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  • PRESS RELEASE : Change of His Majesty’s Ambassador to Liberia – Paul Simister

    PRESS RELEASE : Change of His Majesty’s Ambassador to Liberia – Paul Simister

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 16 June 2026.

    Mr Paul Simister has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Liberia, in succession to Mr Neil Bradley, who has transferred to another Diplomatic Service appointment.

    Mr Simister will take up his appointment during June 2026.

    Curriculum vitae       

    Full name: Paul Richard Simister            

    DateRole
    2026FCDO, Deputy Head, West Africa Department
    2025 to 2026FCDO, Pre-posting Training, Short-term Assignments
    2024 to 2025FCDO, Head, Global Health Security Team, Africa Directorate
    2023 to 2024FCDO, Head, Financial Services Team, International Finance Directorate
    2023 FCDO, Head, Climate and Nature Team, Africa Directorate
    2021 to 2023Yaoundé, Development Counsellor and non-resident Deputy Ambassador to Gabon
    2019 to 2021DFID, Senior Private Sector Development Adviser, Climate and Environment Directorate
    2018 to 2019Abidjan, UK Adviser to the African Development Bank
    2016 to 2018DFID, Private Sector Development Adviser, Economic Development Directorate
    2016Joined DFID
  • PRESS RELEASE : UN Human Rights Council 62 – UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem and in Israel [June 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : UN Human Rights Council 62 – UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem and in Israel [June 2026]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 16 June 2026.

    UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem and in Israel. Delivered by the UK’s Permanent Representative to the WTO and UN, Kumar Iyer.

    Mr President,

    We continue to regret that the Commission of Inquiry was established on an open-ended basis. Nevertheless, the UK remains committed to upholding human rights and recognises the value of proportionate scrutiny of allegations of violations and abuses by all parties in Israel and Palestine.

    The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains intolerable. Urgent action is needed to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian assistance. All parties must comply with IHL, including on the protection of civilians and humanitarian personnel, and the principle of distinction.

    We are also deeply concerned by the deteriorating situation in the West Bank, including continued settler violence, illegal settlement expansion, and ongoing demolitions and displacement. The UK has taken action, including through sanctions and guidance to UK businesses, to deter and counter support for illegal settlements and those responsible for related violence.

    The UK continues to support efforts to restore and sustain a ceasefire, including the disarmament of Hamas and an end to its control of Gaza, and a return to a credible political process toward a two-state solution, delivering lasting peace and security for Israelis and Palestinians alike.

    What steps does the Commission see as most effective in advancing accountability and addressing the drivers of violence?

    Thank you.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK powers up Ukraine with £210 million nuclear fuel deal and boosts British jobs [June 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK powers up Ukraine with £210 million nuclear fuel deal and boosts British jobs [June 2026]

    The press release issued by UK Export Finance on 16 June 2026.

    The UK is backing Ukraine’s energy security in the face of relentless Russian attacks on energy infrastructure.

    • The deal supports skilled jobs in the North West of England, delivering for British workers and industry. 

    The UK government has announced £210 million of financing support to secure Ukraine’s energy supply in the face of continued Russian attacks on its energy infrastructure. 

    The deal, announced by the Prime Minister at the G7, sees UK Export Finance (UKEF) guarantee a loan enabling Urenco, a UK-headquartered uranium enrichment company, to supply enriched uranium to Ukraine’s national nuclear power producer, Energoatom, powering the country’s nuclear plants for the next two years. 

    Russia’s relentless strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, including in the depths of winter, have caused serious damage and put the country’s energy security at risk. The UK remains committed to delivering the vital energy support Ukraine needs. 

    This deal builds on a previous UKEF-backed nuclear fuel supply agreement and brings total UK support for Ukraine’s energy security to over £490 million. 

    Energoatom generates over 60% of Ukraine’s electricity. Securing its fuel supply is essential for millions of Ukrainian homes, hospitals and schools and directly strengthens Ukraine’s ability to withstand Russian attacks, supporting UK and Euro-Atlantic security. 

