Government and Military

29 Dec 2006 from TP to FCO [1]

Dear Hugh Powell,

Thank you for the copy of "The Future of the United Kingdom’s Nuclear Deterrent" and your accompanying letter.

In order to help us with our response to the White Paper I would be grateful if you could let me know the following details in regard to public consultation:

1. The appropriate deadlines and addressee for responses.
2. Guidance regarding the formatting of responses.
3. Arrangements for feedback on responses, including any cumulative reporting of the consultation exercise.

You will be aware that these questions reflect the criteria on consultation set out at
http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/regulation/consultation/code/criteria.asp, especially criteria 1 and 2.

I look forward to hearing from you.

With best wishes

David Mackenzie
for Core Group
Trident Ploughshares

9 Jan 2007 from TP to FCO

Dear Hugh Powell,

I wonder if you have been able to consider the query below, sent to you on 29th December 2006.

David Mackenzie

9 Jan 2007 from FCO to TP

Dear Mr Mackenzie

Thank you for your email regarding the White Paper on the Future of the UK Nuclear Deterrent. I will respond in full by the end of this week (12th Jan)

Regards

Libby Stockel
Desk Officer Missile Defence and Deterrence
Security Policy Group
Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

9 Jan 2007 from TP to FCO

Thank you.

David

15 Jan 2007 from TP to FCO

Dear Libby,

Any progress on the consultation query? For your convenience I am copying below my original e-mail.

Thanks

David

15 Jan 2007 from FCO to TP

Dear Mr Mackenzie

Thank you for your email of the 29 December regarding the govenment White Paper on the Future of the UK’s Nuclear Deterrent. I have been asked to respond. The Prime Minister’s announcement on 4 Dec 06 referred to a 3 month period of public and parliamentary debate. This debate will be followed by a vote in Parliament. The debate on the Future of the UK’s Nuclear Deterrent is not a formal public consultation and therefore the Government are not required to meet the criteria specified in the Cabinet Office guidance to which you refer. I can address your 3 points of inquiry in the context of the debate 1) As the decision is now subject to a vote in Parliament I suggest you address any comments you may have to a Member of Parliament as they will be in a position to represent your views should they wish to do so. A date for the vote has not yet been set but it is expected to take place in early March. 2) There is no formal format for responses 3) If you do choose to address responses to a Member of Parliament the response will be at the discretion of the addressee.

Regards

Libby Stockel
Desk Officer Missile Defence and Deterrence
Security Policy Group
Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

15 Jan 2007 from TP to FCO

Dear Libby Stockwell,

Thanks for this. I am now clear that this is not a consultation in the normally meaning of the word.

Best Wishes
David

15 Jan 2007 from TP to FCO

Dear Libby Stockell,

Something else is puzzling me. Hugh Powell sent a copy of "The Future of the United Kingdom’s Nuclear Deterrent" and plus accompanying letter to our campaign, Trident Ploughshares. This implies the openness to receive a response. Are you absolutely sure that no process has been put place for handling such responses? On the face of it the lack of a response process indicates a fairly unprofessional approach. Surely there has been some mistake?

Yours sincerely
David Mackenzie

19 Jan 2007 from FCO to TP

Mr Mackensie,

Following the announcement on the Future of the UK’s nuclear deterrent the MOD and FCO sent copies of the White Paper to interested parties for information and to ensure that they had access to the appropriate material to allow them to take part in the debate. As stated in the White Paper there will now be a period of public and parliamentary debate followed by a vote in Parliament.

The Government has made its decision, as detailed in the White Paper. We have made this process more open than in the past. It is now for others to read the White Paper and make their views heard.

Regards

Libby Stockel Desk Officer - Missile Defence and Deterrence
Security Policy Group

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