The UK has used a speech at the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons to accuse Russia of repeatedly flouting the global ban on chemical arms. According to the BBC, the statement was delivered at the OPCW's 113th Executive Council meeting, where Britain's representative said Moscow's behaviour poses the single biggest danger to the Chemical Weapons Convention.
Key points
- Russia accused — the UK says Novichok was used in the UK in 2018, killing Dawn Sturgess, and against Alexei Navalny in 2020.
- Syria progress — Britain welcomed the destruction of 42 munitions and the restoration of Syria's rights at the OPCW.
- New funding — the UK has given £3.5m to the OPCW Syria Trust Fund since the fall of the Assad regime.
- Lab network — Britain backed a plan to set up laboratories for analysing biotoxins.
The UK's statement said Russia had also "highly likely" used the lethal toxin epibatidine against Mr Navalny in 2024, and that it systematically deploys riot control agents and other toxic chemicals in its assault on Ukraine. The speech warned that if such violations go unanswered, the norm against chemical weapons will weaken and other hostile actors will be encouraged to use them.
Concern was also raised about reports of chemical weapons use in Sudan, with the UK calling on Khartoum to finish its national investigation and share the findings with the OPCW without delay.
On Syria, the UK welcomed efforts by Damascus and the Technical Secretariat to deal with the legacy of the Assad regime's chemical programme, including the destruction in August of 42 munitions. It said much still needs to be done to verifiably destroy all remnants, investigate past use, identify those responsible and hold them to account.
The UK also backed a Technical Secretariat proposal to create a network of laboratories for biotoxin analysis, and called for the verification system to be updated, including through the 2028 Review Conference. It voiced support for the mid-biennium budget review and for efforts to mainstream gender across the OPCW's work.
What it means in practice
The speech is a statement of position rather than a change in the law, so there is no immediate practical effect on daily life in the UK. But the issues it raises matter for public safety and for how Britain responds to chemical incidents.
- Russia — the UK continues to press for accountability over the Salisbury poisoning and the Navalny case, which could lead to further sanctions or diplomatic measures.
- Syria — British money and expertise will keep going to the OPCW's Syria Trust Fund to help destroy remaining chemical stocks.
- Biotoxins — a new laboratory network could speed up identification if such substances are ever used, improving the response to any future attack.
