The UK at the United Nations Security Council

Foreign Affairs Committee Closed Inquiry
Opened: 11 Mar 2025 Closed: 1 Dec 2025 Parliament page
This inquiry considers how effectively the UK uses its position at the UNSC (United Nations Security Council) to influence and bring about an end to global conflict, whilst advancing its goals for a rules-based international order. It will focus on countries for which the UK is a ‘Penholder’ at the … Read more
25 Recommendations
18 Conclusions
1 Report
3 Oral sessions
3 Events
Activity timeline 8 events
1 Dec
2025
Report published
21 Sep
2025
Report published
15 Jul
2025
Oral evidence
15 Jul
2025
Formal meeting (oral evidence session) · Room 15, Palace of Westminster
1 Jul
2025
Oral evidence
1 Jul
2025
Formal meeting (oral evidence session) · Room 5, Palace of Westminster
23 Jun
2025
Oral evidence
23 Jun
2025
Formal meeting (oral evidence session) · Room 16, Palace of Westminster
Oral evidence sessions 3 sessions
15 Jul 2025
View on parliament.uk
Freya Jackson · Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) The Lord Collins of Highbury · Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)
1 Jul 2025
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Martin Griffiths · United Nations Richard Gowan · International Crisis Group
23 Jun 2025
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Sir Mark Lyall Grant · United Nations
Title HC No. Published Items Response
2nd Report - The write to protect: Britain’s pen on the world st… HC 930 21 Sep 2025 43 Responded
Recommendations & Conclusions
24 results
Clear
2 Recommendation Accepted
2nd Report - The write to protect:…
Outline strategy for engaging with rapidly changing multilateral system and UN80 reform agenda
The Government should outline its strategy for responding to and engaging with a rapidly changing multilateral system, in its response to this report. This should include a roadmap detailing the UK’s engagement with the ongoing United Nations 80 (UN80) reform … Read more
Government Response
The government states it is already committed to leveraging its diplomatic expertise and overseas network, actively countering disinformation and using UN platforms to denounce malign activity and champion rights. It highlights ongoing efforts to challenge Russian abuses within the UN system but does not outline a specific new strategy or roadmap.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
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3 Conclusion Accepted
2nd Report - The write to protect:…
Take leadership in responding to malign influence within the United Nations system.
The international community’s reluctance to address malign influence within the United Nations system risks the loss of the values- embedded and rules-based international order. If more countries ignore UN resolutions, it will become less and less effective. The UK has … Read more
Government Response
The government outlines its ongoing leadership and engagement in international diplomacy and conflict resolution, including specific partnerships and UN Security Council actions. They commit to launching a second iteration of the ASEAN-UK Plan of Action in 2026 to support a Free and Open Indo-Pacific.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
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4 Recommendation Accepted
2nd Report - The write to protect:…
Utilise the United Nations system to advance British values and call out abuses.
The Government should make full use of the whole United Nations system to advance its foreign policy objectives and further British values of democracy and tolerance to counter assertive behaviour by other countries within the 45 United Nations. The Government … Read more
Government Response
The government states it continues to be a leading player in the UN context, utilizing its skills to resolve conflicts and exercise leadership in line with international law. It provides examples of ongoing engagement with the US on UN Security Council mandate renewals and its response to Russian aggression across multiple multilateral organisations.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
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5 Conclusion Accepted
2nd Report - The write to protect:…
Conflict resolution increasingly occurs through non-UN Security Council mechanisms.
This Committee’s first priority will always be to push for the use of United Nations mediation, peace and security structures to resolve conflict: the international community is strongest together and a peace agreed by the consensus of the many is … Read more
Government Response
The government states it continues to work closely with the US to resolve global conflicts and will continue to engage the wider membership of the UN Security Council. It specifically commits to hosting a conference at Wilton Park this autumn with incoming, current, and outgoing African Council members.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
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6 Recommendation Accepted
2nd Report - The write to protect:…
Adapt to changing conflict resolution by enhancing bilateral partnerships and leveraging regional groupings.
