Asked by: Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domer (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the remark by Baroness Goldie on 23 March (HL Deb, col 808) that "We are satisfied that we are compliant with the non-proliferation treaty", what assessment they have made of the statement on 17 March by a UN spokesperson that the decision of the Government to increase their nuclear weapons arsenal is "contrary to its obligations to Article Six of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons".
Answered by Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park
Maintaining and renewing elements of the UK's nuclear deterrent capability is fully consistent with our international legal obligations, including those under Article VI of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). The UK remains committed to the step-by-step approach to nuclear disarmament under the framework of the NPT, and the long-term goal of a world without nuclear weapons.
Asked by: Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domer (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what are the UK's obligations under Article VI of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.
Answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
Under Article VI of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) the UK is obliged to pursue negotiations in good faith on effective measures relating to cessation of the nuclear arms race at an early date and to nuclear disarmament, and on a treaty on general and complete disarmament under strict and effective international control. Maintaining and renewing elements of the UK's nuclear deterrent capability is fully consistent with this obligation.
Asked by: Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domer (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what are the UK's obligations as a depositary government of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons; and what steps they take to fulfil the responsibilities of that role.
Answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
The UK government acts in accordance with Article IX of the NPT which states: 'The Depositary Governments shall promptly inform all signatory and acceding States of the date of each signature, the date of deposit of each instrument of ratification or of accession, the date of the entry into force of this Treaty, and the date of receipt of any requests for convening a conference or other notices.'
Asked by: Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domer (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of lifting the cap on the number of Trident nuclear warheads the UK can stockpile on negotiations at the next Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.
Answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
The UK will continue to work for a successful NPT Review Conference that continues to lay the groundwork and helps build the trust and confidence necessary for multilateral disarmament, as well as strengthening the non-proliferation and peaceful uses pillars of the Treaty. We will continue to play a leading role in developing nuclear disarmament verification, on which our ability to achieve and maintain a world without nuclear weapons will depend. We will also continue to build trust and confidence amongst nuclear weapon states, and between nuclear weapon states and non-nuclear weapon states.
As coordinator of the P5 Process in 2019 and 2020, we pushed forward work on transparency, leading the way with our consultation exercise on the UK's national implementation report that has now been taken up by others, and securing agreement to a presentation by the nuclear weapon states of their national nuclear doctrines at the Review Conference. We look forward to continuing these discussions and picking up other important issues such as strategic risk reduction.
As we approach the NPT Review Conference, we will continue to demonstrate our commitment to all pillars of the NPT, including disarmament.
Asked by: Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domer (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of lifting the cap on the number of Trident nuclear warheads the UK can stockpile on nuclear non-proliferation.
Answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
The fundamental purpose of the UK's nuclear deterrent remains to deter other states' use of nuclear weapons. We would never encourage others to develop nuclear weapons in breach of their NPT obligations. We remain committed to multilateral disarmament and our shared long-term goal of a world without nuclear weapons.
Asked by: Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domer (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Vere of Norbiton on 2 March (HL13474), whether they (1) know, or (2) have estimated the number of UK nationals living in France who have been left without a valid driving licence since the end of the transition period for the UK's departure from the EU; and what assessment they have made of the reasons for such licences no longer being valid.
Answered by Baroness Vere of Norbiton - Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)
An estimate of the number of UK nationals in France without a valid licence since 1 January 2021 has not yet been obtained. UK nationals who became resident in France before 1 January 2021 can continue to use their valid UK licences until 31 December 2021. The French authorities have confirmed that a valid UK licence will continue to be exchanged in this period, until a reciprocal agreement is reached between the United Kingdom and France.
Asked by: Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domer (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what reciprocal arrangements are in place between the UK and each EU member state with regard to driving licences.
Answered by Baroness Vere of Norbiton - Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)
All EU/EEA Member States, except for Italy, have confirmed reciprocal arrangements for exchanging licences, confirming that a retest will not be required for resident UK nationals. Most of our agreements are permanent arrangements and a small number require formal agreements which will be concluded before the end of this year. Where these agreements are needed, the UK has secured interim arrangements with the relevant Member States. All EU/EEA countries have confirmed that International Driving Permits will not be required by UK visitors.
Asked by: Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domer (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have for th DVLA to be able to grant an extension to UK drivers' licences that are due to expire, where there are no reciprocal arrangements regarding driving licences with EU member states.
Answered by Baroness Vere of Norbiton - Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)
UK legislation does not permit the DVLA to extend a UK national’s driving licence, if they are not a UK resident. There are no plans to amend the regulations. All EU/EEA Member States, except for Italy, have confirmed reciprocal arrangements for exchanging licences. Most of our agreements are permanent arrangements and a small number require formal agreements which will be concluded before the end of this year. Where these agreements are needed, the UK has secured interim arrangements with the relevant Member States.
Asked by: Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domer (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what progress they have made on their negotiations with the government of France on driving licences; and whether negotiations will conclude next month.
Answered by Baroness Vere of Norbiton - Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)
The Government is making every effort to reach an understanding with France regarding long-term licence exchange arrangements for UK nationals resident in France, and vice-versa. While those discussions are ongoing, the French Government has also confirmed that UK licence holders resident in France can continue to use their UK licence until 31 December 2021, provided that it remains valid in the UK. It is not possible at this time to say when negotiations will conclude.
Asked by: Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domer (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what guidance they provide to British nationals living in France whose UK driving licence has just expired, or is about to expire.
Answered by Baroness Vere of Norbiton - Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)
The Living in France guidance published on gov.uk was updated at the end of 2020 with information for UK nationals living in France who hold UK driving licences. The rules for exchanging UK licences have not yet been confirmed by the French authorities but are the subject of discussions between the UK and French Governments. We will update this page when more information is available. UK nationals are also directed to consult the guidance published by France.