Written question asked by Mike Hancock (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 8 September 2008, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 15 September 2008. It was answered by Lord Browne of Ladyton (Labour) on Monday, 15 September 2008 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Nuclear Weapons

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the UK's policy on nuclear first use is; and if he will publish the relevant guidelines.

Answer: The United Kingdom Government would be prepared to use nuclear weapons only in extreme circumstances of self-defence. We would not use our weapons, whether conventional or nuclear, contrary to international law.The UK does not rule in or out the first use of nuclear weapons. A policy of no first use of nuclear weapons would be incompatible with our and NATO's doctrine of deterrence. We do not determine in advance how to react to aggression. This would be decided in the context of all circumstances prevailing at the time. Our overall strategy is to ensure uncertainty in the mind of any aggressor about the exact nature of our response, and thus to maintain effective deterrence.

Secondary information