Speech: “With each and every launch and missile test, DPRK demonstrates a total disregard for international security.”

Thank you Mr President.

The United Kingdom welcomes the unanimous adoption of resolution 2356 today.

Through this resolution, and our unity, we have sent a clear message to the DPRK regime; faced with a sustained pattern of reckless, belligerent behaviour from Pyongyang, we, this Council, will act. Repeated missile launches threaten our allies and partners in the Republic of Korea, Japan, and the wider region.

With each and every launch and missile test, DPRK demonstrates a total disregard for international security. They put their destructive ambitions above the welfare of their own people. This simply cannot continue.

Multiple missiles have been fired this year alone. The regime’s actions and rhetoric shows clear intent to pursue its illegal weapons programme. We need to show that there are consequences, and that the whole of the international community stands in support of this Council in tackling this threat.

So for the third time in 18 months, this Council has had no choice but to take decisive action. Through this chapter 7 resolution, we will restrict the ability of key DPRK individuals and entities from assisting and financing the illegal weapons programmes, building on the analysis and recommendations from the UN Panel of Experts. We will blunt their ability to generate the revenue needed to prop up the regime’s illegal nuclear and ballistic missile programmes.

Our signal is clear; we will not tolerate nor be distracted by DPRK’s wide range of cover activities that prop up their illegal programmes. The resolutions passed by this Council impose wide-ranging sanctions on DPRK and they have bite. Through them, tangible pressure is being brought to bear on a regime that has acted with impunity for far too long. Let me be clear, it is the DPRK that has a clear choice to make on the way forward – continue its destabilising, dangerous actions or change its behaviour and begin to build a future for its people.

Together, we the international community, must be steadfast when enforcing these new sanctions, as well as all previous measures adopted by this Council. All member states must do their part to fully implement the sanctions. We have a collective commitment to address DPRK’s behaviour; we must show our collective resolve to bring an end to these destabilising, illegal actions.

Thank you.