SCOTTISH Secretary Ian Murray has sparked confusion after backing the UK’s nuclear weapons in the Commons – just weeks after saying he would campaign for their complete abolition.
In February, the Labour MP for Edinburgh South had emailed his constituent Janet Fenton, the co-vice chair of Scottish Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, affirming his support for a global treaty banning the weapons.
However, he told the Commons on Wednesday that the SNP’s anti-nuclear weapons stance meant they were “not credible at all on defence”, adding later: “Scotland needs all its political leaders to proudly stand up for our defence industry. Scotland has led the UK on defence, it’s been home to its nuclear deterrent since the 1960s.”
Fenton has said that there is “absolutely no way that I can see, whatever kind of spin you put on it, how these statements are in any way compatible”.
Here, The National is publishing Murray’s February letter to Fenton in full.
The Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) to which it refers is a UN treaty banning nuclear weapons which is backed by the majority of the world’s nations. A summit discussing the treaty is currently taking place in New York.
Ian Murray's letter supporting a global nuclear ban – in full
Dear Janet,
Thank you for your important message and for raising this crucial issue regarding the United Kingdom's position on the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW). I appreciate your engagement and the perspective you bring to this conversation.
As you mentioned, I am a proud signatory of the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN) Parliamentary Pledge. I believe that nuclear disarmament is not only a global public good of the highest order but also an essential step towards ensuring peace and security for all nations.
I understand your concerns about the UK government's current stance and the challenges this poses to full accession to the TPNW. Nonetheless, I agree that attending the Third Meeting of States Parties (MSP3) as an observer state would be a constructive step forward. Not only would this position acknowledge the legitimacy and importance of the TPNW in the broader disarmament dialogue, but it would also affirm the UK's ability to engage with international norms and aspirations constructively.
Several NATO states participating as observers in previous meetings illustrates that it is feasible to show support and engage with the treaty without immediate accession. You are right in pointing out the benefits that such a move would bring in terms of improving the UK's global reputation and reflecting the interconnectedness of our citizens with the broader international community.
The UK's experience and expertise, particularly in areas relevant to Articles 4, 6, and 7, mean we have much to contribute to discussions on verification of disarmament and addressing the impact of nuclear testing, including in places where the UK has historical responsibilities. Being an observer at MSP3 could indeed be the beginning of valuable and positive engagement in these processes.
Given the commitment outlined in the ICAN Pledge, I will certainly advocate for the UK's attendance as an observer at MSP3. I shall engage with my colleagues in Parliament and will communicate these sentiments to relevant government officials. I hope that such advocacy will prompt a reconsideration of the current approach and encourage the government to take this significant step towards global disarmament efforts.
Best regards
Ian
Ian Murray
Labour MP for Edinburgh South
Secretary of State for Scotland
