Britain backing move to increase EU powers at UN

Under the plan, the EU would be granted additional rights as an

observer delegation at the UN General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.

Mr Lidington stressed giving more powers to the EU would not affect the UK's position as a member of the UN Security Council and the Government's support for the proposal was "strictly limited".

The plan follows the controversial Lisbon Treaty, which created the post of High Representative, effectively an EU foreign minister, currently filled by Baroness Ashton.

It also created a permanent president, ending the practice of member states taking turns in the role.

Mr Lidington said because the EU was only an observer delegation at the UNGA its ability to represent members was now weaker than when the presidency was held by a nation.

He told MPs: "In order for the EU to fill effectively the role previously played by the rotating presidency in the UN General Assembly, the Foreign Secretary (William Hague) has agreed that, together with our EU partners, we should table an UNGA resolution which, if approved by the wider UN membership, would grant the EU certain additional rights as an observer delegation.

"These rights are, as the proposal stands, the right to speak in a timely manner, the right of reply, the right to circulate documents, the right to make proposals and submit amendments, the right to raise points of order and more seats for the High Representative and her officials.

"As is currently the case, the EU will not have the right to vote, it will not be a full member of the UNGA nor will it be seated among the UN member states."

Discussions are ongoing with the wider UNGA membership about granting extra rights to the EU and a resolution could be tabled within the coming weeks.

Eurosceptics have claimed the creation of the High Representative and EU diplomatic service will diminish the UK's independence.

But Mr Lidington insisted the proposals for a greater EU role at the UN "will not affect the UK's position as a member of the UNGA or the UN Security Council.