Britain is handing a “gift to China and Russia” by weakening the country’s influence in the United Nations, Sir Keir Starmer’s Government has been warned.
The UN is under “grave threat”, according to the cross-party Foreign Affairs committee. It warns of “malign influence” within the institution and division on its Security Council, resulting in “paralysis” on crucial issues of war and peace.
The MPs are alarmed by cuts to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office budget, saying this opens the door to Britain’s adversaries and cedes influence to Beijing and Moscow. They want the UK “in the room” when important discussions are held to push forward British values.
Dame Emily Thornberry, the chair of the committee, said: “Never has the world needed the Security Council more. And never has it been weaker.”
Warning of the threats to the UN, she said “we either use it or lose it, and the UK and its allies must properly re-engage with the UN if it is to survive”.
Pushing for the UK to stand up to powerful states, she said: “Today’s report finds that the UK is widely respected and should use its positive reputation and voice to call out China and Russia. To date, we have been far too cautious.”
A Government spokesperson said: “The UK’s commitment to the UN remains steadfast. We are proud of our longstanding support to the UN over its 80-year history, and that we remain one of the largest contributors to its work today.
“We agree with the committee that strengthening the multilateral system at a time of rising global conflict is vital for global security and prosperity and we welcome their recognition of the important role that the UK continues to play in that effort at the UN during such a challenging time. The FCDO is building a more effective department, suitably equipped to deal with increasing global strategic challenges.
“We will be more ruthlessly focussed on threats and protecting UK interests, including through our work at the UN.”
