5
Acknowledged
The Government’s commitment to implementing the Women, Peace and Security agenda, through its objectives in...
Conclusion
The Government’s commitment to implementing the Women, Peace and Security agenda, through its objectives in the National Action Plan, appears to be waning. The limited attention given to prevention throughout the National Action Plan, despite the benefits for peace, is concerning. The meaningful participation of women and other marginalised groups is essential for sustainable peace and conflict resolution. However, globally and domestically, women’s meaningful participation is declining. Ultimately, the translation of the commitments in the National Action Plan into practice has remained limited. Significant commitments, matched by action, will need to be made in the refresh objectives relating to prevention and participation are to be realised. (Conclusion, Paragraph 44)
Government Response Summary
The government partially agrees, reaffirming its commitment to the Women, Peace and Security agenda, women's participation, and conflict prevention. It describes ongoing efforts to champion women's participation and leadership, citing the Foreign Secretary's renewed determination and a commemorative event in November 2025.
Government Response
Acknowledged
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
Partially Agree (45), Partially Agree (46) Recognising the limits of our direct control over conflicts abroad, the UK focuses its support on influencing others and standing behind all women, advocating for them to participate safely and meaningfully in efforts to prevent conflict and build sustainable, inclusive peace. Acknowledging the importance of all four pillars of the WPS agenda, the UK recognises and champions the important role women play in conflict prevention and resolution. This is underscored by the highest levels of conflict since World War II, the disproportionate impact on women, a concerted rollback on women’s rights, and geopolitics weakening cooperation and adherence to the rule of law. The UK champions women’s full, equal, meaningful, and safe participation in political and peace processes, and more broadly, in decision-making processes at local, regional, and national levels. However, despite the recommendation to prioritise conflict prevention and resolution, it cannot be ignored that women’s participation in peace and security discussions is reducing due to the threat of reprisals. The UK’s commitment remains unwavering: lasting peace and security are impossible without women’s full, equal, meaningful and safe participation – free from threats and reprisals. Protection, participation and prevention go hand in hand. Additionally, the Foreign Secretary has reaffirmed UK leadership on WPS, with priorities that extend beyond this recommendation, including to champion women’s participation in peacebuilding, but also to tackle impunity for sexual violence, and prioritise crisis responsive humanitarian support for women and girls. In November 2025, the Foreign Secretary hosted an event with the Minister for Veterans and People to commemorate the 25th anniversary of UNSCR 1325. This gathered Women’s Rights and Civil Society Organisations to highlight the challenges women face on the ground, and to discuss what more could be done in the next 25 years of the WPS agenda. The Foreign Secretary set out a renewed determination to put WPS at the heart of UK foreign policy, committing to amplifying women’s voices and participation in peacebuilding, recognising that peace agreements endure when women shape them.
Source
Committee
International Development Committee
Inquiry
Women, peace and security
Report
10th Report - Peace under pressure: Protecting Women, Peace and Security
23 Mar 2026
HC 782
Addressee Bodies
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
Timeline
Recommendation age
0.4 yrs
Report published
23 Mar 2026