§ Mr. Gordon PrenticeTo ask the Prime Minister what discussions he has had with the US Administration concerning the review of its policies on the use of nuclear weapons. [43809]
§ The Prime MinisterI discussed the US Nuclear Posture Review (NPR) with Vice President Dick Cheney, on his visit to London on 11 March. We welcome the in-depth review of deterrence and nuclear policy that the review represents and its main conclusion that the US can cut its operationally deployed strategic nuclear weapons by two-thirds to 1,700 to 2,200. We note US Administration comments that the NPR represents prudent conceptual thinking, not an operational plan, and that the US does not target any country on a day-to-day basis. We also welcome the US Administration"s statements that there has been no change to US first strike policy.