You are here:

The Conservative Party’s position on the United Nations

Published on

Updated:

The Conservative Party’s position on the United Nations

UNA-UK has written to UK political parties asking them for a clear statement outlining their vision for the UK's relationship with the United Nations. The responses are reproduced on our website in the order they were received. They represent the most comprehensive and, in some cases, the first UN-focussed party statements.

This work is part of UNA-UK's year-long campaign to promote informed debate on foreign policy, in particular, Britain's role at the UN, ahead of the general election on 7 May. While these matters are now - very belatedly - starting to be debated, these conversations are happening in reaction to events, a hallmark of successive UK governments' foreign policy.

UNA-UK is deeply concerned that British policy-makers have consistently underestimated the need to invigorate and develop the UN, which is essential to solving many of the serious challenges facing the UK and the world. If you agree, join us in calling for an active and progressive UK foreign policy

The Conservative Party’s position on the UK and the United Nations

The United Nations plays a vital role in global affairs as a forum for international debate and for authorising international action.  That is why, in Government, we have played a highly active role over the last five years, using our permanent seat on the UN Security Council to take action on crucial issues such as cracking down on sources of terrorist financing, establishing the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia and preventing sexual violence in conflict. 

In the next Parliament, we will continue to use our position to lead the debate in the United Nations on ways to increase global security, promote global prosperity and project our values – not least through the delivery of a clear, concise and compelling set of Sustainable Development Goals by the end of 2015.

After 70 years, the United Nations needs reform – particularly when it comes to membership of the Security Council.  The Conservative position is clear: we believe it is time to make the United Nations Security Council more reflective of the modern world, through a modest expansion in both permanent and non-permanent membership.  In particular, we support new permanent seats for Brazil, Germany, India and Japan alongside permanent African representation.  However, the Security Council must remain effective and efficient, so we oppose extending the use of the veto.

We also support improving the efficiency and working methods of the Security Council and other UN organisations to make them more agile, responsive and better value for money – including by making the process of appointing the next Secretary General more transparent.

Public understanding of, and engagement with, the work of the United Nations is important.  Therefore, we welcome the opportunities created by think tanks, the media and other non-governmental organisations that help explain and communicate the vital work of the United Nations.

Click here to read the question as it was posed to parties

Click here to read the other parties' responses

NB. party responses have been publised in the order they were received