Stepping Back from the Brink – The Myth of Tactical Nuclear Weapons and Limited Nuclear War

Dear Colleague

 

YOUR INVITATION

• Launch of Major new Report:

Stepping Back from the Brink – The Myth of Tactical Nuclear Weapons and Limited Nuclear War

• On-line 11am to 12:30, Tuesday 25th November

 

HOST

• Baroness Christine Blower, Patron, Nuclear Education Trust

 

PRESENTATION OF REPORT

• Dr Tim Street, Author of Stepping Back from the Brink

 

GUEST SPEAKERS

• Lord Vernon Coaker, Minister of State, Ministry of Defence (Invited)
• Jane Kinninmont, Chief Executive, UNA-UK (Confirmed)

 

REGISTER HERE

 

I am writing to invite you to the launch of a major new study commissioned by the Nuclear Education Trust and authored by Dr Tim Street: Stepping Back from the Brink – the Myths of  Tactical Nuclear Weapons and Limited Nuclear War. 

 

This report is a comprehensive review of the policies and practices of all nuclear weapon states. In particular it includes an in-depth look at the potential use of tactical nuclear weapons in conventional war fighting and whether, following the illegal invasion of Ukraine by Russia, the nuclear taboo is eroding. In this context it also reviews the recent decision by the UK Government to purchase 12 F-35As with the capacity to deliver US B61 “tactical” nuclear weapons.

 

As you know, the goal of the independent charity, the Nuclear Education Trust, is to generate more informed debate on nuclear weapons related issues. This is all the more important because, following the invasion of Ukraine by Russia, nuclear treaties have been repudiated and nearly all P5 nuclear weapons states are modernising - and many are increasing – their nuclear arsenals. The Doomsday Clock is now at its closest point to midnight for 50 years. This new report and launch event builds on NET’s report last year The Future for UK Defence, Diplomacy and Disarmament – 50 Proposals for a More Peaceful World. 

 

The goal of the new report and of the on-line launch event is to create some space for dialogue for those whose priority is military defence and for those whose priority is nuclear disarmament to come together and have an informed debate about how   in an increasingly insecure, conflicted and militaristic world  we can work together to get back on a path towards global security, peace and disarmament; and what is the UK’s role in that process.

 

As someone who is very much interested in these issues I hope you could join us in November. Please register for this important online meeting here. An agenda and list of attendees will be sent one week in advance of the meeting.  

 

Best wishes

Steve Barwick

Chair, Nuclear Education Trust