Skip to main content
An important step towards a nuclear-free world
A new treaty to ban nukes is now set to become international law after being championed by nations from the Global South who are angry at the failure of nuclear weapons states to disarm. KATE HUDSON reports
Nuclear bomb

ATTEMPTS to ban nuclear weapons are nothing new and usually the impetus comes from the Global South. 

The great news at the weekend about the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) — it’s reached the 50 ratifications needed to become international law — is no exception. 

If you look at the list of 50 states, they are overwhelmingly from Africa and Latin America; indeed both continents are already self-organised into nuclear weapons-free zones via the Treaty of Pelindaba and the Treaty of Tlatelolco. 

Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
More from this author
three
Features / 11 April 2025
11 April 2025
After more than 30 years, the printing presses have finally halted for the left-wing magazine. KATE HUDSON pays tribute to the always thought-provoking publication and explains how the editorial team are inviting feedback and comment on their continued online operations
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer meets British soldiers at Sal
Labour Conference 2024 / 23 September 2024
23 September 2024
The Prime Minister’s reckless stance on long-range missiles and uncritical support for Israel threaten to escalate conflicts, warns Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament general secretary KATE HUDSON
Hiroshima
Hiroshima Day 2024 / 6 August 2024
6 August 2024
As tensions rise in Ukraine and Gaza, KATE HUDSON argues that Western militarisation and Nato expansion bring us closer to nuclear catastrophe — we must heed the lessons of history
A mushroom cloud from a US nuclear bomb test in 1954
Features / 12 January 2024
12 January 2024
The threat of escalation of the Israel-Gaza conflict is rapidly increasing, as recent rhetoric from Israeli politicians suggests a willingness to use their nuclear weapons, warns CND general secretary KATE HUDSON
Similar stories
KS+
Features / 22 March 2025
22 March 2025
SOPHIE BOLT explains why Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament is organising a national protest tour at nuclear bases, starting with a demo at BAE shipyard in Barrow, where Starmer and Healey have been banging the drum for war
DANGER: HMS Vigilant, which carries Britain’s Trident nuke
Features / 24 December 2024
24 December 2024
MARC MORGAN explains why a new joint declaration against nuclear weapons is a landmark for Christians and non-Christians alike, bringing together the voices of peace groups on both sides of the Channel
CND activists blocked the main gates of USAF Lakenheath in J
Editorial / 1 November 2024
1 November 2024