Transparency data

Countering proliferation summary 2022 to 2023

Published 30 March 2023

Overview

The Government’s approach to countering proliferation is set out in the 2021 Integrated Review of Security, Defence, Development and Foreign Policy (IR). This highlights the Government’s vision for the UK’s role in the world over the next decade and the actions it will take to 2025. This is being reviewed considering geopolitical developments in 2022, although no substantive change to counter-proliferation priorities is anticipated. UK action is also underpinned by the National Counter Proliferation Strategy (NCPS) and the Counter-Terrorism Strategy (CONTEST 2018). The NCPS is under review and a revised version is due for publication in 2023.

The Counter Proliferation Programme supports these goals by improving international implementation of the obligations set out in the major treaties, conventions and regimes which seek to counter the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and the illicit transfer of conventional weapons. Part of this effort involves assistance to countries – in taking the necessary steps to sign, ratify or join the counter-proliferation treaties and regimes, and to develop national legislation and capacity to implement those obligations. Delivery of objectives is underpinned by financial resources provided by the Conflict, Stability and Security Fund (CSSF) and International Programme Fund (IPF).

Objectives on countering proliferation

The IR states that countering proliferation is integral to the UK’s security and prosperity. It helps to maintain regional and global stability, reduces threats to our citizens and armed forces, facilitates safe trade for our industry and protects high-skilled jobs across the UK. Recent events in Ukraine demonstrate that countering proliferation is more important than ever. Other challenges faced in recent years have included Russia’s Salisbury attack and the attribution of chemical weapons use in Syria. The UK’s response to these and other matters has contributed to its global reputation as a force for good and a science and technology power.

We are also:

• addressing growing threats from states such as Iran, China and North Korea
• responding to emerging threats including the illicit acquisition of advanced and emerging and disruptive dual-use technologies
• reinforcing the global counter proliferation architecture against growing pressures, shaping its future in our interest

CONTEST includes the following objectives:

• influencing intent: encourage all states to adhere to norms on the possession and use of particular weapons, and to demonstrate the consequences of breaching those norms
• controlling access: control access to materials and knowledge globally to make it as hard as possible for states or terrorists to acquire or develop capabilities
• disrupting networks: disrupt illicit attempts to circumvent controls

In addition, the IR highlighted that it is likely that a terrorist group will launch a successful terrorist attack by 2030; and proliferation of chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) weapons, advanced conventional weapons and novel military technologies will increase the risk and intensity of conflict and pose significant challenges to strategic stability. This context underlines the importance of coordinated counter-proliferation efforts.

Official Development Assistance (ODA) and countering proliferation

The FCDO’s Counter Proliferation Programme did not receive any ODA funds in Financial Year 2022 to 2023. In previous years the programme was funded by a blend of ODA and non-ODA funds. ODA scoring within the Programme was limited to ODA-eligible activities in DAC-listed countries. These activities supported the security, prosperity and development of ODA-eligible countries in various ways, including through activities which strengthened global rules and institutions supporting international peace and security which ODA-eligible countries rely on in order to develop. Assistance also helped developing countries use science and technology for permitted peaceful purposes to aid their development.

Counter-proliferation is a part of any country’s national security. Activity such as promoting robust export controls prevents the unregulated transfers of conventional arms and dual-use goods which can feed instability and conflict in developing countries. To that end, we are working to strengthen security and improve law enforcement cooperation e.g. in sub-Saharan Africa. Establishing and maintaining rules and laws to counter the proliferation of CBRN allows developing economies to benefit from the peaceful use of related technologies, while ensuring that the technologies and materials do not fall into the hands of terrorists or criminals.

Counter Proliferation Programme objectives for financial year 2022 to 2023

In the financial year 2022 to 2023, the key themes for the Programme will be ensuring:

• counter-proliferation norms and treaties function effectively, by enhancing efforts to uphold, preserve and strengthen the Rules Based International System
• states’ increased adherence to international security regimes and treaties; to promote UK values, influence and soft power to address shared proliferation challenges
• access control: control access to materials and knowledge globally to make it as hard as possible for states or terrorists to acquire or develop harmful capabilities

Geographical coverage of the Counter Proliferation Programme during financial year 2022 to 2023

This programme’s work is conducted through multilateral regimes, such as the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BTWC) and the Convention on Cluster Munitions; and non-governmental organisations with expertise in counter-proliferation issues. We work closely with such partners to deliver impact across a wide range of geographical areas where there is a need to support counter proliferation efforts.

Counter Proliferation Programme during financial year 2021 to 2022

Past successes under this programme have included support to international investigations into chemical weapons use in Syria and help to prospective and new members of the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) to improve their arms control systems so that they meet the Treaty’s obligations.

The Programme’s work and impact is often long term and continuing across financial years, for example the continuation of a long-term Falklands Demining Programme – a project to remove all anti-personnel mines on the Islands that were laid in the 1982 conflict, making progress towards declaring the Falklands mine-free.

The FCDO’s Counter Proliferation Programme did not receive any ODA funds in the financial year 2021 to 2022.