Category: Press Releases

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 13 November 2025.

Ambassador Holland underlines UK support for the work of the Mission across its three lines of activity, and welcomes recent statements by the Government of Moldova on an action plan for the gradual reintegration of Transnistria.

Thank you, Acting Head of Mission, for the work of your team over the last six months and for helpful presentation this morning. In the spirit of utilising your time to engage in dialogue, allow me to keep this statement brief and ask two questions.

The United Kingdom fully supports the continued work of the Mission across its three lines of action during the reporting period, particularly in promoting dialogue between communities, monitoring in and around the Security Zone, and supporting access of Transnistrian residents to documentation and healthcare services. We reiterate our call for a return to a full 12-month directive to ensure the Mission has the stability and predictability it needs to fulfil its vital role.

The UK reiterates our congratulations to Moldova on the successful conduct of parliamentary elections on 28 September, despite attempts by malign actors to weaponise the information environment and subvert Moldova’s democracy. The UK will continue to support Moldova in defending its democratic institutions from Russian interference – including through our close engagement on cyber, counter-disinformation and judicial cooperation.

The UK also welcomes the recent statements from the Government of Moldova on the announcement of work towards an action plan for the gradual reintegration of Transnistria and the appointment of Deputy Prime Minister for Reintegration Valeriu Chiveri. I’d be interested in your views, Acting Head of Mission, on how the OSCE Mission can best support this process.

Secondly, you referenced the high vacancy rate and the challenges in retaining staff. To what extent would agreement of a Unified Budget – even one at Zero Nominal Growth – positively impact the day to day working of the Mission?

In closing, I would like to reiterate that the UK will continue to support the OSCE Mission to Moldova in delivering across all areas of its mandate, and to Moldova’s continued peace and stability.

Thank you, Mr Chair.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 13 November 2025.

UK Statement for Honduras’ Universal Periodic Review. Delivered at the 50th session of the UPR in Geneva.

Thank you, Madame Vice-President.

The United Kingdom welcomes Honduras’s decision to lift the 14-year ban on the use and sale of the emergency contraceptive pill, a significant step for the rights of women and girls. However, we remain concerned by the sustained levels of gender-based violence, including femicide and sexual violence.

We also note with concern the challenges faced by Indigenous and Afro-descendant communities in exercising their rights to resolving land tenure conflicts, including criminalisation, threats and violence. The murder of Juan López highlights the urgent need for stronger protections.

As Honduras approaches its election, we are concerned about the continued state of emergency, which increases risks for human rights defenders, journalists and civil society. These risks are compounded by the limited resources of the National Protection Mechanism, including insufficient technical personnel.

We recommend that Honduras:

1. Prioritises the approval of the Comprehensive Special Law on Violence Against Women.
2. Protects indigenous peoples and human right defenders who work on environmental issues through legal reforms and effective enforcement, including safeguarding the right to free, prior and informed consent.
3. Strengthens its National Protection Mechanism through allocating sufficient resources and implementing agile procedures that enable swift delivery of protection measures tailored to those at risk.

Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 13 November 2025.

The UK Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief, David Smith MP, gave a speech at an event marking the 5th anniversary of the Article 18 Alliance held at the Prague Castle, Czechia.

Excellencies, colleagues and friends. It is an honour to follow such powerful and brave speakers, and my privilege to be speaking here today as the UK’s Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief, or FoRB.

Some of you will know of my background before politics, including my work with Tearfund and the Bible Society. Believe me then when I say that the promotion and protection of FoRB is something very close to my heart, as indeed I am sure it is for you too.

It is almost a year since I became UK Special Envoy and, in that time, I have met with a wide range of experts, activists and international partners – many of you here today – to build my understanding of the opportunities we have, to make a difference. This includes through the important work of the Article 18 Alliance, which Robert Řehák has so ably led since 2024.

You are all aware of the scale of the challenge we face globally. But some facts bear repeating.

Aid to the Church in Need’s 2025 Religious Freedom in the World Report estimates that over 5.4 billion people, nearly two thirds of the world’s population, live in countries where serious FoRB violations or abuses occur.

