The UK at the United Nations Security Council
Foreign Affairs Committee
Closed
Inquiry
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 …
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25
Recommendations
18
Conclusions
1
Report
3
Oral sessions
3
Events
Activity timeline 8 events
1 Dec
2025
2025
21 Sep
2025
2025
Report published
15 Jul
2025
2025
Oral evidence
15 Jul
2025
2025
Formal meeting (oral evidence session) · Room 15, Palace of Westminster
1 Jul
2025
2025
Oral evidence
1 Jul
2025
2025
Formal meeting (oral evidence session) · Room 5, Palace of Westminster
23 Jun
2025
2025
Oral evidence
23 Jun
2025
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
View on parliament.uk
Martin Griffiths · United Nations
Richard Gowan · International Crisis Group
23 Jun 2025
View on parliament.uk
Sir Mark Lyall Grant · United Nations
Reports 1 report · click to expand
| 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
5 results
1
Recommendation
Acknowledged
2nd Report - The write to protect:…
Seize UN80 anniversary opportunity to lead discussion on future of global multilateralism
We welcome and recognise the strong leadership demonstrated by the Government in leading on the UK’s global ‘re-engagement,’ including at and through the United Nations. The impending 80th anniversary of the creation of the United Nations system in September 2025, …
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Government Response
The government agrees on the importance of the UN80 initiative and states it is committed to using its full range of diplomatic tools and has been an active participant in early negotiations. However, it does not outline specific new actions for proactively beginning a discussion on the future of multilateralism and the UK's role.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
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11
Conclusion
Acknowledged
2nd Report - The write to protect:…
FCDO budget cuts reduce UK's UN effectiveness, ceding influence to competitors.
We are concerned about the cuts to the FCDO’s budget, including those to the Directorate responsible for multilateral organisations such as the UN. Such measures will reduce the UK’s ability to be an effective penholder at the United Nations and …
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Government Response
The government agrees the UK should continue to put forward and debate issues as a UN Security Council penholder, emphasizing a pragmatic and tailored approach to maximize positive impact and avoid normalizing vetoes. It highlights its use of various formats and meeting types to prompt debate, but does not directly address the committee's concern about budget cuts.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
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25
Conclusion
Acknowledged
2nd Report - The write to protect:…
UK's dual roles in Cyprus do not represent a conflict of interest.
Our evidence supports the view that UK’s roles as penholder for Cyprus at the United Nations Security Council and as a party to the Treaty of Guarantee in Cyprus do not represent a conflict of interest. (Conclusion, Paragraph 90)
Government Response
The government agrees with the conclusion that its roles in Cyprus do not represent a conflict of interest, and proceeds to detail its ongoing support for UN-led efforts, including leading the UNFICYP mandate renewal and engaging all sides to pursue a lasting settlement.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
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31
Conclusion
Acknowledged
2nd Report - The write to protect:…
Recognise, support, and honour United Nations peacekeepers upholding peace and security worldwide.
We recognise, support and honour the thousands of United Nations peacekeepers who are upholding peace and security and taking risks to their lives in conflict zones around the world. (Conclusion, Paragraph 109)
Government Response
The government agrees with the committee's recognition of UN peacekeepers, affirming that peacekeeping remains an indispensable tool for peace and outlining its ongoing commitment to UN peacekeeping reform within the UN80 process, including advocacy as penholder for high standards and legitimacy.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
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36
Conclusion
Acknowledged
2nd Report - The write to protect:…
UK demonstrates strong leadership on Somalia file at United Nations
The UK has demonstrated strong leadership on the Somalia file at the United Nations, drawing on a network of African actors built up over two decades and a strong in-country presence. (Conclusion, Paragraph 119)
Government Response
The government partially agrees, noting challenges in securing funding for AU Peace Support Operations in Somalia (AUSSOM). It highlights its proactive work with international partners, including co-hosting a side event and committing £16.5 million to AUSSOM, to build towards a sustainable funding solution.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
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