Lords debates NATO review outcomes
30 May 2012
Members of the House of Lords asked about the government’s assessment of the outcome of the NATO Deterrence and Defence Posture Review (DDPR) yesterday (Tuesday 29 May). They also considered the implications of clarifying NATO's deterrence posture for European security and the relationship with Russia.
Lord Browne of Ladyton (Labour) said: 'The DDPR has not delivered for disarmament.'
Lord Addington (Liberal Democrat) former spokesperson for Defence added: '... without some sort of reduction that reassures Russia, we are never going to progress as quickly as we should towards reducing nuclear weapons to the bare minimum or getting rid of them altogether.'
Other speakers included Lord King of Bridgwater (Conservative) former spokesperson for Defence and former chair of the Intelligence and Security Committee and Baroness Williams of Crosby (Liberal Democrat).
Lord Howell of Guildford (Conservative) is the government spokesperson for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. He said: it is worth noting that, since 1991, NATO has reduced the types and numbers of its short-range nuclear forces by over 8 per cent.' On the relationship with Russia he said: 'NATO will continue to develop its partnership with Russia. We are committed to continuing our dialogue on missile defence.'