UK refuses to ‘sign, ratify or ever become party to’ nuclear ban treaty

In a joint statement with the US and France, Britain’s representatives to the UN declared that Britain had not taken part negotiation which led to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons which opens for signature on 20 September. ‘We do not intend to sign, ratify or ever become party to it. Therefore, there will be no change in the legal obligations on our countries with respect to nuclear weapons.’ Read the full text of the joint statement given by the Permanent Representatives to the United Nations of the United States, United Kingdom, and France Following the Adoption of a Treaty Banning Nuclear Weapons at New York City on July 7, 2017.