Written question asked by Harry Cohen (Labour) on Monday, 24 July 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 30 October 2000. It was answered by Geoffrey Hoon (Labour) on Monday, 30 October 2000 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, What proposals he has made to the UN about improving its defence capability in cases where UN deployments (a) involve and (b) do not involve British troops. (Failed OPQ).

Answer: Mr. Cohen: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what proposals he has made to the UN about improving its defence capability in cases where UN deployments (a) involve and (b) do not involve British troops. [133019] Mr. Hoon: The UK worked closely with the UN Secretary-General's expert panel during the preparation of the recently published Brahimi Report on reforming UN Peace Operations. Key proposals in the Report aimed at strengthening the UN's defence capability include enhancing early warning mechanisms and information analysis; creating integrated teams for the planning and execution of peacekeeping missions; and improving deployment times and the training and equipping of troops. The Report recommends many of the reforms for which we have argued for some years. They will be of vital importance for all UN deployments including those involving British troops. We are pressing the UN for their speedy implementation.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 355 c271-2W;355 c272W; 133019
Session: 1999-00
Question not reached: Yes
Subjects: Armed forces Defence Deployment Defence equipment Peacekeeping operations Training United Nations Reform Technology
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk