Source · Select Committees · Foreign Affairs Committee

2nd Report - The write to protect: Britain’s pen on the world stage

Foreign Affairs Committee HC 930 Published 21 September 2025

Report Status

Government responded

Conclusions & Recommendations

43 items (25 recs)

Source

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Government Response

AI assessment · 43 of 43 classified

Accepted 24

Accepted in Part 4

Acknowledged 5

Deferred 7

Rejected 3

Recommendations

4 results

32 Accepted in Part

United Nations peacekeeping missions require reforms, including technology and regular reviews.

Recommendation

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 Summary

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 Accepted in Part

Set out long-term plan for reforming UN peacekeeping bodies and aligning with UN80 agenda

Recommendation

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 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 out, in its response to this report, its long-term plan to reform the over-inflated peacekeeping bodies and missions at the United Nations and how those plans fit into the United Nations 80 (UN80) agenda. The Government should detail its specific objectives. It should also consider whether in some places, redirecting investments to other UN arms, such as the UN Peacebuilding Support Office and its Peacebuilding Fund, could deliver the same or more impact at a fraction of the cost. b. Drive forward the review and closure of United Nations peacekeeping structures, missions, mandates and agencies which overlap or those which are not delivering their objective of promoting mediation and security. Additionally, the Government should outline its internal review process for deciding how mandates are evaluated. c. Lead on efforts to create a unified and singular United Nations peace and security structure, which is focused on mediation and conflict resolution. This structure should be responsible to the United Nations Security Council. d. Outline how it will use its penholdership of this file to promote, secure and further the United Nations’ role in peace, security and mediation and detail what conflicts it will identify as priorities. e. Seek to ensure that United Nations peacekeeping budgets and relevant peacekeeping mandates are financially supported despite the increasing polarisation evident on the United Nations Security Council, which may hinder regular budgetary processes. f. Actively push for the use of technology, particularly drones, in peacekeeping as a way to mitigate costs and promote safety in regions where peacekeepers may be at greater Show less

Government Response Summary

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 Accepted in Part

Outline continued work with regional actors and funding for UN/AU mandates in Somalia

Recommendation

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 Summary

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 Accepted in Part

Intensify diplomatic efforts for UN Security Council resolution on Sudan ceasefire and protection

Recommendation

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 Summary

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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