Wimbledon CND Disarmament Coalition’s Alison Williams reflects on the disturbing findings of a recent YouGov poll

I wonder how many of us are familiar with the results of a YouGov poll published on 1 February on the likelihood of a Third World War in 5-10 years. The headline results are disturbing: over half of Britons think it is likely; somewhat under half think Britain and allies would win; and well over half think it is likely to be fought with nuclear weapons.

Is that a fair reflection of the national outlook — accepting the likelihood of involvement in major, probably nuclear-armed, conflict within a decade? The axiom that a nuclear war can never be won and must never be fought no longer applies, it seems.

A fifth of the UK’s defence budget maintains our nuclear deterrent which one researcher says is cannibalising the conventional forces, now seriously depleted. That said, as we approach a general election, time may be on our side.

The Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons has been in force for three years and continues to gain support. Currently, there are 93 signatories and 69 fully-signed-up states parties. Those of us who have been out and about, offering leaflets and information on nuclear disarmament, are encouraged by increased public interest.