https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/brit...-us-nuke-pact/
Britain proposes removing expiry date from UK-US nuke pact
The UK government has put forward amendments to the UK-US Mutual Defence Agreement (MDA), aiming to secure the continuity of nuclear cooperation between the two nations.
A significant aspect of these amendments is the removal of the expiry date for certain provisions within the agreement, which is set to expire in December 2024. These changes were outlined in Command Paper 1135, published on 25 July 2024.
According to a research briefing by Claire Mills for the House of Commons,
“Many of the proposed changes are minor technical amendments relating to outdated language, definitions and terminology and to reflect the different classifications of information that may be exchanged under the MDA.” However, three key amendments are particularly noteworthy:
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- Article 4 establishes reciprocal provisions for naval nuclear propulsion cooperation, allowing the UK to transfer technology and share information with the US.
- Article 5 removes the expiry provisions related to Article III bis, allowing the MDA to remain in force on an “enduring basis.” Consequently, the agreement will not require renewal every ten years.
- Article 13 introduces provisions to ensure that information, material, or equipment shared under the MDA will remain protected if the agreement is terminated by either party in the future.……