Select Committee · Foreign Affairs Committee

The UK at the United Nations Security Council

Status: Closed Opened: 11 Mar 2025 Closed: 1 Dec 2025 25 recommendations 18 conclusions 1 report

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 UN. This includes (but is …

Clear

Reports

1 report
Title HC No. Published Items Response
2nd Report - The write to protect: Britain’s pen on the wor… HC 930 21 Sep 2025 43 Responded

Recommendations & Conclusions

4 items
32 Recommendation 2nd Report - The write to protect: Brit… Accepted in Part

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 50 costs in light of reducing funding from Member States …

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 …
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
33 Recommendation 2nd Report - The write to protect: Brit… Accepted in Part

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 prevention, including through the UN. The Government should: a. Set …

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 …
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
37 Recommendation 2nd Report - The write to protect: Brit… Accepted in Part

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 United Nations and regional African Union-led mandates in Somalia. The …

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 …
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
39 Recommendation 2nd Report - The write to protect: Brit… Accepted in Part

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 Sudan and upholds the protection of civilians. b. The Government …

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 …
Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Oral evidence sessions

3 sessions
Date Witnesses
15 Jul 2025 Freya Jackson · Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), The Lord Collins of Highbury · Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) View ↗
1 Jul 2025 Martin Griffiths · United Nations, Richard Gowan · International Crisis Group View ↗
23 Jun 2025 Sir Mark Lyall Grant · United Nations View ↗