    The deal is good for Britain too. Over a third of the uranium content will come from Urenco’s processing plant in the North-West of England, supporting skilled jobs and boosting UK exports in the nuclear sector. Urenco employs 650 people across the UK. 

    CEO of Urenco, Boris Schucht said:

    Urenco is proud to play its part in ensuring the  people of Ukraine have access to a reliable supply of energy. 

    This latest deal enables our long-term relationship with Energoatom, to support its enriched uranium needs. We will continue to be a dependable partner in a time of  much uncertainty.

    Tim Reid, CEO of UKEF, said:

    This deal supports the people of Ukraine at this  hugely challenging time for them and their nation. At the same time, delivering  tangible benefits for the UK economy – supporting skilled British jobs and fuelling growth.

    UKEF is backing businesses and driving UK growth. By 2029, UKEF aims to support UK firms in winning over £12.5 billion of new export contracts through its world-leading export finance offer.

  • PRESS RELEASE : World’s first national framework for quantum standards to boost UK leadership and trade in groundbreaking future tech [June 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : World’s first national framework for quantum standards to boost UK leadership and trade in groundbreaking future tech [June 2026]

    The press release issued by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 16 June 2026.

    A new national network to coordinate standards for the quantum technologies that will revolutionise everything from medicine to banking and transport.

    • £10m network launched to shape the rules of the road for quantum – backing the UK’s global leadership.
    • New National Quantum Standards Network will help turn British research into secure, reliable products people can trust and businesses can sell worldwide.
    • Coordinated standards to accelerate breakthroughs in healthcare, transport and finance – unlocking jobs, investment and growth.

    A new national network to coordinate standards for the quantum technologies that will revolutionise everything from medicine to banking and transport will strengthen the ability of British companies to grow at home and sell around the world.

    Announced by Science Minister Lord Vallance today, the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) will establish the National Quantum Standards Network (QSN) to bring together common standards for game-changing Quantum technology. 

    Supported by £10 million from DSIT, it will bring together government, industry, and academia to engage with UK companies – ensuring their products are developed to internationally recognised standards.

    The QSN will oversee everything from the linewidths of the ultra-narrow lasers needed to control qubits inside a quantum computer, to the size, weight and energy-efficiency requirements that will ensure one quantum sensor’s reading can be trusted against another’s.

    It will bring together government, industry, academia and standards bodies, including the British Standards Institution and UKRI’s National Quantum Computing Centre.

    Standards already underpin services we rely on, like using our mobile phones abroad and sending data securely. Doing the same with Quantum will help speed up adoption of the technology, and could help with everyday tasks like supporting sensitive transactions for banks all over the world.

    Science Minister Lord Vallance said:

    Quantum could bring benefits to our society as significant as what we are seeing with AI, with the potential to deliver new medicines, better public services, and protect our finances.

    The UK’s quantum sector is already a global leader. With the National Quantum Standards Network we will accelerate its growth, meaning more British jobs and investment into our economy  from all over the world.

    As key decisions are taken in international quantum standards-setting bodies over the coming years, the UK will now lead the way globally with its own dedicated network. The QSN will give British companies a voice in standards over the long term in a sector which has the potential to add £212 billion to the UK economy and add 100,000 jobs.

    The government’s £2 billion investment into quantum announced earlier this year – building on existing strengths of leading companies and world-class talent – is already keeping the UK at the forefront of quantum innovation. This includes £1.2 billion towards the procurement of large-scale quantum computers, so companies can have confidence bringing technologies from the lab to market.

    Dr Peter Thompson, CBE, CEO at NPL said: 

    We are delighted to be leading the establishment of the Quantum Standards Network which marks a major step in ensuring the UK can lead the global conversation on quantum. Standards are the backbone of responsible, scalable innovation.

    By coordinating expertise across the UK quantum ecosystem, the network will accelerate technology adoption, boost UK competitiveness and support the safe and ethical development of quantum technologies.”   