The Government should adapt to the changing conflict environment, recognising the existing geopolitical realities of conflict resolution, whilst continuing to push for multilateral efforts where possible. The Government should enhance its bilateral partnerships with Qatar and Saudi Arabia, as well … Read more
Government Response
The government commits to ensuring that UK missions to the UN will continue to be staffed at appropriate levels with high-calibre individuals. It notes that the FCDO is becoming a smaller, more agile organisation and is making strategic decisions to retain capability and ensure a higher proportion of staff are overseas.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
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7 Conclusion Accepted
2nd Report - The write to protect:…
UK well-placed to mobilise like-minded states for global conflict resolution.
The UK is well placed to mobilise like-minded states and build regional and bloc-based coalitions to advance efforts to lead on the resolution of global conflict. This applies in particular to those organisations which have a regional remit for country … Read more
Government Response
The government details its substantial contributions to UN budgets and reaffirms its commitment to restoring ODA spending to 0.7% of GNI when fiscal conditions allow. It plans to publish indicative ODA allocations for the next three years, prioritizing multilateral institutions, but states it cannot commit to ringfencing future spend.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
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8 Recommendation Accepted
2nd Report - The write to protect:…
Harness UK's global convenor status to engage like-minded states in conflict resolution.
The UK Government should be more confident in its role at the UN, harnessing its status as a global convenor, and drawing upon the UK’s diplomatic expertise to engage like-minded states in resolving conflict in cases where it is not … Read more
Government Response
The government confirms it is a leading advocate for UN reform and has a dedicated Management Reform and Finance team for budgetary issues. It outlines its roadmap for UN80 reform, focused on building support for greater impact, enhanced coherence, stronger partnerships, and better value for money, with specific objectives to improve country-level impact, rationalize structures, and facilitate greater join-up.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
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9 Conclusion Accepted
2nd Report - The write to protect:…
Continue close collaboration with the US in the UNSC on values-based conflict resolution.
The UK should continue to work closely with the US in the United Nations Security Council to advance the UK’s values-based approach to resolving conflict through multilateral organisations. (Conclusion, Paragraph 51)
Government Response
The government outlines its continuous investment in UN peacebuilding and the UN-IFI Partnership Facility, and details existing FCDO resources, research programs, and partnerships focused on conflict prevention, resolution, and peacebuilding.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
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10 Recommendation Accepted
2nd Report - The write to protect:…
Engage US proactively and develop alliances with UNSC members to advance British values.
Where agreement or consensus with the US may not be forthcoming, the Government must engage the US proactively, in behind-the-scenes and backdoor diplomacy. Simultaneously, the Government should have the confidence to develop robust alliances with Elected Members to the United … Read more
Government Response
The government states it already champions broad and thorough engagement when penholding, consulting widely and championing co-penning with relevant Member States, citing examples with African members and Sierra Leone. However, it rejects a 'one size fits all' approach to co-penning, arguing it is not appropriate for every agenda item.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
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17 Conclusion Accepted
2nd Report - The write to protect:…
Co-penholding strengthens UK soft power and builds alliances through shared UNSC expertise.
Sharing the pen allows for Elected Members to the United Nations Security Council to actively partake in the penholder process and to learn from the UK’s expertise as a convening actor in diplomacy and as a leader in the global … Read more
Government Response
The government's response explains its ongoing commitment and actions as a UN Security Council penholder to protect civilians and uphold international humanitarian law, stating its national interest aligns with these efforts. It does not directly address the benefits of co-penholding or how it might strengthen UK soft power and alliances.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
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19 Conclusion Accepted
2nd Report - The write to protect:…
Absence of debate stalls diplomatic progress and solutions at the UN Security Council.
Without debate, progress on a file and elevating the platform of a conflict to find diplomatic solutions forward is stalled. This stymies the core mission of the United Nations Security Council, which is to identify and spearhead solutions to restore … Read more
Government Response
The government states its work as UN Security Council penholder on Sudan has sought to improve visibility and push for aid access, despite Russian obstructionism. It describes continuing efforts to engage the UNSC, securing an accountability mechanism in the Human Rights Council, designing programs for women-led organizations, and regular engagement with Sudanese civil society.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
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21 Conclusion Accepted
2nd Report - The write to protect:…
Continue raising and debating issues at the UN Security Council, even if vetoed.
