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  • NEWS STORY : Junaid Dar – Birmingham Fraudster Spent Covid Loan Funds at Safari Park and on Personal Debts

    NEWS STORY : Junaid Dar – Birmingham Fraudster Spent Covid Loan Funds at Safari Park and on Personal Debts

    STORY

    Junaid Dar, a 34-year-old fitness company owner from Birmingham, has received a suspended sentence after dishonestly obtaining £45,500 in Covid Bounce Back Loans and misusing a significant portion for personal expenses, including trips to a safari park, restaurant meals and credit card payments. Dar, of Stratford Road, Birmingham, made fraudulent applications to three different banks for Bounce Back Loans in 2020 for his company, JDARPT Ltd. Businesses were only entitled to one such loan, designed to provide vital financial support during the pandemic. Dar, however, submitted three applications, falsely inflating his company’s turnover in each instance. His first application in May 2020 was for £13,000, claiming a turnover of £55,000. Just two days later, he applied for £15,000, stating a turnover of £60,000. A third application in September 2020 secured £17,500, with a claimed turnover of £70,000. Insolvency Service analysis later revealed the company’s actual turnover was closer to £61,000.

    While some of the funds were used for legitimate business purposes, investigators from the Insolvency Service uncovered numerous transactions for personal use. These included payments to online retailers like Amazon and Argos, spending at restaurants and meat stores, and even payments to West Midlands Safari Park. A portion of the money was also used to pay off personal credit card debt. At Wolverhampton Crown Court on Thursday, 10 July, Dar was sentenced to 20 months in prison, suspended for 18 months. He was also ordered to complete 20 days of rehabilitation activity, 180 hours of unpaid work, and pay costs of £2,400.

    David Snasdell, Chief Investigator at the Insolvency Service, condemned Dar’s actions, stating, “Junaid Dar deliberately made false representations to fraudulently receive three Bounce Back Loans when businesses were only entitled to one. Instead of using this money to support his fitness business through the pandemic as intended, he diverted significant sums for personal spending.” Mr Snasdell reiterated the Insolvency Service’s commitment to pursuing fraudsters who exploited schemes designed to help legitimate businesses during a national crisis. JDARPT Ltd, incorporated in March 2017 with Dar as its sole director, went into liquidation in July 2021. Dar has also been disqualified as a company director for 11 years, commencing in April 2022, due to his misconduct.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Birmingham fraudster spent part of Covid loan funds at safari park, restaurants and paying off personal credit card debt [July 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Birmingham fraudster spent part of Covid loan funds at safari park, restaurants and paying off personal credit card debt [July 2025]

    The press release issued by the Insolvency Service on 15 July 2025.

    Money from the loans was only supposed to be used for the economic benefit of the business.

    • Fitness company owner Junaid Dar dishonestly obtained £45,500 in Covid Bounce Back Loans during 2020
    • Dar used some of the funds for legitimate purposes, but he also used money for personal spending at retailers, restaurants and leisure attractions
    • The 34-year-old was handed a suspended sentence following investigations by the Insolvency Service

    A Birmingham fraudster who secured three Covid loans for his company when businesses were only entitled to one used some of the funds for personal spending at restaurants and a safari park.

    Junaid Dar, 34, made fraudulent applications to three separate banks for Bounce Back Loans worth a combined total of £45,500 during 2020 for his JDARPT Ltd fitness company.

    Dar, of Stratford Road, Birmingham, was sentenced to 20 months in prison, suspended for 18 months, at Wolverhampton Crown Court on Thursday 10 July.

    He was also ordered to complete 20 days of rehabilitation activity, 180 hours of unpaid work, and pay costs of £2,400.

    David Snasdell, Chief Investigator at the Insolvency Service, said:

    Junaid Dar deliberately made false representations to fraudulently receive three Bounce Back Loans when businesses were only entitled to one.

    Instead of using this money to support his fitness business through the pandemic as intended, he diverted significant sums for personal spending.

    Bounce Back Loans were designed to provide quick and simple financial support to businesses genuinely affected by Covid. The Insolvency Service will not tolerate abuse of the public purse and will continue to pursue fraudsters who exploited schemes designed to help legitimate businesses during a national crisis.

    JDAPRT was incorporated in March 2017 with Dar as its sole director. The company’s trading activities were recorded as fitness facilities on Companies House.

    Dar’s first fraudulent application was for a £13,000 Bounce Back Loan in May 2020.

    In the application, Dar claimed JDAPRT’s turnover was £55,000.

    Just two days later, Dar made a second application to a different bank for a Bounce Back Loan of £15,000.

    In this application, Dar said his company’s turnover was now £60,000.

    Dar’s third and final fraudulent application in September 2020 was for a Bounce Back Loan of £17,500.

    This time, Dar falsely claimed his company’s turnover was £70,000. Insolvency Service analysis of the bank account revealed the company’s turnover was closer to £61,000.

    Dar used some of the Bounce Back Loan funds for legitimate purposes. However, several transactions were recorded which Insolvency Service investigators found to be for personal use.

