Category: Press Releases

Below is a press release issued by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office on 25/11/2019.

Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said:

“I welcome the Hong Kong government facilitating these elections, which were an important opportunity for the people of Hong Kong to make their voices heard. We don’t want to see any more violence. It was reassuring to hear Carrie Lam commit to reflecting seriously on the message delivered by the people of Hong Kong.

There is now an opportunity to find a way through the crisis with political dialogue that reflects the legitimate aspirations of the people of Hong Kong and respects the One Country, Two Systems model.”

Below is a press release issued by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office on 26/11/2019.

Baroness Goldie’s speech at the 24th Conference of States Parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention in The Hague.

Director General, ladies and gentlemen. May I extend Congratulations to you, Mr Chairman, on your election and to Director-General Arias and his team for all the work in preparing for this Conference.

Mr Chairman, the United Kingdom fully supports the statement made by the European Union this morning.

It is now over 100 years since the horrors of the First World War – a conflict in which my late father fought. The global community’s revulsion at the use of chemical weapons in that conflict first propelled nations to come together and try to ban them. Just over 20 years ago we collectively took a huge step forward with the enactment of the Chemical Weapons Convention, paving the way for verified destruction of all declared stockpiles – a process now close to completion.

The OPCW has, rightly, been lauded for this historic achievement and has taken its place as an integral part of the rules based international system; not only verifying destruction but inspecting industrial activity and supporting states to fully implement the convention’s provisions.

Whilst the threat of chemical weapons use never fully disappeared, sadly and regrettably it reared its ugly head again with confirmed use in the conflict in Syria, as well as in Malaysia, Iraq and indeed in my own country, the United Kingdom. Ladies and gentlemen, the UK will not stand idly by in the face of chemical weapons attacks.

In response the international community came together again in June 2018 and unequivocally reaffirmed that all chemical weapons use was abhorrent. Not only was the use of chemical weapons condemned, we also agreed that measures should be put in place to identify those responsible for the appalling chemical weapons attacks in Syria. There must never be impunity for such crimes.

The OPCW has now been working diligently on Syria and its chemical weapons programme for over six years. The UK remains gravely concerned at Syria’s failure to address the significant outstanding questions with its Declaration. There are serious and substantial gaps and deficiencies that Syria has so far failed to account for. Under professional and expert scrutiny by the Technical Secretariat, Syria has nevertheless slowly and grudgingly acknowledged more and more chemical weapons activities. We call on Syria to fully implement the provisions of the convention and its obligations never, under any circumstances, to develop, retain or use chemical weapons.

Ladies and gentlemen, the United Kingdom has full confidence that the women and men of the Technical Secretariat, including the members of the Fact-Finding Mission, Declaration Assessment Team and Investigation and Identification Team, will continue to conduct their work professionally, thoroughly and impartially. We look forward to receiving the IIT’s first report in the near future. It will then be for us, the States Parties to decide how to respond.

In order for the OPCW to continue its vital work it first needs an adequate budget. The United Kingdom will be supporting the adoption of the Director General’s proposed programme and budget, as recommended by the Executive Council by an overwhelming majority. Assessed contributions will not be increased in 2020 and we think the proposals to make use of the 2017 cash surplus are proportionate and are justified. The United Kingdom encourages all states to join consensus on the budget proposals when they are considered later this week.

The other priority for the United Kingdom is to see the successful adoption of the United States, Canadian and Dutch proposal to add two families of Novichok to the Convention’s control lists. It is now over a year since this initiative was launched in response to the use of a nerve agent, with lethal effect, in Salisbury in the United Kingdom. It is imperative that the OPCW has the means to verify compliance with the convention in respect of these dangerous toxic chemicals.

Upholding the chemical weapons convention and underscoring the importance of rejecting all chemical weapons use wherever it occurs is not about picking sides – it is actually about working together united by a common objective of good to ensure that there is no place for chemical weapons in the twenty-first century. We urge all States Parties to support the vital efforts of the OPCW in achieving this shared aim.

Thank you very much indeed.

Below is a press release issued by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office on 26/11/2019.

Statement by Ambassador Karen Pierce, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, at the Security Council briefing on UNITAD.

I would like to begin by extending the United Kingdom’s condolences to France on the helicopter crash in Mali.

I wanted to put clearly on the record our support for the Special Advisor and for the work of UNITAD. As the French Representative just said, it’s vital that the Council continues to follow this very important issue closely. I think we all bear witness to Mr Kachi’s very somber and moving briefing today. It is a powerful reminder of the devastation that Daesh unleashed. And thank you for briefing the Council, Mr Kachi, but also my deepest sympathies and those of the United Kingdom for your suffering. I don’t think there’s a more compelling issue, question that we’ve heard this month of why the Council has important work to do than the story you told us. So thank you for that.

