by the end of this year;
  • US and Russian negotiators considering a follow-on to START;
  • Senatorial wheels starting to move in relation to Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty ratification;
  • an election looming in the UK next year amid deliberations on Trident renewal.

Members of the delegation will be sharing their views on disarmament prospects and discussing future initiatives and possible cooperation at a joint BASIC-Carnegie event from 9.00-10.30a.m. on 9 September which is open to the press. To register go to: carnegieendowment.org/

Individual members of the delegation, which includes former Labour defence secretary Des Browne, Conservative opposition minister for foreign affairs David Lidington, and the joint conveners of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Global Security and Non-Proliferation, Tony Lloyd and Lord Hannay of Chiswick, will be available until 11 September for interview. Paul Ingram, the executive director of BASIC, which is coordinating the visit, is accompanying the delegation to Washington and will be available also for comment.

“BASIC’s depth of knowledge and administrative competence makes it an excellent partner in the field of military nuclear capability and arms control”

Sir Jeremy Greenstock, GCMG British diplomat

“At a time when transatlantic relationships are under tension, BASIC's role as a source of authoritative analysis is more important than ever.”

Baron Rees of Ludlow Astronomer Royal

“BASIC makes a vital contribution to sustaining recognition that nearly 35 years after the end of the Cold War nuclear weapons continue to put at risk the future of humankind. BASIC is especially to be commended for doing this by fostering dialogue and understanding.”

Peter Jenkins CMG UK Ambassador to the International Atomic Energy Agency 2001-06

``For about 35 years, in the pursuit of nuclear disarmament, BASIC have championed the cause of mutuality of security. Their ability to engage diversity of views and opinion has attracted deserved admiration.``

Baron Browne of Ladyton Vice Chairman, Nuclear Threat Initiative and former UK Secretary of State for Defence

``For more than three decades, BASIC has challenged conventional thinking on national security matters, and inspired new ways of addressing and solving old problems. I expect it to continue to play this vital role for decades to come.``

Andreas Persbo Director, Open Nuclear Network
Contact

If you would like to contact individual members of our team, you can find our email addresses on the staff page.

+44 20 3488 6974

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