UK Prime Minister Calls for Major Reform of Global Rules-Based Order
At the G20 summit in Johannesburg, Britain urges overhaul of international system amid mounting geopolitical risks
The United Kingdom’s Prime Minister emphasised on Saturday the urgent need to modernise the international rules-based system, arguing that the current framework is no longer fit for a world facing “mounting competition” and global crises.
Addressing delegates at the 2025 G20 Johannesburg Summit, he referenced both the conflict in the Middle East and the war involving Ukraine as evidence that shocks to global markets are still reverberating.
He asserted that the role of the G20 remains “critical” in this moment of flux, stressing that the world must confront imbalances such as wide trade surpluses and deficits and promote open, resilient economies.
He also said countries must work together to support emerging markets, particularly in Africa, and build more stable economic systems capable of weathering instability.
The move comes amid the absence of key world leaders at the summit, including the Donald Trump administration of the United States, which has opted not to attend this session.
The UK leader’s remarks signalled a desire to reposition Britain as a proactive player in global governance reform and to ensure that the rules of international cooperation reflect the changed strategic environment.
While he did not lay out a detailed blueprint at this stage, the comments indicate a push by London for a substantive update of the governance architecture that has underpinned global economic and security co-operation.
The prime minister’s emphasis on shared purpose, reform and resilience is intended to shape Britain’s wider foreign-policy agenda as it seeks to deepen ties with key partners and emerging states.
Delegates at the summit are expected to engage over the coming days on declarations and commitments around trade, sustainable development and multilateral institutions, with Britain positioning itself as a leading advocate for renewal of the rules that underpin global co-operation.
Addressing delegates at the 2025 G20 Johannesburg Summit, he referenced both the conflict in the Middle East and the war involving Ukraine as evidence that shocks to global markets are still reverberating.
He asserted that the role of the G20 remains “critical” in this moment of flux, stressing that the world must confront imbalances such as wide trade surpluses and deficits and promote open, resilient economies.
He also said countries must work together to support emerging markets, particularly in Africa, and build more stable economic systems capable of weathering instability.
The move comes amid the absence of key world leaders at the summit, including the Donald Trump administration of the United States, which has opted not to attend this session.
The UK leader’s remarks signalled a desire to reposition Britain as a proactive player in global governance reform and to ensure that the rules of international cooperation reflect the changed strategic environment.
While he did not lay out a detailed blueprint at this stage, the comments indicate a push by London for a substantive update of the governance architecture that has underpinned global economic and security co-operation.
The prime minister’s emphasis on shared purpose, reform and resilience is intended to shape Britain’s wider foreign-policy agenda as it seeks to deepen ties with key partners and emerging states.
Delegates at the summit are expected to engage over the coming days on declarations and commitments around trade, sustainable development and multilateral institutions, with Britain positioning itself as a leading advocate for renewal of the rules that underpin global co-operation.