According to the Pew Research Centre, the number of countries with “high” or “very high” levels of government restrictions on FoRB, is at its highest level since 2007. And social hostilities involving religion are also on the rise.

Worsening authoritarianism, including restrictions on the freedom of assembly, war and conflict, and increasing religious nationalism are driving persecution on the basis of religion or belief.

UK FoRB strategy

But in the context of these global challenges, the UK is taking action. In July, the UK launched a new and ambitious FoRB strategy that reflects our belief that FoRB is central to global stability.

Indeed, FoRB demonstrates the core principle that human rights are interdependent and mutually reinforcing.

If you have no freedom to worship, you have no freedom of assembly.

If you have no freedom of belief, you have no freedom of conscience.

If you have no freedom to share your faith, you have no freedom of speech.

If you have no freedom to practice your faith or belief you are not equal in dignity and rights.

Our strategy comprises five core strands of work: multilateral advocacy; targeted bilateral engagement; mainstreaming FoRB across our foreign policy; increasing civil society engagement and strengthening coalitions for collective action.

My presence here today, speaking to you now, is a commitment to this last point.

The UK is proud to be a member of this Alliance, as well as the International Contact Group on FoRB. And our resolve remains steadfast in supporting and ensuring that we maintain these groupings.

Celebrating successes of A18A

I am glad to say that the UK has been a committed member since the Alliance’s inception, and together we have achieved remarkable progress. It is right that we celebrate that here today. In just five years, membership has grown from 22 to 38 states, plus friends and observers. This speaks to our shared commitment to FoRB and the value of this platform. I pay tribute to our chairs and members, and of course to Ambassador Brownback.

Our collaboration has delivered real impact. Joint statements have condemned antisemitism; the persecution of Christians and anti-Muslim hatred. The Alliance have challenged violations across the globe, including defending religious freedom in Tibet, Ukraine, and Nicaragua. These actions and more demonstrate the strength of our united stance.

The Working Groups show how states and civil society experts can work together to practically address shared challenges, such as protecting FoRB in the digital age. And the Alliance’s platform now provides a critical central resource for research and best practice, a tool for present and for future advocates.

Most importantly, our efforts have helped to change lives. In 2023, engagement by the Alliance helped secure the release of Hannah Abdimalik in Somaliland, and Shamil Khakimov in Tajikistan.

And I am delighted that Mubarak Bala, and Pastor Lorenzo in Cuba have been able to share their stories here today. The UK was proud to support the campaigns for their release, including through an open letter from our former Foreign Secretary and partnership with Humanists International. These victories remind us that when we act together, we make a real difference.

Looking to the future

Their stories, and those Rushan Abbas has shared with us today underline just how much remains to be done. As we look ahead, our mission must evolve with purpose and urgency.

The scale of the challenge demands collective action. The Article 18 Alliance is not just a coalition of the willing, it is a force for change. I humbly suggest three areas of focus:

First, we must expand our Alliance. The strength of our voice lies in its diversity. As Rushan noted in her intervention, “Silence is the oxygen of tyranny.” Let us actively seek new partners, especially in underrepresented regions. Growth means reach and reach means impact.

Second, we must continue our targeted efforts. Reform of discriminatory laws and championing of individual cases of persecution remain urgent. Let us use every available mechanism; from the UN’s Universal Periodic Review to bilateral diplomacy, to deeper engagement with civil society and human rights defenders, to champion FoRB for all. Our words matter. Our coordinated action matters more.

Third, we must mainstream FoRB in foreign policy. FoRB is not a niche concern; it is central to global stability. It intersects with migration, conflict, and development.

Persecution on the basis of religion or belief drives displacement, fuels extremism, and undermines prosperity. The UK’s strategy recognises this. Let us align our efforts and make FoRB a core pillar of international engagement.

We are many, and we are one. Let us build on what we have started and go further.

In closing, I’d like to call on the words of former US President Jimmy Carter:

Because we are free, we can never be indifferent to the fate of freedom elsewhere.

