London, UK – The UK government is actively pushing for structural changes within the United Nations Security Council, with calls for more representative permanent members to reflect today’s global dynamics. This statement was made by the UK’s Attorney General during a recent lecture, emphasizing the need for inclusion of countries like Brazil, India, Japan, Germany, and African states.
The Attorney General argued that the current composition of the Security Council, which includes China, France, Russia, the UK, and the US as permanent members, does not adequately represent the contemporary international community. The proposed reform aims at modernizing the Council to better address global challenges and enhance its legitimacy.
The speech given at the Bingham Centre for the Rule of Law highlighted the UK’s desire to restore its image as a staunch supporter of international law, referencing unsettling past actions by previous governments that seemed to undermine this stance. Examples cited included legislations perceived as violating international norms which had sparked a series of resignations and brought the UK’s commitment to the rule of law into question.
In his candid address, the Attorney General expressed dismay over previous actions such as the introduction of the Safety of Rwanda Act, criticized for its constitutional implications and further straining the UK’s international relationships. He underscored the importance of upholding the European Convention on Human Rights and continuing cooperation with international legal bodies as a commitment to international law.
Reinforcing the UK’s role in international judicial processes, he announced the candidature of Professor Dapo Akande, a noted academic from All Souls, as the UK’s nominee for the 2026 election to the International Court of Justice. This move comes after the UK’s notable absence from the court since a failed election bid in 2017, marking a significant lapse in its long-standing presence on the court.
Moreover, the Attorney General emphasized the divisive nature of populism currently affecting global politics, criticizing leaders who undermine liberal democratic values and the rule of law to further personal or group agendas. He stressed the need for all branches of government to embody the rule of law in their operations to prevent constitutional crises and maintain mutual respect among governmental institutions.
Addressing the balance of power between the legislature and the executive, he voiced concerns over the increasing reliance on delegated powers, which he argued, should be carefully justified and safeguarded to uphold transparency and legal certainty. He pointed out that trends toward concentrated power were exacerbated by Brexit and the pandemic but were not new, urging a deliberate reassessment of legislative practices.
As part of a broad strategy to reinstate the UK’s leadership in upholding international law, the government is demonstrating its commitment through various recent measures. These include settling sovereignty disputes with Mauritius over the Chagos Islands, revising arms export controls, and actively participating in international courts.
The “Rule of Law in an Age of Populism,” the title of his speech, signals a pivotal shift towards reinforcing legal and constitutional norms at a time when international cooperation and adherence to rule of law are more vital than ever. The full text of the lecture is expected to be released later today, potentially offering further insights into the UK’s planned legal and international strategies.