Gavin Newlands MP urges UN Ambassador not to boycott nuclear-free discussions
Gavin Newlands, MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire North, has written to the UK’s Ambassador to the United Nations, urging him not to boycott talks with other countries which could lead to a world free of nuclear weapons.
Between the 15th of June and 7th of July, 132 countries are meeting in New York to conclude their discussions on the draft convention on the prohibition of nuclear weapons. However, the UK Government has followed the lead of the United States and others in boycotting these discussions.
Mr Newlands has written to the UK Ambassador urging him to fully take part in this important process which could lead to a nuclear free world.
Gavin Newlands, MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire North, said:
“I would like to extend my full support to the Nuclear Weapon Ban Treaty which is currently being negotiated in the United Nations. It is extremely disappointing that the UK have followed the United States and others in boycotting these talks which could lead to a nuclear-free world.
“Let’s be clear, this decision by the UK Government does not represent the views of the people of Scotland.
“The phrase ‘bairns not bombs’ is not just some catchy slogan that many of us have stuck on our cars. It’s a simple but important message that conveys the values of Scotland. The Scottish Parliament and Scottish civil society reject nuclear weapons, preferring that we invested to improve the lives of everyone in Scotland rather than wasting money in weapons of mass destructions.
“I hope that the UK Government realises the importance of these discussions and joins the other 132 countries in participating in these negotiations with the goal of adopting a robust treaty that prohibits nuclear weapons.”
