Defence

A look ahead to the UK Government's integrated review of security, defence and foreign policy.

The main provisions of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons and what it means for the UK.

A Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons was adopted in the UN on 7 July 2017. It received ratification by its 50th State Party on 24 October 2020. It will now enter force in January 2021. It is the first multilateral, legally-binding, instrument for nuclear disarmament to have been negotiated in 20 years. However, the nuclear weapon states have declared their intention not to sign and ratify the new treaty. As non-signatories they are not legally bound by its provisions. The lack of engagement by the nuclear weapon states subsequently raises the question of what this treaty can realistically achieve?

The National Security and Investment Bill 2019-21 was announced in the Queen’s Speech on 19 December 2019. It was introduced in the House of Commons on 11 November 2020. Its Second Reading is scheduled for 17 November 2020.

There are 14 British Overseas Territories across the globe with a total population of 260,000. The Territories differ greatly in their level of economic and social development and their population size. Since March 2020 the UK Government has been working with the Overseas Territories to ensure they receive the help they need to manage outbreaks of Covid-19.

A general debate on 'Remembrance, UK Armed Forces and Society' is scheduled to take place in the Main Chamber on Wednesday 11 November 2020.

Constituents may contact their Member of Parliament seeking advice on military medals. This briefing provides information on eligibility for military medals and how to apply.

This briefing paper details the support available to armed forces veterans in Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

This Library briefing paper discusses undercover policing in England and Wales. It explains how undercover operations are regulated and managed. It outlines the criticism of historic undercover policing units and provides details of the ongoing public inquiry into undercover policing.

The Public Bill Committee for the Overseas Operations (Service Personnel and Veterans) Bill concluded on 22 October 2020. Despite a significant number of tabled amendments to Parts 1 and 2 of the Bill, no changes were made. The Bill is not without controversy and MPs are expected to return to some of its more contentious provisions when it comes back to the Floor of the House. Report Stage is scheduled for 3 November 2020.

What does the unveiling of new ballistic missiles indicate about Kim Jong-un's nuclear programme?

The French nuclear deterrent is the one that is most often compared to the UK’s nuclear forces. While there are similarities in terms of policy, posture and size, there are also significant differences in terms of industrial support and cost. In contrast to the UK all of the major political parties in France support an independent nuclear deterrent, and domestic support is high. This paper examines the French nuclear deterrent in greater detail. It is also part of a wider Library briefing series on nuclear weapons.

The Covert Human Intelligence Sources (Criminal Conduct) Bill 2019-2021 was introduced in the House of Commons on 24 September 2020. It is due to have Second Reading on 5 October. It would introduce a power in the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 to authorise conduct by officials and agents of the security and intelligence services, law enforcement, and certain other public authorities, which would otherwise constitute criminality.