Law Of The Sea Treaty Mr. Deakins asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs why the United Kingdom abstained on the vote to adopt the United Nations law of the sea treaty. Mr. Rifkind Our objective throughout these law of the sea negotiations has been to achieve a text which was generally acceptable to all parties and could be adopted by consensus. As this objective was not met, we felt obliged to abstain. Mr. Deakins asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the policy of Her Majesty's Government towards the United Nations law of the sea treaty; if this will be ratified by the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement. Mr. Rifkind We shall be examining the texts adopted in New York in the light of all our national interests and the attitude of other Governments. Our signature and subsequent ratification of the convention will depend on the results of this examination.