I’d like to add our voice to to thanking the government of Iraq. Their support continues to be instrumental to UNITAD’s ability to do its work and we welcome the steps the government has taken to introduce legislation to allow for the prosecution of war crimes, crimes against humanity and crimes which may amount to genocide committed by Daesh.

Back to UNITAD, thank you for getting the organisation up and running. It was very good to hear that you are now fully operational and the impressive statistics about women parity along with the vital work that you’re doing on accountability on the ground.

Below is a press release issued by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office on 28/11/2019.

A Foreign Office spokesperson said:

“The UK is concerned about the latest North Korea missile launches. These launches undermine efforts to secure a peaceful future for the Korean Peninsula.

To change the course of its future for the better, North Korea must engage meaningfully with the US in negotiations towards denuclearisation.”

Below is a press release issued by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office on 29/11/2019.

The draw for the Euro 2020 finals takes place tomorrow and with two home nations already confirmed to be taking part in the competition next summer, the FCO is once again launching ‘Be on the Ball’, a campaign providing advice and information to British football fans planning to travel overseas.

‘Be on the Ball’ gives travelling supporters simple advice and information to help keep problems to a minimum and to enhance their enjoyment of the tournament.

The campaign sees the launch of the FCO’s Euro 2020 travel advice page as well as 10 top tips for travelling British fans which they can download and keep.

Julia Longbottom, Consular Director, FCO, said:

Euro 2020 will be a unique tournament with overseas matches taking place in ten cities from Dublin to Baku. We anticipate that British fans will travel in numbers to each of the host countries at different stages of the competition.

The FCO’s ‘Be on the Ball’ campaign aims to give practical advice and information for each destination. We encourage every British supporter to make arrangements early in order to avoid problems and ensure they have a safe and enjoyable visit. This includes staying up to date with our Euro 2020 travel advice and social media channels ahead of, and during the tournament.

Kevin Miles, Chief Executive of the Football Supporters’ Association (FSA), said:

Euro 2020 has arguably the most diverse range of cities and venues in football tournament history, with 12 different host countries involved.

That is one of many reasons for supporters to ‘Be on the Ball’ – it’s best to plan early and research whichever city you plan on visiting.

Top tips

To help travelling fans ‘Be on the Ball’ the FCO has compiled the following 10 top tips:

Be prepared: Check out the latest travel advice for each host country you plan to visit.

Plan ahead: Book travel and accommodation in advance as demand will be high. Be aware that longer stays in Russia and Azerbaijan may require you to register your stay on arrival.

Tickets: Get your tickets from an official source. Tickets bought through unofficial channels may not be valid.

Passport: Check your passport meets validity requirements for each destination. Look after your passport while travelling and keep it in a safe place.

Insurance: Take out adequate travel insurance and ensure it covers you for all destinations, medical needs and activities.

Visas: You will need to apply for a Fan ID to enter Russia. A simplified visa procedure is expected to be announced for Azerbaijan. Allow plenty of time to apply and make sure it covers the length of your stay.

Getting around: Plan your journeys and allow good time to get to the stadiums. Research venue locations and local transport in advance, including driving laws.

Stick with your mates: Stay in close contact and make sure no one in your group gets separated.

Be responsible: Follow advice and instructions from the local authorities and respect different laws and customs. Fans deemed to have drunk too much alcohol may not be allowed into the stadiums or fan zones.

If things don’t go to plan: Make a note of the emergency numbers for each country, including the nearest Embassy or Consulate.

Below is a press release issued by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office on 29/11/2019.

Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said:

“We condemn the excessive use of force by security forces against protesters in Iraq, including the use of live fire in Nasiriya city. The right to peaceful protest must be respected and those responsible for acts of violence held to account.

I am also deeply concerned by attacks against Iranian consulates in Najaf and Karbala. Diplomatic premises must not be a target of violence.

The UK repeats its call for a peaceful, political solution to the unrest in Iraq, with meaningful reforms that respond to protesters’ legitimate demands. I encourage the Government of Iraq to work with the UN on credible electoral reform.”

Below is a press release issued by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office on 29/11/2019.

NATO Allies have increased defence investment to ensure that the Alliance will continue to adapt to 21st-century challenges.

Ahead of the NATO Leaders’ Meeting in London next week, Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said:

“I welcome today’s announcement that European NATO Allies and Canada will have increased their defence investment by $400bn by 2024. This is progress towards our joint pledge to invest 2% of GDP on defence. But we need to keep up the momentum and see all of our allies meet their commitments in full.

The UK looks forward to hosting NATO next week, so we can reinforce our vital transatlantic alliance, and tackle the common challenges we face.”

Below is a press release issued by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office on 30/11/2019.

Statement from the governments of France, Germany and the UK:

As founding shareholders of the Instrument in Support of Trade Exchanges (INSTEX), France, Germany and the United Kingdom warmly welcome the decision taken by the governments of Belgium, Denmark, Finland, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden, to join INSTEX as shareholders.

