LAUNCH OF MAJOR NEW REPORT: Stepping Back from the Brink – The Myth of Tactical Nuclear Weapons and Limited Nuclear War.
Stepping Back from the Brink – The Myth of Tactical Nuclear Weapons and Limited Nuclear War.
On-line 11am to 12:30, Tuesday 25th November 2025.
HOST:
Baroness Christine Blower, Patron, Nuclear Education Trust.
PRESENTATION OF REPORT:
Dr Tim Street, Author of Stepping Back from the Brink.
GUEST SPEAKERS:
The Rt Hon Lord Des Browne, former Secretary of State for Defence.
Jane Kinninmont, Chief Executive, UNA-UK.
A major new study commissioned by the Nuclear Education Trust and authored by Dr Tim Street – Stepping Back from the Brink: the Myths of Tactical Nuclear Weapons and Limited Nuclear War – will be launched on Tuesday 25th November.
This report is a comprehensive review of the policies and practices of all nuclear weapon states. In particular it includes an in-depth look at the potential use of tactical nuclear weapons in conventional war fighting and whether, following the illegal invasion of Ukraine by Russia, the nuclear taboo is eroding. In this context it also reviews the recent decision by the UK Government to purchase 12 F-35As with the capacity to deliver US B61 “tactical” nuclear weapons.
The mission of the independent charity, the Nuclear Education Trust, is to generate more informed debate on nuclear weapons related issues. This is all the more important because, following the invasion of Ukraine by Russia, nuclear treaties have been repudiated and nearly all P5 nuclear weapons states are modernising – and many are increasing – their nuclear arsenals. The Doomsday Clock is now at its closest point to midnight for 50 years.
The goal of the new report and of the on-line launch event is to create some space for dialogue for those whose priority is military defence and for those whose priority is nuclear disarmament to come together and have an informed debate about how – in an increasingly insecure, conflicted and militaristic world – we can work together to get back on a path towards global security, peace and disarmament; and what is the UK’s role in that process.
The press release about the report is found here, a blog from NET Chair Steve Barwick wrote for the European Leaders Network is found here, and a video of the presentation is found here.
This new report and launch event builds on NET’s report last year The Future for UK Defence, Diplomacy and Disarmament – 50 Proposals for a More Peaceful World.