§ The Earl of Sandwichasked Her Majesty's Government:
Following the question by the Lord Marlesford of 16 December, whether they support the case for greater representation of developing countries on the United Nations Security Council; and, if so, by what method this could be achieved. [HL475]
§ Baroness Scotland of AsthalIt is essential that enlargement of the United Nations Security Council should include additional seats for developing countries if we are to make the Council more representative of the modern world. Better representation for developing countries must mean new permanent seats as well as non-permanent seats. For any agreement on enlargement to take effect, the members of the United Nations will have to adopt, by a two-thirds majority, an amendment to Articles 23 and 27 of the UN Charter. This must then be ratified by two-thirds of the UN membership, including all the permanent members of the Security Council.