This step further strengthens INSTEX and demonstrates European efforts to facilitate legitimate trade between Europe and Iran and is a clear expression of our continuing commitment to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPoA).

Full and effective implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action is of the utmost importance. Iran must return to full compliance with its commitments under the JCPoA without delay.

We reaffirm our readiness to consider all mechanisms in the JCPoA, including the dispute resolution mechanism, to resolve the issues related to Iran’s implementation of its JCPoA commitments.

We remain fully committed to pursuing our efforts towards a diplomatic resolution within the framework of the JCPoA.

Below is a press release issued by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office on 30/12/2019.

Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon gave the UK government’s statement, on justice and accountability, at the 18th session of the ICC Assembly of States Parties.

Mr Vice-President, Your Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates. I welcome this opportunity to address the Assembly on behalf of the Government of the United Kingdom.

Promoting international criminal justice and the rule of law has long been, and indeed remains, a fundamental part of the United Kingdom’s foreign policy. That is why the United Kingdom strongly believes in the need for accountability for the most serious crimes of international concern. Perpetrators of these atrocities must be – they must be – brought to justice. Impunity must be tackled. The International Criminal Court (ICC) has a pivotal and important role to play in this effort, as part of the rules based international system.

Mr Vice-President, the Court has been given quite a unique mandate to deliver upon accountability. To fulfill that mandate, it needs the active support of all States Parties.

As a strong proponent of an effective ICC, the United Kingdom continues to provide significant financial and indeed other support– including by enforcing the custodial sentence of Mr Ahmed Al Faki Al Mahdi.

The Court also needs other forms of support from all of us who want it to thrive. That support includes both our honesty and candour.

That is why, in the United Kingdom’s statement at last year’s Assembly of States Parties, my Government, the United Kingdom, set out our concerns frankly, and identified the areas where we believe immediate change was needed – in order to strengthen the ICC, to strengthen the Court, not weaken it. The United Kingdom welcomes the views of many other supporters of the ICC, including States Parties and civil society, and from within the Court itself. Four former Presidents of this very Assembly acknowledged that the Court, and I use their words not mine, “needs fixing”.

Such recognition of the need for change should not be seen as a threat to the Court. Quite the reverse: the real danger would be if, together collectively, we failed to take the steps necessary to support and strengthen this institution.

The United Kingdom believes that the need for change is now acute and pressing. The concerns we raised last year are still very much clear and present. Introducing changes must be a collaborative effort by all of us, all of those who have the Court’s interests at heart. The Assembly clearly has a critical and indeed primary role to play in this respect.

The United Kingdom believes collective action is required on 3 key fronts.

First, on elections. If States Parties want a Court which is able to meet the challenges of not just today but tomorrow as well, we must elect the best possible judges and Prosecutor at next year’s Assembly.

That means that each member of this Assembly must vote for judges on the basis of both merit and experience, and also in accordance with the Rome Statute itself. The Court needs excellent judges who will work collaboratively towards much-needed stability and consistency in the practice and jurisprudence of the Court. States must put forward only those most qualified candidates and choose only the best of individuals.

Therefore, for me I am particularly delighted, the United Kingdom is delighted to have announced Judge Joanna Korner QC as our candidate to be a judge of the Court. I am delighted Judge Korner is here today. Judge Korner has extensive experience in criminal law, both as a judge in the court of England and Wales, and after 8 years as a prosecutor at the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia. Experience matters. The United Kingdom looks forward to introducing her to as many of you here today as possible, both here at the Assembly and over the coming months.

This Assembly also faces the challenge of finding the right Prosecutor. The United Kingdom is grateful for the work of the Prosecutor Search Committee so far. When it presents its shortlist, this Assembly must elect the person who is demonstrably the best, most qualified candidate on that particular list, regardless of nationality, or whether they are from a civil or common law background. States Parties should be in no doubt that our choice is absolutely crucial to the future health of this Court.

The second key collective action that States Parties must take is to fulfil our wider responsibilities towards the Court itself.   The United Kingdom hopes that this week the Assembly will adopt strong resolutions to enhance how States Parties nominate and elect the Court’s judges, embed a wider dialogue about reform into the work of the Assembly, and establish an Independent Expert Review of the Court.

The Review’s proposed Terms of Reference would enable a rigorous and objective assessment of some of the most vital areas of the Court’s work and its practices and the United Kingdom would study the experts’ recommendations very carefully. The United Kingdom actively supports changes to make the Court stronger, more effective and indeed more efficient.

However, Mr Vice-President, ladies and gentlemen, it is important to recognise that the Review is not an end in itself, but only a means to an end. Success will be judged not by completing the review, but by the substantive changes to the Court that it helps to create.

