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
15 Jul
2025
15 Jul
2025
Formal meeting (oral evidence session) · Room 15, Palace of Westminster
1 Jul
2025
1 Jul
2025
Formal meeting (oral evidence session) · Room 5, Palace of Westminster
23 Jun
2025
23 Jun
2025
Formal meeting (oral evidence session) · Room 16, Palace of Westminster
Oral evidence sessions 3 sessions
Freya Jackson · Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) The Lord Collins of Highbury · Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)
Martin Griffiths · United Nations Richard Gowan · International Crisis Group
Sir Mark Lyall Grant · United Nations
Recommendations & Conclusions
4 results
32 Recommendation Accepted in Part
2nd Report - The write to protect:…
United Nations peacekeeping missions require reforms, including technology and regular reviews.
However, we recognise that United Nations peacekeeping missions require reforms to ensure they are fit for purpose. This should include consideration of technological solutions—like the use of drones for monitoring conflict zones—to both support United Nations peacekeeping missions and reduce … Read more
Government Response
The government agrees with the need for UN peacekeeping reform as part of the UN80 process, outlining its objectives for whole-of-UN mission planning, enhanced efficiencies, and tailored operations with upheld performance standards. However, it does not specifically address the recommendation to consider technological solutions like drones.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
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33 Recommendation Accepted in Part
2nd Report - The write to protect:…
Set out long-term plan for reforming UN peacekeeping bodies and aligning with UN80 agenda
It is clear that United Nations peacekeeping requires reform, and we support the Government’s efforts to promote a leaner peacekeeping and peace and security architecture at the UN. However, we would urge the Government to maintain UK investment in conflict … Read more
Government Response
The government agrees with the need for UN peacekeeping reform, outlining its overarching reform objectives within the UN80 process, including enhanced efficiencies and tailored operations. They state they cannot divert peacekeeping funding but are a top donor to the Peacebuilding Fund, and describe ongoing efforts as penholder to advocate for UN legitimacy and WPS during budget negotiations, but do not address the use of drones.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
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37 Recommendation Accepted in Part
2nd Report - The write to protect:…
Outline continued work with regional actors and funding for UN/AU mandates in Somalia
A stable Somalia is crucial to global and maritime security. The Government should, in its response, outline how it is continuing to work with regional actors in Somalia and detail which funds it will use to support the implementation of … Read more
Government Response
The government partially agrees, explaining that a new joint fund mechanism faces challenges due to lack of consensus and donor fatigue. However, it is proactively working with international partners on voluntary funding and committed £16.5 million to AUSSOM, lobbying others for pledges to build a sustainable funding solution.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
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39 Recommendation Accepted in Part
2nd Report - The write to protect:…
Intensify diplomatic efforts for UN Security Council resolution on Sudan ceasefire and protection
We recommend that the UK take the following actions as soon as possible: a. Pursue all efforts possible to intensify its diplomatic efforts and pass a United Nations Security Council resolution which calls for an immediate end to fighting in … Read more
Government Response
The government partially agrees, explaining that efforts for a UN Security Council resolution on Sudan are hampered by Russian obstruction but will continue. They outline plans to enforce deterrents through targeted sanctions and support accountability mechanisms. The government is already actively advocating for women's participation and supporting women's health services as WPS penholder, and regularly engaging with the Sudanese diaspora.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
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Government Response AI assessment · 43 of 25 classified

Total 25 recs + 18 conclusions