The UK must continue to put forward, raise and debate issues at the United Nations Security Council for files it holds the pen for, even if these are ultimately vetoed. It is essential that in situations of conflict where the … Read more
Government Response
The government agrees with the committee's recommendation regarding Yemen, stating it will continue to use its interventions at monthly UN Security Council meetings to highlight the human cost of the conflict, push for the safety of women and girls, and condemn detentions. It also commits to actively exploring options to raise awareness of food security levels and work for a political settlement.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
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22 Recommendation Accepted
2nd Report - The write to protect:…
UK demonstrates strong leadership in managing the UN Office for Central Africa penholder file.
The UK has demonstrated strong leadership in its management of the penholder file ‘The UN Office for Central Africa’, and should continue this work. (Conclusion, Paragraph 82)
Government Response
The government implicitly accepts by confirming its close engagement with relevant regional non-permanent Security Council members on UK penheld files, including UNOCA.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
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23 Conclusion Accepted
2nd Report - The write to protect:…
UK commended for its role as penholder for Colombia at the UNSC.
The UK is to be commended for its role as penholder for Colombia at the United Nations Security Council and continuing to push for stability in a volatile region. (Conclusion, Paragraph 87)
Government Response
The government agrees with the committee's commendation, detailing its ongoing commitment as penholder, support for the 2016 Peace Agreement, and significant diplomatic and financial engagement in Colombia, including over £80 million in programming since 2015 and leadership in renewing the UN Verification Mission mandate.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
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24 Recommendation Accepted
2nd Report - The write to protect:…
Outline steps taken as penholder to consolidate Colombia's peace process and address human rights.
We urge the Government to outline the steps it is taking as penholder to seek to ensure the long-term consolidation and enforcement of the peace process in Colombia. This should include a summary of the actors it is engaging with … Read more
Government Response
The government agrees, outlining its firm commitment to Colombia's peace process through diplomatic engagement, multilateral coordination, and UK-drafted press statements. It details its support for the UN Verification Mission, engagement with partners and civil society, and its role as the second largest donor to the UN Multi-Partner Trust Fund, with over £80 million committed since 2015.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
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26 Recommendation Accepted
2nd Report - The write to protect:…
Uphold commitment to resolving Cyprus stalemate, utilising penholder and Treaty of Guarantee roles.
The UK should continue to uphold its commitment to the resolution of the stalemate in Cyprus, utilising jointly its role as penholder and as one of the parties to the Treaty of Guarantee. The Government should detail in its response … Read more
Government Response
The government agrees and outlines its actions as penholder and Guarantor Power, including leading the unanimous renewal of UNFICYP’s mandate, supporting UN-led settlement efforts, and actively engaging all parties to encourage a return to formal talks.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
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27 Conclusion Accepted
2nd Report - The write to protect:…
UK has not sufficiently raised Libya's profile at the United Nations Security Council.
Libya is a neglected item at the United Nations Security Council and the UK has not taken sufficient action to raise it. Despite controversy relating to the UN Security Council-backed intervention which the UK participated in, our evidence suggested the … Read more
Government Response
The government agrees with the importance of Libya but outlines numerous past and ongoing actions at the UN Security Council, including leading sanctions renewal, calling for elections, and renewing the UNSMIL mandate, to demonstrate its continuous engagement and challenge the premise of neglect.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
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28 Recommendation Accepted
2nd Report - The write to protect:…
Demonstrate actions taken as penholder to promote peace and security in Libya.
