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

5 items
1 Recommendation 2nd Report - The write to protect: Brit… Acknowledged

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, and the ongoing United Nations 80 (UN80) reform agenda, represent …

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 …
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
11 Conclusion 2nd Report - The write to protect: Brit… Acknowledged

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 to lead on the resolution of global conflict through the …

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 …
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
25 Conclusion 2nd Report - The write to protect: Brit… Acknowledged

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 …
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
31 Conclusion 2nd Report - The write to protect: Brit… Acknowledged

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 …
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
36 Conclusion 2nd Report - The write to protect: Brit… Acknowledged

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 …
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 ↗