LABOUR MP Harry Cohen has called for answers on the review of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, which is set to take place in May.

The treaty aims to limit the spread of nuclear weapons and Mr Cohen called on minister of state for foreign and commonwealth affairs Ivan Lewis to outline the UK’s position.

In a written statement in the House of Commons yesterday, according to parliamentary records site theyworkforyou.com, Mr Cohen asked Mr Lewis “what negotiating position his department has adopted for the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Review Conference in May 2010”.

He also asked “what objectives he has set for the outcomes of that conference”.

Mr Lewis said: “The United Kingdom is committed to working intensively with a wide range of international partners to establish consensus for strengthening the non-proliferation and disarmament regime.

“We want the Non-Proliferation Treaty Review Conference to produce a mandate or action plan, which is balanced across the three mutually-reinforcing NPT pillars of non-proliferation, disarmament and the peaceful use of nuclear energy.”

The treaty, first drawn up in 1970, is reviewed every five years and is aimed at eventual nuclear disarmament.

Five countries out of 189 signed up to the treaty are considered nuclear weapon states, including the UK.