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Scorecard reveals gaps in UK's vision for a "Global Britain"

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Urgent foreign policy changes required to turn "Global Britain" into reality.

As Prime Minister Theresa May prepares to address the General Assembly, the United Nations Association - UK (UNA-UK) has released a scorecard that looks at whether the UK is living up to its vision for a "Global Britain".

The scorecard analyses seven foreign policy issues that are indicative of the UK's current contribution to the rules-based international system, and assesses the UK's performance using the words of UN officials, cross-party committees of MPs and the UK's attendance and voting record as part of UN processes.

Analysis reveals that the UK is making a positive contribution in the areas of UN peacekeeping and development aid. However, the UK's conduct on arms exports and nuclear disarmament is undermining the international system, with harrowing consequences for people in places like Yemen. There have also been missed opportunities in preventing atrocities, climate change and human rights.

Natalie Samarasinghe, UNA-UK's Executive Director, said:

Doing the right thing globally is in the national interest. We all benefit from international rules and institutions like the UN, but they need support from the UK if they are to be effective.

 

On certain issues, the UK's conduct is falling short of what we should expect from a permanent member of the UN Security Council, and from the Government's own objective, which we share, of a "Global Britain. 

 

If the UK wants to maintain its influence on the world stage and tackle the global issues affecting its citizens, it needs to adopt a coherent foreign policy which strengthens the international system.

 

View the scorecard