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British Policy and ParliamentElection 2001 News: Implications for Arms Control and Non-ProliferationAmbitions for Britain - The Labour Party Election Manifesto 2001 (excerpts)European issues, support for the armed forces, and concerns about global poverty and climate change were strongly featured, and security threats were identified as coming from drugs, terrorism and the spread of weapons of mass destruction, including nuclear weapons. Nuclear policy, arms control, non-proliferation and missile defence were only briefly mentioned, crammed almost entirely into the following paragraph: "We support Trident, Britain's minimum deterrent. The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty commits us to work for the global elimination of nuclear weapons. We are enthusiastic signatories to the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty, whose coming into force will impede nuclear proliferation, and we want to see the USA and Russia continue to reduce their nuclear stockpiles. We recognise the new dangers posed by the proliferation of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons, and the need to combat them. Nuclear arms reductions and proliferation controls remain an important part of defence and security policy. We will seek effective inspections against the development of chemical and biological weapons. We will encourage the US to consult closely with NATO allies on its ideas for missile defence, and to pursue dialogue with Russia on a new framework for strategic arms control that will encourage further cuts in nuclear weapons." Excerpts on Foreign and Nuclear Policy from the Labour Party Manifesto [FROM the introduction (p3):] "Now is the chance to build the future properly, to make the second term the basis for a radical programme of British renewal: [...] and to give Britain back its leadership role in the world." [...] "We can use our historic and geographical position to link Europe and America, and help the developing world." [Among "Ten goals for 2010" listed in the introduction, two relate to international relations: British ideas leading a reformed and enlarged Europe, and tackling global poverty and climate change. Nothing on arms control, non-proliferation, or international security.] [FROM] Section Five - Britain Strong in the World (p36-41): "Britain needs a government ready to stand up for our interests and values. We have a ten-year vision for British foreign policy: a leading player in Europe, our alliance with the USA strengthened, using our global connections to help Britain and tackle global problems. [...] Britain has some of the best armed forces in the world. With Labour, they are being developed to meet the challenges of the post-Cold War world. [...] We face a choice between an inward-looking chauvinism that leads to isolation and a modern patriotism where the British national interest is pursued through international engagement." "Our ten-year goals
"Our next steps
[Then five sub-headings: "Reform in Europe"; "Defence"; "The modern world"; "International Development"; "The environmental challenge".] "Reform in Europe Europe is changing. Economic reform is underway in the European Union, with over two million new jobs created last year. Many new members are going to join the EU. Co-operation is being extended in defence and security policy. [...] [...] The Labour model of defence co-operation - giving Europe the option to act where NATO chooses not to - had won through. [...]" "Defence Britain's national security is based on the mutual support that comes through NATO. That will not change. And although Britain has rarely been more secure from foreign invasion, there are new threats to our people from crime and terrorism. Instability around the world can affect us directly and we have a global responsibility to play our part in reducing international conflict, controlling the spread of weapons of mass destruction, and contributing to international peace-keeping and peace-making operations. To enable the European Union to act where NATO chooses not to, the EU should improve its military capabilities for humanitarian, peace-keeping and crisis management tasks. Our armed forces are the best in the world at fighting if they have to, and keeping the peace where they can. Labour is committed to investing more in real terms in our armed services over the next three years, the first year-on-year real increase in funds for over a decade. An important part of that investment will be in better service accommodation. We are determined to recruit and retain the best people, from all walks of life and all backgrounds. We will look after the interests of Britain's veterans. We have doubled funding for research on Gulf War illnesses, and will continue this important work. In 1997 Labour promised a strategic defence review. Today, that review is admired around the world for its clarity, efficiency and foresight. We need more mobile and more flexible armed forces, with the ability to project force at distance and speed, to work closely with other nations and international bodies, and to fight and to keep the peace. We have shown what this means in practice in Kosovo and Sierra Leone, and our servicemen and women have responded magnificently. We are determined to maximise resources for frontline use by disposing of surplus spares and promoting smart procurement and efficiency savings. The European Defence Initiative is an important part of our defence policy. Europe spends two-thirds as much as the US on defence, but gets only a fraction of its effectiveness. European nations need to modernise their armed forces for rapid and flexible deployment. Improved EU military capabilities will not be separate from NATO structures and would only be deployed where NATO as a whole chooses not to engage. The launch of an EU operation will follow a unanimous decision, with each member state free to decide whether to take part. We support Trident, Britain's minimum deterrent. The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty commits us to work for the global elimination of nuclear weapons. We are enthusiastic signatories to the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty, whose coming into force will impede nuclear proliferation, and we want to see the USA and Russia continue to reduce their nuclear stockpiles. We recognise the new dangers posed by the proliferation of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons, and the need to combat them. Nuclear arms reductions and proliferation controls remain an important part of defence and security policy. We will seek effective inspections against the development of chemical and biological weapons. We will encourage the US to consult closely with NATO allies on its ideas for missile defence, and to pursue dialogue with Russia on a new framework for strategic arms control that will encourage further cuts in nuclear weapons. The British defence industry is a vital part of our economy, sustaining some 350,000 high-technology jobs. We will continue to work closely with our best companies to get the best equipment for our armed forces - a good deal for the taxpayer as well as a secure future for high-technology jobs. The UK has introduced the most open report on arms exports of any European nation and has led the EU to adopt a code of conduct on arms sales. Labour will lead efforts to control the trade in small arms, and work for a comprehensive action plan at this year's UN conference on small arms, including an international arms surrender fund to provide development aid in exchange for firearms. We will legislate to modernise the regulation of arms exports, with a licensing system to control the activities of arms brokers and traffickers wherever they are located. We will work with EU applicant countries to strengthen their capacity to control legal and illicit arms transfers." "The modern world. Britain belongs to a unique range of influential global organisations, giving us responsibilities and opportunities. Labour will stand up for Britain.
[...] Labour has played a leading role in bringing war criminals, notably from former Yugoslavia, to justice, and in establishing a permanent court to try war crimes. We will work to make the International Criminal Court a reality, with Britain as one of its first members." [Box with four bullet-points] "How Labour is strengthening your voice in the world:
[FROM] 25 steps to a better Britain (p43) "23. Strong, effective and responsive armed forces." © 2001 The Acronym Institute. |