Brighton MP calls on Government to help ease global nuclear tensions

The Brighton Pavilion MP said: “These are extremely dangerous times - and I know that the British Government share my revulsion at North Korea’s testing of atomic weapons. These tests show both the failure of economic sanctions on North Korea and the danger of the so-called leader of the free world engaging in playground diplomacy.

“For the sake of global security Britain should urge the US to return to six party talks without pre-conditions. The immediate aim of such talks should be a parallel freeze, where North Korea agrees to halt its nuclear weapons program in exchange for a freeze in major US military exercises in the region.

“If the UK Government does plan to send any troops or hardware to the region then Ministers should also allow a full debate and vote in Parliament on such plans - and the impact that such a deployment would have on the region.

“There are no safe hands for nuclear weapons - and this week’s events are a timely reminder that we should be doing all we can to rid the world of these bombs. Britain should immediately sign up to the UN Nuclear Weapons Ban - and become a leader in global disarmament”