30 June 2006
Defence Committee questions the purpose of deterrence
Statement by Steve Hucklesby, Secretary for International
Affairs for The Methodist Church:
'We are pleased to see the Defence Committee's findings reflect
many of the points raised by the Methodist Church in its
submission.
'The report notes that the past concept of deterrence is no longer
relevant in the current international context. There are clearly
questions as to whether nuclear weapons will offer the best option
for our security in 20 years time. We share the disappointment of
the Defence Committee that the Ministry of Defence has declined to
meet with it.
'It is our view that our future security will ultimately depend on
a strong non-proliferation regime. We need to limit the number of
new countries developing weapons. We also need to limit the
increase in fissile material around the globe as there is a danger
that it could fall into the wrong hands and be used to make 'dirty
bombs'. An investment in a replacement in Trident cannot help us
here.
'The world is changing fast. This report demonstrates that there is
no reason for a future prime minister to feel bound by a concept of
deterrence that was born out of the Cold War era.'