Category: Press Releases

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 14 March 2023.

Statement by Political Coordinator Fergus Eckersley at the Security Council meeting on ‘Russophobia’.

Thank you President.

Colleagues, Russophobia is one of the ever-growing list of excuses that Russia has come up with to justify its war in Ukraine.

The fact that they are inventing so many of these is itself a good indication that they know none of them stands up to full scrutiny.

Let me be clear, on behalf of the UK, and let me say it in Russian.

Мы не русофобы. Наоборот, у нас есть исторические отношения между нашими странами.

Мы вместе сражались в двух мировых войнах. Мы глубоко уважаем богатое культурное наследие России.

Я сам семь лет изучал русский язык, его историю и замечательную литературу.

[Translation: We do not suffer from Russophobia. We have a long history between our two countries. We fought together in two world wars. Across our country people respect and admire Russia’s rich cultural heritage.

[I myself spent seven years studying Russia’s language, its history and its remarkable literature.]

We do not want Russia to fail as a state, as the Russian delegation sometimes claims. Quite the opposite, in fact. We want Russia to be a stable and prosperous nation – just one that does not invade and try to annex its neighbours.

What Ukraine wants, what we all want, is peace in line with the UN Charter.

The problem in Ukraine today is not caused by Russophobia. It is caused by President Putin’s desire to annex a sovereign nation, in breach of the most fundamental principles of the UN Charter.

So when the Russian state complains about Russophobia, what they actually object to, very simply, is Ukraine’s determination that it should remain an independent nation: its refusal to bend to Russia’s will and to give Russia its land.

And in pursuit of Ukraine’s land, the Russian military has killed and injured many tens of thousands of Ukrainians, and displaced millions. There have been widespread reports of atrocities, with the Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine recording more than 70,000 potential war crimes so far.

Hundreds of Ukrainian apartment buildings, train stations, hospitals and schools have been hit. Ukrainian cultural property has been looted and cultural heritage sites destroyed.

And more than that. To build domestic support for his war, Putin’s government is pushing out propaganda about Ukraine, to dehumanise the people it is killing, and to delegitimise the country it is invading. All while falsely claiming that Russia is somehow the victim.

In the run up to the invasion, President Putin called Ukraine an intolerable “anti-Russia” and declared that it was an “inalienable part of Russia’s own history, culture and spiritual space”.

We have since heard relentless false claims, including from President Putin, that the Ukrainian government are ‘neo-Nazis’. And from former President Dmitry Medvedev that Ukrainians are “scum and freaks”, “cockroaches” and “grunting pigs”.

The Russian government may believe that this propaganda will help to justify at home the lives of the tens of thousands of Russian soldiers who have been sacrificed.

But the consequences for innocent civilians, for Ukraine as a nation state, and for the rest of the world are catastrophic.

Colleagues, Russia is not under attack. There is only one aggressor here. So we must all tell the Russian government, very clearly, to turn off its war machine: to stop the invasion, to stop the killing, and to stop the propaganda.

Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 14 March 2023.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has issued a statement following reports that a missile has been launched by North Korea.

“North Korea’s ballistic missile launches on 14 March are a breach of multiple UN Security Council resolutions. Unlawful ballistic missile launches pose a threat to regional peace and stability.

“The UK will continue to call out violations of UNSCRs. We strongly urge North Korea to return to dialogue and take credible steps towards denuclearisation.”

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 14 March 2023.

Mr Stephen Conlon has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to Turkmenistan in succession to Ms Lucia Wilde who will be transferring to another Civil Service appointment. Mr Conlon will take up his appointment during May 2023.

Curriculum vitae

Full name: Stephen Austin Conlon

Married to: Ruta Conlon (née Taraskeviciute)

Children: Two

Date	Role
2022 to present	Full Time Language Training (Russian)
2020 to 2022	Brussels, UK Mission to the EU, Head of European Parliament Team
2017 to 2020	United Kingdom Permanent Representation to the European Union, Head of European Parliament Team
2014 to 2017	United Kingdom Permanent Representation to the European Union, Food Safety and Veterinary Attaché
2009 to 2014	Vilnius, Deputy Head of Mission, Chargé d’Affaires and Her Majesty’s Consul
2004 to 2008	Helsinki, Director of UK Trade and Investment
2004	FCO, Desk Officer, EU Department (Internal), later Full Time Language Training (Finnish)
2003	Stockholm, Trade Attaché
2001 to 2003	FCO, Desk Officer for EU Environment & Food Safety, EU Department (Internal)
1997 to 2001	The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, United Nations Economic Commission for Europe and the World Economic Forum, Desk Officer, Economic Policy Department

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 14 March 2023.

At the 52nd session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, the UK delivered a statement on human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 14 March 2023.

Mr Edward Hobart CMG has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates in succession to Mr Patrick Moody who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment. Mr Hobart will take up his appointment during May 2023.

Curriculum vitae

Full name: Edward Andrew Beauchamp Hobart

Date	Role
2017 to 2023	FCDO, Director, Estates, Security and Network Directorate
2015 to 2017	FCO, Migration Envoy
2012 to 2015	Dubai, HM Consul General
2011 to 2012	Abu Dhabi, Deputy Head of Mission
2011	FCO, Head, Libya Unit, MENAD
2010	FCO, Acting Chief Information Officer
2007 to 2010	FCO, IT Programme Director, Information and Technology Directorate
2003 to 2007	Kuala Lumpur, Head, Political, Economic and Public Diplomacy Team
2000 to 2003	FCO, Head, Multimedia Unit, Public Services Directorate
1998 to 2000	FCO, Public Diplomacy Officer, Information Department
1995 to 1998	Havana, Third, later Second Secretary, Chancery
1993 to 1994	FCO, Assistant Desk Officer, Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe, Africa Department (Southern)
1993	Joined FCO

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 14 March 2023.

