CND is saddened by the news that former Labour Chancellor Denis Healey has died at the age of 98.

It is an appropriate time to reflect, given the discussion in the Labour party this week, that in 2008 Healey told the BBC that he would never have authorised the use of British nuclear weapons should he have been in a position to make the decision as Defence Secretary. Healey also said in 2006 “I don’t think we need nuclear weapons any longer”.

Kate Hudson, CND General Secretary said, “This sad time gives chance to reflect on the fact that Denis Healey was a man not only of significant political stature, but also of great courage: to seek a path of peace and not contemplate use of nuclear weapons – which would be a war crime of massive proportions.”

CND would like to offer sincere condolences to the family of Denis Healey.