    The UK is a big quantum player. In a recent vote of confidence, Vescent – a leading manufacturer of quantum tech – recently chose NPL as the location for its first office outside the US.

    By positioning itself at the heart of common standards for quantum, the UK will secure competitive advantage, attract investment, and ensure British innovation underpins the technologies of the future.

    Notes to editors

    • Hosted by NPL, the Quantum Standards Network unites key strategic partners including DSIT, BSI, UKRI National Quantum Computing Centre, National Cyber Security Centre, and UKQuantum. Together, they will coordinate the UK’s engagement in emerging international standards activity and foster collaboration with leading technical agencies internationally.
  • Yvette Cooper – 2026 Comments on New Sanctions on Russia

    Yvette Cooper – 2026 Comments on New Sanctions on Russia

    The comments made by Yvette Cooper, the Foreign Secretary, on 16 June 2026.

    As the Kremlin resorts to ever more shady tactics to sustain its war, from its ageing shadow fleet to covert finance networks, the UK remains one step ahead in shutting them down. 

    These sanctions strike at the heart of these murky efforts, to starve Putin’s war machine and defend Britain’s security. 

    Shoulder to shoulder with our G7 partners, the UK will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes.

  • Keir Starmer – 2026 Comments on New Sanctions on Russia

    Keir Starmer – 2026 Comments on New Sanctions on Russia

    The comments made by Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, on 16 June 2026.

    These sanctions target the vessels, the money and the actors propping up Russia’s war economy, and in turn, threatening European security.

    Working with our G7 allies, we will continue to increase the pressure in Putin and his circle of collaborators until Russia’s war machine is brought to a halt and peace returns to our continent.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK clamps down on shady networks supplying Putin’s illegal war with new sanctions package [June 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK clamps down on shady networks supplying Putin’s illegal war with new sanctions package [June 2026]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 16 June 2026.

    UK announces major new sanctions package choking off Russia’s war effort across multiple fronts.

    • UK announces 70 new sanctions targeting Russia’s decrepit shadow fleet, military procurement supply chains and illicit finance networks used to circumvent sanctions.  
    • UK ramps up pressure on Russia during G7 Summit following latest abhorrent attacks against Ukraine,  killing innocent civilians and destroying holy sites.
    • The UK has now sanctioned almost 500 individuals, entities and ships under its Russia sanctions regime in 2026 alone, as allied support for Ukraine tops the G7 agenda.  

    The UK has unleashed a major new sanctions package choking off Russia’s war effort across multiple fronts.  

    New action directly targets Russia’s illicit shadow fleet and finance networks used to circumvent Western sanctions and support military procurement.   

    Today’s sanctions further crack down on Russia’s decrepit and ageing shadow fleet, targeting more than 20 oil tankers with new and enhanced powers introduced last month. The UK is also tightening the net around those who are suspected of enabling Putin’s illicit oil trade, further sanctioning ship insurers and other shipping services.  

    The UK is the first G7 country to sanction several Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) vessels recently acquired by Russia at great expense to service Russia’s sanctioned Arctic LNG 2 project, responsible for exporting millions of tonnes of LNG, in an attempt to source dirty revenue for the Kremlin.    

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

    These sanctions target the vessels, the money and the actors propping up Russia’s war economy, and in turn, threatening European security.

    Working with our G7 allies, we will continue to increase the pressure in Putin and his circle of collaborators until Russia’s war machine is brought to a halt and peace returns to our continent.

    Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said: 

    As the Kremlin resorts to ever more shady tactics to sustain its war, from its ageing shadow fleet to covert finance networks, the UK remains one step ahead in shutting them down. 

    These sanctions strike at the heart of these murky efforts, to starve Putin’s war machine and defend Britain’s security. 

    Shoulder to shoulder with our G7 partners, the UK will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes.

    Those who are suspected of enabling the sale of tankers to Russia’s shadow fleet will be exposed and face action. UK sanctions are greatly limiting Russia’s ability to trade oil – in 2025 the Arctic LNG-2 terminal only exported 1.3 million tons of LNG despite having capacity to export over 13.5 million tons a year.   