Four of South Africa’s most promising clean energy start-ups have been selected to pitch their products to investors from the City of London.

BSF Breeding, Everlectric, Hohm Energy and Wetility will showcase their innovative low-carbon energy solutions in London alongside other projects from Colombia, Mexico, Pakistan and Turkey.

The 4 projects from South Africa are contributing to building growth and reducing carbon emissions in a range of sectors including:

• farming
• transport
• sustainable housing

while helping South African consumers and businesses to find an alternative, reliable low-carbon energy supply in a cost-effective way.

Each of these 4 firms has received support through the UK government’s Climate Finance Accelerator programme, which works to develop a sustainable pipeline of investment-ready, low-carbon projects. The programme is part of the UK’s efforts to support climate action on a global scale, facilitating access to finance and helping governments achieve climate targets under the Paris Agreement.

The high-profile investor event, taking place from 13 to 16 March, will involve leading financiers and investors, project developers, climate finance experts, the private sector and UK government discussing the opportunities and challenges faced in securing and mobilising capital for low carbon initiatives at scale in emerging markets.

Each of the businesses attending will receive 2 days of technical advice and support from City of London investors before making a pitch on the last day. The event offers an opportunity to present their projects to global markets and access funding from investors to further grow their businesses.

British High Commissioner to South Africa Antony Phillipson said:

“BSF Breeding, Everlectric, Hohm Energy and Wetility showcase the best of South African innovation and expertise and I am delighted that they have been selected to attend such a high-profile event hosted by the Climate Finance Accelerator and the City of London. I wish them all the very best of luck as they present to potential investors, and I hope that the connections made at this event lead to direct investment into the projects and a tangible contribution to building green growth and climate security in South Africa.”

Over the last 2 years the CFA programme has supported nearly 100 innovative low-carbon projects around the world that have a total value of over US$ 2 billion, helping them to build proposals for investment.

In South Africa the programme has supported a total of 28 projects. A new round will be initiated in late spring, with the ambition that the programme is permanently embedded into the South African climate finance landscape. The CFA is implemented in South Africa by The National Business Initiative and GreenCape.

Business profiles

BSF Breeding

BSF Breeding provides black soldier fly larvae that can be grown by anybody and used to produce process organic waste (including human waste) and turn it into products such as protein additives in animal feed, offering an inexpensive, clean and sustainable food source for livestock. Black soldier fly can also be used to produce insect oil, biodiesel, and soil enhancer. Established in 2015, the BSF Breeding’s larvae are now shipped around the world from their HQ in Cape Town.

“We believe BSF protein is the most environmentally-friendly produced animal protein in the world, making use of organic by-products (waste) to feed the larvae with minimal CO2 emissions in our operations.’’ – Gerhard Gous, Commercial Director

Everlectric

Based in Pretoria, Everlectric offers electric vehicle packages for businesses made up of leading international electric vehicles, charging infrastructure and innovative finance solutions. Their all-inclusive service incorporates fuel and maintenance costs and makes it easier for businesses to transition from a petrol or diesel fleet of vehicles to an electric vehicle fleet.

“We are honoured to be selected by the UK Government’s prestigious CFA programme. We are excited to meet like-minded growth partners who can act as catalysts in our journey to lead the South African logistics industry’s transition to environmentally-responsible, operationally-efficient and commercially-attractive electric vehicles”- Ndia Magadagela, Co-founder and CEO

Hohm Energy

Johannesburg-based Hohm Energy is a solar rooftop marketplace that manages and streamlines solar installers, product suppliers and financiers to make going solar simple for homeowners and businesses.

“Hohm Energy is thrilled to be a part of the CFA programme and the support of the UK Government. Hohm Energy’s mission is to accelerate the uptake of solar rooftop PV through our innovative fin-tech lending solution. Our climate tech platform is paving the way towards a greener future, and I am excited to see the positive impact it will have on our country, especially during this period of our energy crisis.’’ – Tim Ohlsen, CEO

Wetility

Based in Johannesburg, Wetility is a smart energy provider that offers a battery-based system that stores solar energy, paired with a digital platform to allow customers to monitor their energy use. Wetility offers customers affordable monthly payments and a flexible financing model, making the move to solar more affordable.

“We at Wetility are excited to have been selected to attend the CFA event in London and continue our longstanding partnership with the CFA. By harnessing the power of the sun, Wetility is committed to providing energy independence to everyone, affordably, while reducing household CO2 emissions. We look forward to meeting the other teams and investors in London and building fruitful partnerships.’’ – Vincent Maposa, CEO

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 14 March 2023.

During the 52nd session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, the UK delivered a statement on Freedom of Religion and Belief on 13 March 2023.

Thank you, Mr President.

We congratulate the Special Rapporteur on her appointment and welcome her initial report.

We welcome the collaboration between the Special Rapporteur and member states through her ex-officio membership of the Council of Experts of the growing International Religious Freedom or Belief Alliance. We also value her discussions with the International Contact Group on FoRB.

The UK’s resolve to promote and protect the right to freedom of religion or belief has been strengthened by the injustices we see around the world including systemic discrimination directed against individuals on the basis of their religion or belief.

The UK government remains committed to championing freedom of religion or belief for all. Last July we hosted the International Ministerial Conference on Freedom of Religion or Belief in London which was an important milestone. We are working hard to build on its momentum and turn words into action.

Special Rapporteur,

How best can international efforts of governments, civil society and faith and belief leaders be focussed and coordinated to effect concrete changes, including for those imprisoned on account of their faith or belief?

Thank you.