The Review is also just one part of a wider process of strengthening the Court itself. Whilst experts will be well-placed to provide technical expertise in some areas, we as States Parties to the Rome Statute must take responsibility for the sometimes difficult, sometimes political, issues on which we only can decide.

And thirdly, the United Kingdom believes collective action is necessary by the organs of the Court themselves. The United Kingdom welcomes the steps they have taken so far to strengthen the Court, such as the Registry’s Strategic Plan. More effort is now needed on collaboration, financial discipline, and the prioritisation of resources of the Court.

Finally, the UK believes the Court’s relationship with national jurisdictions is of particular and fundamental importance. The ICC is a Court of last resort. The international community cannot expect it to be the answer to every question on accountability – that would not only be an impossible burden on the Court; it would also absolve States of their obligations.

Together, this Assembly and the Court must review the relationship between the Court and national jurisdictions, and how complementarity should operate in practice. This is an enduring matter for the Court and States Parties, which goes beyond the pressing work towards reform and to the heart of what was agreed in Rome.

Mr Vice-President, the United Kingdom strongly supports the steps which this Assembly is taking to tackle the problems facing the Court. Reform is a process, not an event. It will require more hard work on the part of this Assembly, all organs of the Court, and its supporters to fix what needs fixing.

We, as an Assembly, must act now – we must act with urgency – to make the necessary changes. Delay is not an option that will support this Court. If we work together, we can build a Court that is more effective and a Court that is more efficient; a Court that delivers its mandate with credibility and confidence; a Court that ultimately delivers justice and accountability for the most serious crimes of international concern.

Thank you.

Below is a press release issued by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office on 05/12/2019.

Aidan Liddle, Permanent Representative to the Conference on Disarmament, gave a statement at the 2019 Meeting of State Parties to the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BTWC).

The United Kingdom aligns itself with the statement to be made later by the European Union; I would like now to add some remarks in a national capacity.

Mr Chair, as a depositary state and instigator of the BWC in 1968, the UK maintains a keen interest in ensuring that the Convention is global in its reach, and that its prohibitions are maintained. We are determined that the world be free from the threat of biological weapons. This can best be achieved by the universalisation of this Convention and full national implementation by States Parties.

We welcome the accession of the United Republic of Tanzania, which deposited its Instrument of Ratification in London in August this year. That States continue to join this Convention demonstrates its continued importance to international security.

We also welcome the successful regional universalisation workshop in Wellington, which took place in September under the EU Council Decision in support of the BTWC; we are grateful to the ISU for organising this workshop. This event helped underline the importance of efforts to assist states to join and implement the Convention. Such steps are particularly important in those regions where we have several states outside the Convention, such as the Pacific.

Mr Chair, this year’s Meetings of Experts (MXs) demonstrated again the value of technical interactions between States Parties’ experts. In this respect we would like to recall the presentation made during MX4 on Assistance, Response and Preparedness by the head of the UK’s National CBRN Centre. The presentation was well received and led to an invitation to address a regional Workshop in October for ASEAN States Parties on ‘Preparedness to Respond to the Deliberate use of Biological Weapons’. This is just one example of how the MXs can help promote common understandings and, hopefully, ultimately lead to effective action to strengthen national implementation.

The Chairs’ Summary Reports prepared from the Meetings of Experts provide many valuable technical recommendations for the Ninth Review Conference in 2021. These will serve as a valuable resource for our collective efforts at the final round of Meetings of Experts next year, and for our substantive preparations for the Review Conference.

Mr Chair, a primary aim of our work this week should be to agree the administrative arrangements for the Ninth Review Conference. We believe that a substantive preparatory process will be essential in order to achieve a productive Review Conference, with a substantive outcome; this would mirror the arrangements for the Eighth Review Conference in 2016. Two weeks is sufficient time for the Conference itself. As we look ahead to this important milestone we would like to highlight three issues where we believe that progress ought to be possible: on the need to operationalise Article VII; on the principles of a code of conduct; and on a more structured review process in the next intersessional period for scientific and technological developments.

At last year’s Meeting of States Parties, we agreed the establishment of a Working Capital Fund. We thank those States Parties who have made contributions, but we must be clear on the principles of this fund. It exists for short-term financial liquidity to support the work of the Convention; it cannot be used to mask or excuse the systematic non-payment of assessed contributions. We call upon States Parties to address their arrears as soon as possible. The greater financial predictability created by the fund has enabled us to put the Implementation Support Unit on a sounder footing; the ISU remains immensely important to the work of the Convention and we are extremely grateful for the hard work of its members, notwithstanding the uncertainties that they have had to endure in recent years.

To conclude, Mr Chair, the UK remains determined to strengthen the BTWC and we look forward to what we hope is a productive meeting, which will enable us to further our work against the threat of biological weapons.