Thank you

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 13 November 2025.

The Foreign Secretary welcomes Ukrainian Foreign Minister Sybiha to London for next steps on the 100 Year Partnership.

• The Foreign Secretary will welcome Ukrainian Foreign Minister Sybiha to London for next steps on the 100 Year Partnership
• Boost for UK and Ukraine’s next generation with expansion of successful school partnerships programme.
• Ukraine’s recovery is a priority for UK security with £5.2 million of new reconstruction funding for hospitals and roads supporting critical national infrastructure

New funding for three major reconstruction projects in Ukraine, including two hospitals and an extensive road project, will be announced today as part of the UK-Ukraine Strategic Dialogue.

And in a boost to the next generation in both countries, more British and Ukrainian school children than ever will be able to participate in the landmark 100 Year Partnership schools programme, delivered through the British Council. The schools partnership programme initially launched earlier this year, with 50 schools in the UK matched with 50 schools in Ukraine on a year-long reading project, with pupils sharing their favourite stories from their own cultures. 

New funding will support 30 additional schools across both countries, with an estimated 5,000 additional pupils benefitting from the landmark partnership to drive education standards across both nations. 

The new support comes as the Foreign Secretary welcomes Ukrainian Foreign Minister Sybiha to London today [Thursday 13 November] for the Strategic Dialogue. They will discuss the long-term and strategic partnership between the UK and Ukraine, reaffirming the shared commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and democratic future.  

The UK continues to be a key partner in helping broker a just and lasting peace for Ukraine and ensure that they are in the strongest position possible now and for future generations. 

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said:  

Ukraine’s security is our security. Through our 100 Year Partnership, we commit to stand with Ukraine not just today or tomorrow, but for many decades and generations to come, deepening our economic, security and cultural ties. 

Time and again, Putin shows he is willing to threaten the lives of civilians, take children from their families and destroy critical infrastructure. The UK’s support will help reconstruction of hospitals and critical national infrastructure as well as building connections between our countries for years to come.  

Our support for Ukraine is stronger than ever. 

Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson said:

I was lucky enough to grow up with a grandfather who passed on his love of reading to me – opening up my world and shaping who I am today. Reading is one of the greatest gifts a child can receive, building empathy, widening horizons and helping us to see the world through others’ eyes.

For children in Ukraine, who are dealing with hardships that many of us can’t comprehend, this programme is creating something truly special – bringing young people together through stories, building understanding and friendship, and forging bonds between schools. It’s wonderful that, as part of our Plan for Change and 100 Year Partnership, another 5,000 pupils will now have the chance to be part of it.

Deepening the UK and Ukraine’s partnership through education, culture and research ties is pivotal to the 100 Year Partnership. This week, three UK universities, Birkbeck – University of London, Durham University and Edge Hill University, will sign an agreement with the Global Coalition of Ukrainian Studies, enabling them to strengthen partnerships on education, research and cultural links.  

The UK continues to give Ukraine its ironclad support. Building on the signing of the 100 Year Partnership in January, today’s meeting further solidifies the growing cooperation between the UK and Ukraine, and the incredible potential for our countries and generations to thrive for years to come. 

Notes to editors  

• More information on the 100 Year Partnership can be found here. 
• More information on the UK’s support to Ukraine can be found here.  
• More information on the British Council UK-Ukraine School Partnerships programme can be found here 
• More information on the university twinning initiative and its 2025 report can be found here
• The Strategic Dialogue was established under the 2020 Strategic Partnership Agreement. It sets clear bilateral priorities across eight key areas including security, trade, energy, and culture, culminating in a leader-level meeting and joint communique. 
• The inaugural Strategic Dialogue was held in December 2021. It was paused following Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022 and is now being relaunched to set clear priorities across growth, reform, and security, and to build on the momentum of the 100YP signed in January 2025.  
• It aims to demonstrate long-term UK leadership and commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty, resilience and recovery. 
• These objectives directly support the PM’s Plan for Change by advancing UK growth and economic resilience through trade and innovation, and reinforcing our global leadership in security and democratic values.