UK Identified as Most Non-Compliant with Global Nuclear Weapons Ban

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 02:44:00 +0200

The United Kingdom has been ranked as the worst violator of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) in the 2026 Nuclear Weapons Ban Monitor report by Norwegian People's Aid. The report highlights the UK’s possession of nuclear weapons, potential hosting of U.S. nuclear arms, and cooperation with other nuclear states like France as reasons for its ranking. The UK was identified as non-compliant with six prohibitions under the treaty, including development, possession, transfer, assistance, seeking aid, and stationing of nuclear weapons. The U.S. followed closely with non-compliance in five areas. Evidence suggests that U.S. nuclear bombs, withdrawn from the UK in 2008, may have returned to RAF Lakenheath, Suffolk, as new storage facilities are reportedly under construction. Campaigners argue that Britain’s nuclear policies are costly, outdated, and increase global risk, calling for engagement with the TPNW to reduce nuclear threats. Experts warn that nuclear deterrence i