§ Mrs. GillanTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations he has made to the Russian Government about its decision to lower the first-use criterion for nuclear weapons. [110328]
§ Mr. VazWe have made no representations about the new Russian National Security Concept or Military Doctrine, neither of which make significant changes to Russian policy on the use of nuclear weapons. Russia abandoned its no first use commitment in 1993.
§ Mrs. GillanTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of Russia's decision to lower the first-use criterion for nuclear weapons; and if he will make a statement on Government policy on this decision. [110327]
§ Mr. VazOur assessment, supported by assurances from Russian officials, is that neither the new Russian National Security Concept or Military Doctrine make significant changes to Russian policy on the use of nuclear weapons. Russia abandoned its declared policy of no first use of nuclear weapons in 1993. There has therefore been no change of British policy towards Russia.