The comments made by Dominic Raab, the Foreign Secretary, on 5 November 2020.
We pushed for this independent investigation and it has exposed the fraud at the heart of the presidential elections and the despicable actions taken by Lukashenko’s regime to suppress the Belarusian people.
New elections which are free and fair must now be organised, and those responsible for the violence against demonstrators held to account.
The comments made by Dominic Raab, the Foreign Secretary, on 23 October 2020.
I welcome today’s announcement of the normalisation of relations between Israel and Sudan – a positive step between two valued friends. This step is a boost for the democratic transition in Sudan, and peace in the region.
The comments made by Lisa Nandy, the Shadow Foreign Secretary, on 22 October 2020.
Today’s striking report reveals a government with no clear strategy for engaging with the world. Our foreign policy is adrift and our international reputation has been significantly damaged.
Britain cannot afford to retreat on the world stage, breaking alliances and weakening our global influence. The Foreign Secretary must come to the House and show that he has a plan to repair the damage this Government has done to Britain’s standing in the world.
The statement made by Dominic Raab, the Foreign Secretary, on 21 October 2020.
I am deeply concerned by the recent violence and continued clashes in Nigeria, and am alarmed by widespread reports of civilian deaths.
We call for an end to violence. The Nigerian government must urgently investigate reports of brutality at the hands of the security forces and hold those responsible to account.
The comments made by Dominic Raab, the Foreign Secretary, on 22 October 2020.
The people living in Cox’s Bazar face unimaginable hardship and many have been victims of violence. We have imposed sanctions on the perpetrators of this brutality, and this new funding will save lives in the camp and help Bangladesh become more resilient to disasters such as coronavirus.
Today I urge the world not to turn away from the Rohingya’s suffering and to take the action necessary to allow them to safely return to the homes they fled in terror.
The statement made by James Duddridge, the Minister of State for Africa, on 16 October 2020.
As Guinea goes to the polls on Sunday, we urge all parties to ensure that the presidential elections are conducted in a peaceful, transparent and credible manner. The UK is a friend of Guinea. We want to support Guinea in protecting democracy and to promote good governance.
We are concerned by the violence and loss of life in Guinea following the legislative elections and referendum in March. Recent violence has exacerbated these concerns. We urge the Guinean authorities to ensure that deaths are properly investigated.
We call on all parties to reduce tension, engage in constructive dialogue, and refrain from violence. Doing so will ensure the people of Guinea can enjoy the benefits of a free and democratic society.
The comments made by Lord Ahmad, the UK Human Rights Minister, on 13 October 2020.
As a founding member of the UN Human Rights Council, the UK has been a strong advocate of its vital work since its inception, and we are honoured to be elected for a fifth term.
We will keep using our voice to help strengthen the Council, and to support countries working to improve their human rights record. We will continue to hold to account all those responsible for the worst violations and abuses.
The UK strives to be a force for for good in the world, working to protect the most vulnerable from some of the most pressing global human rights issues. This includes making sure girls’ have access to a quality education, working to end violence against women and girls, standing up for democratic values and media freedom, and protecting freedom of religion or belief.
I thank those who supported our candidacy and look forward to working closely with the members of the Council, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, and civil society to deliver our election pledges.
The comments made by Wendy Morton, the Minister for Europe, on 1 October 2020.
We have all been moved by the devastating images of the fire in Lesbos, and my thoughts are with the thousands of people who have been left with nothing.
The UK is standing by Greece and working together to support those in dire need. Our aid will help the most vulnerable families to stay safe and make sure they are able to feed themselves.
The comments made by Nick Thomas-Symonds, the Shadow Home Secretary, on 1 October 2020.
The Tories are lurching from one inhumane and impractical idea to another. The idea of sending people to Ascension Island, creating waves in the English Channel to wash boats back and buying ferries and oil rigs to process asylum claims shows the Government has lost control and all sense of compassion.
They should listen to the cross party Foreign Affairs Select Committee and revisit the issue of safe routes and deliver the promised agreement with France, while reversing the terrible decision to abolish the Department for International Development.
The speech made by Dominic Raab, the Foreign Secretary, on 21 September 2020.
Today, as we renew our commitment to tackle our common challenges, I recall the UN’s beginnings.
Seventy-five years ago, representatives from 51 nations met in London. They showed ambitions to build a global community out of the searing experience of two World Wars.
But it was also an inception rooted in optimism and a determination that ‘we, the peoples’ would create a better future for ourselves and our children.
Over the past 75 years, the UN has achieved many things:
– it has promoted development and democracy
– it has strengthened universal values and human rights, particularly of women and girls
– it has immunised the vulnerable
– it has fed the hungry
– it has negotiated peace settlements and supported stability, reconciliation and reconstruction in places that need it most
The United Kingdom was there at the beginning and we’ve been a major contributor to UN ever since, upholding its principles, providing political and financial support, expertise, and peacekeeping troops as well.
Our commitment to spend 0.7% of Gross National Income on Official Development Assistance is enshrined in law and allows us to support the Sustainable Development Goals.
As a member of the United Nations Security Council, we are resolute in our commitment to international peace and security.
Each generation brings new challenges. So, there is much more to do. But we can rise to these challenges, and I pay tribute to the UN’s tireless efforts to tackle the unprecedented disruption and human impact of COVID-19. The pandemic has highlighted just how interwoven our fates are, and I believe our moral duty to support those hit hardest by the pandemic, alongside the opportunity to collaborate in building a greener, more sustainable future.
We know that when we pull together, we can overcome the toughest challenges and achieve the most amazing things.
Nowhere is that need for cooperation greater than in tackling climate change, for which the UK is proud to be hosting COP26 in Glasgow next year.
With those challenges ahead of us, I am delighted that the United Kingdom will host the Secretary-General in January.
We will commemorate the first anniversaries of the first UN General Assembly and Security Council meetings, both of which took place in London. We will make sure it is a fitting tribute to all that we have achieved together and we will redouble our commitment to rise to the challenges that lie ahead.