The links between nuclear power and nuclear weapons go back to the very beginning of the development of atomic energy. Over time the nature and strength of these links have varied.

Key points

• Any country that has nuclear power has the potential to make nuclear weapons.
• The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) enshrines the right of member states to have nuclear power as long as they promise not to develop nuclear weapons.
• The United Nations International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) promotes the spread of nuclear technology as part of its remit, as well as trying to ensure that civil nuclear material is not used for military purposes. Both the NPT and the IAEA, who are responsible for controlling nuclear proliferation, also have a brief to spread the use of nuclear power.
• The inspection and safeguarding roles of the IAEA are somewhat limited, in the official nuclear weapons-states as well as in others. Accounting for fissile materials is very problematic - Russia being a case in point, but not a lone case.
• The U.K. is a leading exporter of nuclear technology (for example, in the field of uranium enrichment).
• The U.K. could contribute significantly to world safety and security by not building more nuclear power stations, by working to create a Fissile Material Control Treaty, and by phasing out its nuclear exports.

Download the CND briefing as PDF at http://www.cnduk.org/images/stories/briefings/nuclear_power/links_npower_and_weapons_06.pdf