    To date, the UK has now sanctioned more than 600 shadow fleet and Russian LNG vessels. 

    New measures also expose and target a Russian military intelligence (GRU) network centred around GRU front company LLC Neptune Co Ltd (‘Neptune’).

    Neptune is involved in covertly procuring western technology for Russia’s military.

    Today’s actions target three companies and 10 GRU officers suspected of acquiring military technology that Russia desperately needs to sustain its military aggression in Ukraine.  

    Elsewhere, sanctions also hit third country suppliers of critical military equipment to Russia in China, Thailand and Türkiye. Several organisations helping Russia illegally move money, bypassing western sanctions, are also targeted including one entity in Nigeria supporting the illicit finance network A7’s sanctions evasions scheme.

    Gathering in Évian-les-Bains, G7 Leaders will discuss their joint determination to tackle the single largest threat to global security – Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine.  

    As the UK increases pressure on Russia’s war economy, today’s action demonstrates an unshakeable determination to defend security in Ukraine, Europe and at home.

    Notes to editors:  

    • UK cracks down on backdoor Russian sanctions evasion with tough new measures
    • In total, the UK has committed up to £21.8 billion for Ukraine:
      • £13 billion in military support (including our £2.26 billion ERA Loan contribution)  
      • £5.3 billion in non-military support (including bilateral assistance and fiscal guarantees)   
      • £3.5 billion cover limit in export finance (via UK Export Finance for reconstruction and defence projects)    
    • The UK is a leading bilateral donor, having committed £1.2billion in bilateral support, including over £577million in humanitarian assistance to Ukraine and the region since the start of the full-scale invasion. We are committing up to £283million in bilateral assistance for 2025 to 2026, to fund humanitarian, energy, stabilisation, reform, recovery and reconstruction programmes.
    • View the full UK sanctions list
    • View the full list of Russia sanctions designations, 16 June 2026
  • PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer meeting with Chancellor Merz of Germany [June 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer meeting with Chancellor Merz of Germany [June 2026]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 15 June 2026.

    The Prime Minister met German Chancellor Friedrich Merz along with their spouses at the G7 summit in France.

    The leaders began by reflecting on the summit so far, and welcomed the peace deal struck between the US and Iran.

    Turning to the close relationship between the UK and Europe, the leaders discussed the UK’s ambition to get closer to the EU. The Prime Minister said he believed good progress had been made, but there was more to be done to benefit people both in the UK and Europe.

    The Prime Minister also updated on his decision to ban social media platforms in the UK, announced earlier today.

    The leaders agreed to stay in close touch.

  • PRESS RELEASE : £219 million to power Britain’s green aviation revolution [June 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : £219 million to power Britain’s green aviation revolution [June 2026]

    The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 16 June 2026.

    £219 million boost for sustainable aviation fuel to cut emissions and back UK innovation and jobs.

    • £93 million available now for pioneering UK companies to develop and scale up sustainable aviation fuel production to make flying greener
    • part of new £219 million low carbon fuels fund to position the UK as a global hub for low carbon fuels, supporting 15,000 jobs and adding £5 billion to the economy by 2050
    • comes as government is exploring through a call for evidence how to support all parts of industry in meeting the SAF Mandate to ensure delivery of its climate and environmental ambitions

    UK homegrown sustainable aviation fuel production given a boost thanks to a new £219 million low carbon fuels fund (LCFF) which will launch later this summer, powering up economic growth and supporting thousands of jobs across the country.

    Innovative companies from across the UK are invited to bid for a share of £93 million over the next two years to develop low carbon fuel, with applications opening in mid-July. The fund will focus support on the most promising projects meaning those closest to the actual production stage.

    Today’s announcement (16 June 2026) builds on £198 million already invested through the advanced fuels fund (AFF) since 2022 to scale up cleaner aviation technologies. Low carbon fuel production could add up to £5 billion to the economy by 2050 and position the UK as a global hub for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production.

