UK must restore world reputation, Nick Clegg tells UN

“Many of the values that must be at the heart of a new global settlement are in our national DNA – tolerance, fairness, democracy, equality before the law.

“But our approach will also be hard-headed and realistic. In recent years, we have learned – sometimes the hard way – that democracy cannot be created by diktat, freedom commanded into existence.

“The new coalition government, now five months old, will restore Britain’s international reputation by pursuing a hard-headed foreign policy based on liberal values.”

Mr Clegg said taking action on international challenges required multilateral co-operation, but a “radical overhaul” of the UN was needed to achieve those ends.

He called for the expansion of the UN Security Council with permanent seats for Brazil, India, Germany and Japan, as well as representation for Africa.

Mr Clegg said the financial crisis, along with the collapse of the climate change talks in Copenhagen and the stalling of the Doha trade round, has put in question the effectiveness of multilateral approaches.

“Too many nations and international institutions have been too reticent about promoting enlightened, human values,” he said.

“We need to inject new life into our institutions, and new confidence into the expression of our ideals. Reform is essential.”

Mr Clegg also called for strong political leadership on Afghanistan and the Middle East peace process, and for the UN to improve its response to what he described as the “outrageous abuse of democracy” in Burma.