Nicholas Soames MP: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the UK's objectives are for the reform of the United Nations. [15008]

Mr Bellingham MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs: We need a strong UN to resolve and manage international challenges such as conflict prevention and resolution, proliferation of nuclear weapons, international terrorism and climate change. We shall work with other member states to modernise UN practices, to make the UN more effective and to strengthen its capacity to deliver where most needed. It also remains vital that the UN balances member states' demands for activity with sustainable budget levels, and that the costs of UN activity are apportioned fairly among member states.

The UN Security Council is the only global body that has the legitimacy and moral authority to respond to global threats to peace and security. It needs to become more representative of the modern world, but at the same time no less effective in taking necessary decisions to maintain international peace and security. We support permanent seats on a reformed Council for Japan, India, Germany, Brazil and African representation.