Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with the government of Russia to lessen the risk of miscalculation leading to use of nuclear weapons.

The UK takes its responsibilities as a nuclear weapon state seriously and will continue to encourage other states to do likewise.

We consider the avoidance of war between Nuclear-Weapon States and the reduction of strategic risks as our foremost responsibilities. The joint statement by the leaders of the five Nuclear-Weapon States - including Russia - issued on 3 January underscores our collective commitment to work together to reduce the risk of nuclear conflict and enhance mutual trust and security. This is the first time the leaders of the five Nuclear Weapon States have made such a high-level political declaration. It shows our resolve to work together, despite differences, to increase mutual trust and understanding and work together towards nuclear disarmament.

The UK is committed to taking steps to reduce the likelihood of nuclear war, including resolving issues peacefully and diplomatically wherever possible. With our partners, we will continue to make use of a number of international mechanisms that allow us to engage with Russia to support risk reduction and military transparency, including the NATO-Russia Council (which will next meet on 12 January 2022) and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE).