§ Adam PriceTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what his policy is on the use of nuclear weapons against non-nuclear states. [89853]
§ Mr. IngramBritain has repeatedly made it clear that we will not use nuclear weapons against a non-nuclear weapon state not in violation of its nuclear nonproliferation obligations, unless it attacks us, our allies or a state to which we have a security commitment, in association or alliance with a nuclear weapon state.
We would contemplate the use of nuclear weapons only in extreme circumstances of self-defence. We would not use our weapons, whether conventional or nuclear, contrary to international law.
The Government continue to believe that there is no benefit to be gained from speculation about hypothetical scenarios involving the use or threat of use of nuclear weapons.