Maryan Street
Disarmament and Arms Control Spokesperson

24 March 2014

More than photo opps – Labour urges PM to push for disarmament

The Prime Minister must push the cause of nuclear disarmament at the Nuclear Security Summit at The Hague to ensure the meeting is more than just a photo opportunity, says Labour’s Disarmament spokesperson Maryan Street.

“The summit’s agenda is to find ways to prevent nuclear bomb-making material falling into the wrong hands, such as terrorist organisations. But there are no right hands in this issue.

“New Zealand’s international contribution to peace is well known. We are nuclear-free by law. We can put up constructive and proven measures to help achieve the universal elimination of nuclear weapons.

“We should be looking for ways to prevent what would be an environmental and human catastrophe if any nuclear weapons of present-day strength were to be detonated.

“The real answer to nuclear security is the global abolition of nuclear weapons. The two previous summits talked about going beyond security to peace. John Key’s legacy could be a real contribution to global progress if he seizes this moment to make his mark. It would not do our UN Security Council bid any harm either.

“The Prime Minister has a wonderful opportunity at this Summit. Labour will support any efforts he makes to advance this process.

“New Zealand has a very real and practical contribution to make to this international agenda. Labour urges John Key to be ambitious for the world this week, not just for New Zealand,” Maryan Street says.

ENDS

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