Transparency data

Countering proliferation: objectives 2017 to 2018

Published 16 February 2018

1. Overview

The UK’s overall objective for this programme is to prevent the spread or further development of chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear capability or advanced military technology which could threaten global or regional stability. The FCO works to advance this objective through the rules based international system thus helping to safeguard international security against proliferation-related risks, and protecting UK interests. This helps us to protect our people, and populations worldwide, through reducing security threats, as well as supporting the UK’s objectives under its National Security Strategy and UK Aid Strategy.

2. FCO objectives on countering proliferation

Rules and norms to counter the proliferation of illicit arms and weapons of mass destruction play a vital role in our security. The National Counter Proliferation Strategy identifies two key proliferation-related risks:

• attacks using Chemical, Biological, Radiological or Nuclear (CBRN) weapons
• weapons proliferation: increase in either advanced conventional armaments or CBRN technology. FCO efforts to address these risks are focused on three strands of work:
• influencing intent: encouraging 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: controlling access to materials and knowledge globally to make it as hard as possible for states or terrorists to acquire or develop capabilities
• disrupting networks: disrupting illicit attempts to circumvent controls

3. Official Development Assistance and countering proliferation

Activities funded by this programme support the security, prosperity and development of ODA-eligible countries in various ways, including through activities which strengthen global rules and institutions supporting international peace and security which ODA-eligible countries rely on in order to develop.

Counter-proliferation is a key tenet 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 poorer countries. To that end we are working to strengthen stockpile security, build capacity to destroy surpluses, and improve law enforcement cooperation in i.e. sub-Saharan Africa. Establishing and maintaining rules and laws to counter the proliferation of CBRN allows developing economies to benefit from the peaceful uses of these technologies, while ensuring that the technologies do not fall into the hands of terrorists or criminals.

4. Countering proliferation project objectives

The UK provides assistance to Overseas Development Assistance eligible countries in signing and ratifying international treaties, developing national legislation, and developing their capacity to implement controls. It also seeks to support the international treaties, regimes and organisations which provide the crucial underpinning of these controls.

In support of this, key workstreams under this programme include activities to:

• improve states’ adherence to CBRN international security regimes, treaties and initiatives
• increase awareness and understanding of CBRN security issues and the roles and responsibilities of states, industry and academia
• improve export controls, including the integration of internationally recognised controls in national legislation in ODA-eligible countries
• improve states’ implementation of United Nation Security Council (UNSC) sanctions resolutions
• strengthen international regimes, treaties and initiatives which prevent the spread of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) and underpin global non-proliferation, security and disarmament norms
• increase effective implementation of global conventional arms control and counter-proliferation norms, treaties and obligations by ODA-eligible countries
• reduce illicit proliferation and diversion risks to make it as hard as possible for criminals, terrorists and illegal armed groups to access weapons and ammunition

Past successes under this programme have included, for example, the investigation into chemical weapons use in Syria and support to aspiring states and new members of the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) to improve their arms control systems so that they meet the Treaty’s obligations.

5. Geographical coverage

Much of this programme’s work is conducted through multilateral institutions such as the United Nations, G7, European Union, and the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons. This means we work closely with international partners across a wide range of geographical areas.