The Government should demonstrate the actions it is taking to promote peace and security in Libya’s borders as its penholder. (Recommendation, Paragraph 96)
Government Response
The government agrees and details its actions as penholder for Libya, including consistently using the UN platform, leading the renewal of the Libya sanctions regime with significant changes, advocating for elections, and leading the recent renewal of the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) mandate. It also continues to explore co-penning press statements.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
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34 Recommendation Accepted
2nd Report - The write to protect:…
Ensure civilians in armed conflict are protected and given access to essential aid
The Government should ensure that it is taking all possible steps to ensure that civilians in armed conflict are protected and given access to shelter, food and healthcare. The Government should use the offices of the UN to urge warring … Read more
Government Response
The government disagrees with the implicit premise of the recommendation, stating it already steadfastly commits to upholding international humanitarian law and protecting civilians in conflict. They detail ongoing efforts as penholder, consistently pressing for humanitarian access in the UN Security Council and taking private diplomatic action to protect civilians.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
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38 Recommendation Accepted
2nd Report - The write to protect:…
UK's Sudan file leadership must go further despite geopolitical constraints
We commend the UK’s tenacity and leadership on the Sudan file but urge it go further to promote peace and security in Sudan, both at the United Nations Security Council and bilaterally. We are cognisant that the UK is operating … Read more
Government Response
The government partially agrees, detailing extensive ongoing efforts and future plans to promote peace and security in Sudan. These include continued UN Security Council engagement despite obstruction, securing an accountability mechanism and special HRC session, designing FCDO programmes for sexual health and women-led organisations, and regular engagement with Sudanese civil society and diaspora groups.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
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40 Recommendation Accepted
2nd Report - The write to protect:…
UK's leadership on Women, Peace and Security file must go further
The UK has historically demonstrated strong management and leadership as concerns the Women, Peace and Security file, however it can and must go further. (Conclusion, Paragraph 133)
Government Response
The government agrees with the committee, outlining its ongoing commitment and active work as penholder for resolution 1325 to implement the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda. They detail current efforts including securing specific language in mandate renewals and the Foreign Secretary's commitment to strategic female involvement in peace and security.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
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41 Recommendation Accepted
2nd Report - The write to protect:…
Outline work to include women in WPS mediation and strengthen UNSC commitments
We recommend: a. The Government should outline in its response to this report what work it is pursuing as penholder for Women, Peace and Security to include women and women-led organisations in mediation and peace negotiations. The UK Mission to … Read more
Government Response
The government agrees, outlining that the UK Mission in New York includes women at every stage of the WPS penholding process and consults women experts. It details its strategy to defend and strengthen WPS language by deploying expert negotiators and diplomatic influence, citing recent successes in Colombia and South Sudan, and reaffirms a commitment to strategic women's involvement.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
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42 Conclusion Accepted
2nd Report - The write to protect:…
UK remains best-placed for Yemen file despite slow progress and past criticism
There has been criticism that the UK’s penholdership of the Yemen file was compromised due to UK arms sales to Saudi Arabia who were at war against Houthi terrorists in Yemen. However, Saudi Arabia has now largely withdrawn from Yemen. … Read more
Government Response
The government agrees with the conclusion, affirming its leading role as UN Security Council penholder on Yemen and the largest donor to the humanitarian response. They detail ongoing diplomatic efforts, monthly UN Security Council interventions, and exploration of options to raise awareness of food insecurity, while continuing to push for a political settlement.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
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43 Recommendation Accepted
2nd Report - The write to protect:…
Continue to advocate for Yemen's long-term peace, upholding maritime security and civilian protection.
We encourage the Government, through the UK Mission to the United Nations in New York, to continue to push for long-term peace and security in Yemen, with particular reference to upholding maritime security, the 53 protection of civilians in armed … Read more
Government Response
The government agrees and confirms its leading role as UN Security Council penholder and largest donor, committing to continue pushing for long-term peace and security in Yemen. It will use monthly UNSC meetings to highlight human costs, advocate for women and girls' safety, protect civilians, and work closely with the UN Special Envoy and Yemeni stakeholders for a sustainable political settlement and maritime security.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
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Government Response AI assessment · 43 of 25 classified
Accepted 24
Accepted in Part 4
Acknowledged 5
Deferred 7
Rejected 3
Total 25 recs + 18 conclusions