Dear Prime Minister,
 
We are writing to you as a wide coalition of civil society, health and humanitarian organisations in response to the announcement of a dramatic expansion in the UK's nuclear posture outlined in the UK's Integrated Review, published on 16 March 2021.
 
This announcement is incompatible with the principles and commitments to non-proliferation, disarmament and transparency that Britain has suggested as a trust-building measure between countries.  We are disturbed that the Review cites an "evolving security environment" as justification for the move without evidencing how it will translate to security benefits to British citizens or meet Britain's existing commitment to the terms of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). We note that this concern is shared by defence experts, former senior military figures and politicians on all sides of the political spectrum. As Scotland approaches its general election in May, this decision is being seen there by many as inflammatory and disrespectful.
 
Perceptions matter. According to the UN Secretary-General, the UK's plans are "contrary to its obligations under Article VI of the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty" and could have a "damaging impact on global stability and efforts to pursue a world free of nuclear weapons".  The Integrated Review will strain relations with over 130 NPT states that support the new UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons and want to see accelerated progress on disarmament. As we approach the NPT's 5 yearly Review Conference, the UK's nuclear expansion flies in the face of global efforts to secure consensus on a shared action plan for global nuclear proliferation and disarmament.
 
At a time when Britain and nations across the world continue to tackle the global public health crisis and collapsing economic systems with long-term consequences, we urge you to rethink the government's security and budgetary priorities, uphold international law including the NPT, and reject pressures to increase the nuclear arsenal or widen nuclear use policies.
 
We would appreciate the opportunity of meeting representatives from your Government to discuss this matter further.
 
This letter has been coordinated by UK members of the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN): Ben Donaldson (United Nations Association - UK), Gari Donn (UN House Scotland), Janet Fenton (Secretary Scottish Parliament ND CPG) and Dr Rebecca Johnson (Acronym Institute for Disarmament Diplomacy), and is supported by the following additional signatories: