by Kate Hudson
If you saw Question Time last night, you may have noticed that Foreign Office Minister, Jeremy Browne dodged a question on Israel’s nuclear arsenal. It is par for the course that these weapons are overlooked when concern is expressed about Iran’s potential nuclear proliferation in such a troubled region as the Middle East. But it seems odd that he ignored an opportunity to talk about something that the government is actually doing.
One of the great successes of the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty conference in 2010 was the agreement that an international conference would be held to progress towards a Weapons of Mass Destruction Free Zone in the Middle East. That conference is due to take place this year. The UK accepted shared special responsibility to ensure that it takes place, as it was one of the original backers of such a Zone, many years ago. Responsibility for convening the Conference has been taken on by Finland. Indeed, only last October, Foreign Secretary William Hague, welcomed the appointment of Finnish minister Jaakko Laajava to oversee the event.
In his response, Jeremy Browne focused on Iran noting that “Iran have made a fundamental international undertaking, they’ve signed the treaties not to develop nuclear weapons”, a point we agree with. But unfortunately – and a point not made by Mr Browne – Israel has remained outside treaty structures and developed its own nuclear arsenal. Potential bad behaviour by Iran – as yet unproven – should not stop him condemning the proliferation of nuclear weapons into the Middle East by Israel.
It seems strange that Jeremy Browne missed the public opportunity to talk about Britain’s support for a WMD-free Middle East. Failure to mention the conference, which will be a massive step forward for the region, seems like a bit of an own goal. Let’s hope Mr Browne is aware that it is actually taking place. Meanwhile we have asked Mr Browne to comment on his regrettable omission and to clarify the progress that the government is making in this area.
Please ask your MP to support EDM 2590, Weapons of Mass Destruction Free Zone in the Middle East, urging the government to do all it can to ensure that a conference involving all states in the region takes place in 2012.
the world stands by and watches as israel inflicts its horrible form of control on the Palestinians, killing women and children destroying the infrastructure ,trying to make life so difficult .It seems to me that the American & British governments are controlled by Zionists now they are preparin to attack Iran possibly heralding WW3 we must stand up and be counted to stop Israeli power over the world