London CND Conference Briefing
The UK-US Mutual Defence Agreement
The Mutual Defence Agreement (MDA) is a long-standing nuclear agreement between the United Kingdom and the United States, established in 1958. According to the UK parliament website, it allows the two states to exchange nuclear materials, technology, and information.
While the MDA originally prohibited the transfer of nuclear weapons, subsequent amendments allow for the exchange of nuclear materials and equipment, renewing every decade, most recently in 2014. However, given the classified nature of the agreement, little is known about its content. The agreement is up for renewal in 2024.
The MDA and the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT)
One significant aspect is that the MDA contradicts the commitments made by both nations as signatories to the nuclear NPT. The NPT requires signatories to work towards nuclear disarmament, yet the MDA perpetuates the development and enhancement of nuclear arsenals rather than their discontinuation. Moreover, the MDA's provisions, necessitating the renewal every ten years, clash with the NPT's directive against transferring nuclear weapons to any recipient.
The MDA and democracy
Another contentious point is the lack of parliamentary oversight and debate regarding the MDA's renewal. While the US Congress has the power to veto the treaty, the British Parliament lacks the ability to object or ratify it. This lack of transparency and parliamentary oversight erodes democratic principles and obstructs meaningful discourse on a matter of profound national and international significance. Furthermore, the MDA's structure and implications erode democratic norms by creating an asymmetrical power dynamic related to the ability of the US congress to veto the Treaty whilst the British parliament is deprived of such a power.
This disparity in decision-making processes between the two nations undermines the notion of equal partnership and weakens the democratic fabric of the UK by marginalising parliamentary checks and balances. Similarly, the government’s secrecy surrounding this agreement stands in stark contrast to international efforts towards nuclear disarmament, prompting the need for accountability, transparency and a shift towards collaborative disarmament initiatives rather than clandestine alliances.
Reliance on the US
Trident's reliance on the US is profound. Components of the UK warhead are sourced directly from the US, and the UK leases Trident II D5 missiles from the US. The maintenance and replacement of these missiles necessitate regular visits by British submarines to US bases. The UK's involvement in the US nuclear weapons laboratories and participation in 'sub-critical' nuclear tests further solidify this dependence. This reliance on the US not only compromises Britain’s autonomy and also holds sway over its foreign and defence policies. The deeply entrenched relationship created by the MDA raises crucial questions about the UK's commitment to disarmament and its independence in making strategic decisions.
