Thread by @nuclearban

Unacceptable! Today, the UK government is expected to announce that it will increase its nuclear weapon stockpile cap by 40% - to 260 nuclear warheads. icanw.org/uk_to_increase… Here are 5 reasons why this is such a shocking move (thread)

#1 The UK has 215 nuclear weapons right now, with each warhead estimated to have an explosive power of 100 kilotons or 15x Hiroshima. The UN has said the risk of nuclear weapons use - intentionally or by accident - is higher than ever. These weapons do not make us safe.

#2 Nuclear weapons are illegal now (h/t #nuclearban). Increasing stockpiles violates international law. Every year that nuclear-armed states continue to possess and build nuclear weapons, they must be held responsible for putting the world at risk of a humanitarian catastrophe.

#3 It’s not just the #nuclearban. The United Kingdom is legally obligated under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty to pursue disarmament. States will meet soon to review the #NPT ’s success and when they do, the UK will have to answer for its actions.

#4 The UK will also have to answer to its citizens. Nuclear weapons are expensive and unpopular. The UK spent $8.9 billion in one year on its nuclear weapons - funds that could have been used for COVID-19 supplies or to fight climate change.

https://twitter.com/CNDuk/status/1370466204524089350

#5 The majority of people in the UK want the government to join the TPNW. The UK needs to take real steps towards disarmament to join this treaty instead of moving in the wrong direction. cnduk.org/new-poll-shows… @CNDuk @ICAN_UK

Bottom line: In today’s review, the UK could have taken real steps towards nuclear disarmament, in line with the will of its people. Instead, it looks like they’ll chose a new arms race. If you’re in the UK, tell @DominicRaab, @BWallaceMP and @DefenceHQ it’s unacceptable!