    Aviation, Maritime and Decarbonisation Minister, Keir Mather, said:

    This £219 million is the next chapter in Britain’s green aviation revolution. We’re backing brilliant British innovation, creating thousands of high-skilled jobs and making sure the UK leads the world in the fuels that will power the future of flight.

    This kind of investment is exactly how we kickstart economic growth, open up exciting new opportunities for young people and make our holidays greener and cleaner.

    SAF is an alternative to fossil jet fuel which reduces greenhouse gas emissions on average by 70% on a lifecycle basis, making it a key technology that will allow UK aviation to grow capacity while meeting its net zero commitments.

    Growing a thriving domestic SAF industry will give investors the confidence they need to back new production plants in the UK, creating well-paid, skilled jobs in communities the length and breadth of the country.

    Investment in low carbon fuels is investment in the future of aviation. For young people looking to build a career, the UK’s growing SAF industry offers some of the most innovative and exciting opportunities anywhere in the economy, from engineering and science to construction and manufacturing.

    Alongside the new fund, the government is today launching a Call for Evidence on the SAF Mandate which requires an increasing proportion of jet fuel supplied in the UK to be sustainable, starting at 2% in 2025, rising to 10% by 2030 and 22% by 2040. The UK is already seeing encouraging growth in SAF supply.

    The Call for Evidence will explore what current global supply projections for different types of sustainable fuel mean for meeting the SAF Mandate’s targets in the coming years.

    This is part of an ongoing and collaborative approach with industry to ensure the scheme remains responsive to an evolving market. Overall mandate targets are not under consideration for reduction, with proposals focusing on strengthening the scheme for the future.

    Keith Packer, Managing Director of British Sugar, said:

    We are very pleased to see the launch of the DfT’s low carbon fuels fund and the clear commitment to further development of homegrown sustainable aviation fuel in the UK. At British Sugar, following a grant from the advanced fuels fund, the British BioJet project at our Wissington site is exploring the development of a sizeable demonstration plant.

    It will utilise our existing waste feedstocks with ethanol-to-jet technology to produce 1,500 tonnes of SAF – supporting the growth in cleaner, greener jobs and investment. We welcome this next phase of funding to develop SAF, and look forward to making an application so that we can continue supporting the government’s ambition for net-zero aviation.

    Jennifer Holmgren, Chief Executive of LanzaTech, said:

    Today’s investment by the UK government strengthens the UK’s position as a global leader in sustainable aviation fuel production. It will help companies like LanzaTech turn waste into green jet fuel, creating skilled jobs and economic growth for example in Humberside, where we are developing a new SAF facility capable of supplying around 1% of the UK’s jet fuel demand.

    The call for evidence on future SAF targets is also an important step towards giving industry the long-term certainty needed to scale production and accelerate private investment today and beyond 2030.

  • NEWS STORY : Growing Anger Over Government Handling of Under-16s Social Media Ban

    NEWS STORY : Growing Anger Over Government Handling of Under-16s Social Media Ban

    STORY

    The Government is facing criticism over its plan to ban under-16s from using major social media platforms, with campaigners, parents and technology companies raising concerns about how the policy will work in practice. Ministers have said social media companies will be blocked from offering services to children under 16 from spring 2027, with the measure intended to protect children from harmful content, addictive design and contact from strangers.

    The announcement has been criticised by some safety campaigners and digital rights groups, who said a ban could prove difficult to enforce and may fail to address the design of online platforms. The Molly Rose Foundation warned before the announcement that a rushed ban could “unravel”, while other critics have said children may move to less regulated services, use VPNs or lose access to online spaces they rely on for support. Technology companies including Meta, YouTube and Snapchat have also warned that a blanket ban could have unintended consequences.

    The Government has said the plans follow public consultation and form part of wider measures covering social media, livestreaming, stranger contact and AI chatbots. Ministers have said the rules will be enforced through age assurance requirements overseen by Ofcom, rather than by punishing children themselves. The Children’s Commissioner welcomed action to protect children online, but the debate has continued over whether the policy is a workable safeguard or a poorly handled response to wider problems with online safety.