    Payments were made to Amazon and Argos, along with spending at restaurants and meat stores. Further spending was identified at West Midlands Safari Park and making credit card payments.

    JDARPT went into liquidation in July 2021.

    Dar was also disqualified as a company director for 11 years from April 2022 for his misconduct at JDARPT.

    Further information

    • Junaid Dar is of Stratford Road, Birmingham. His date of birth is 21 February 1991
  • PRESS RELEASE : New Incoming CEO of the National Wealth Fund [July 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : New Incoming CEO of the National Wealth Fund [July 2025]

    The press release issued by HM Treasury on 15 July 2025.

    The Chancellor of the Exchequer has today announced the appointment of Oliver Holbourn as the new Chief Executive Officer of the National Wealth Fund, to lead it through its next chapter.

    Oliver brings more than 25 years of experience across banking, strategy, and public financial investments including CEO roles at RBS International and, formerly, UK Financial Investments.

    The National Wealth Fund is the government’s principal investor and policy bank. It is at the forefront of investing public money and mobilising private capital to help deliver on the government’s growth and clean energy missions.

    Since its launch in October 2024, the National Wealth Fund has committed £2.5 billion, supporting 10,700 jobs. It also has expanded firepower, with £5.8 billion of additional capital to deploy. The NWF’s economic capital limit has been increased allowing it to take on greater risk, providing greater flexibility over its investments to support more projects to access private finance.

    The Chancellor recently set this government’s Strategic Priorities for the National Wealth Fund over this Parliament. Under Oliver Holbourn’s leadership, the National Wealth Fund will enter a new phase of delivering these priorities: significantly increasing the amount of capital it deploys; expanding into new sectors; and trialling Strategic Partnerships with Mayoral Strategic Authorities to develop richer pipelines for regional investment.

    This appointment followed a fair and open recruitment process, and he is expected to take up his post on 1 November.

    Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves said:

    I would like to congratulate Oliver on his appointment as CEO of the National Wealth Fund.

    Oliver brings a wealth of private sector expertise and public service experience to this critical role. His expertise will be instrumental in delivering the government’s growth and clean energy missions.

    I would like to thank John Flint for his leadership in successfully transforming the UK Infrastructure Bank into the National Wealth Fund and for laying a strong foundation for its future growth.

    Incoming CEO of the National Wealth Fund, Oliver Holbourn said:

    The National Wealth Fund has an important role to play in the economic success of the UK; so I am deeply honoured to be taking the reins as Chief Executive at such a pivotal time.

    I am excited to get to work – using the NWF’s expertise and resources to partner with businesses, investors, mayoral combined and local authorities, and ministers and stakeholders to mobilise private investment alongside public sector finance. This will help drive sustainable economic growth across the UK and support the clean energy transition.

    Chair of the National Wealth Fund, Chris Grigg said:

    Oliver is the ideal person to lead the Fund into our next phase. He is passionately committed to our mission, brings a rare combination of senior leadership across both the public and private sectors, and has a background in banking, which is at the heart of what we do.

    I look forward to working with Oliver to realise the full potential of our expanded mandate, delivering the Government’s ambitions for growth and clean energy, underpinned by the new Industrial Strategy.

    Biography

    Oliver Holbourn was until very recently the CEO of RBS International Holdings, a subsidiary of the NatWest Group, where he was on the Group Executive Committee for over four years.

    With over 25 years of experience across investment banking, government investments, and strategic leadership. Oliver brings deep expertise in managing capital to deliver public value having previously served as Chief Executive Officer of UK Financial Investments (UKFI), where he was responsible for managing the government’s shareholdings in RBS, Lloyds and UK Asset Resolution, overseeing complex, high-value shareholdings on behalf of the UK taxpayer.

    Earlier in his career, Oliver spent over a decade at Bank of America, latterly as Managing Director of Equity Capital Markets for the UK, Ireland, and South Africa. His career has been defined by a strong track record in financial leadership, capital markets, and public sector engagement.

  • PRESS RELEASE : More areas of country move into drought with dry weather set to continue [July 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : More areas of country move into drought with dry weather set to continue [July 2025]

    The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 15 July 2025.

    National Drought Group steps up operational response and asks people to play their part in managing the drought and use water wisely.

    The National Drought Group (NDG) met today (15 July) as a drought is declared in the West and East Midlands. Dry weather continues to impact water resources across England requiring water companies to take action to manage demand with the public being urged to use water wisely.

    Since the group last met on 5 June, the situation has deteriorated, with further areas, including the West and East Midlands, now officially in drought and recently three more areas moved into prolonged dry weather status (Lincs and Northants, East Anglia, and Thames area). A hosepipe ban is set to be introduced from 22nd July by Thames Water following a period of prolonged dry weather in the area.

    Across England, rainfall was 20% less than long term average for June. June was also the hottest on record for England, with two heatwaves driving unusually high demand for water. Reservoir levels continue to fall, with overall storage across England at 75.6% and at 53.8% in Yorkshire necessitating a Temporary Use Ban (TUB).

    The National Drought Group heard that without further substantial rain, some water companies may need to implement further drought measures, including more Temporary Use Bans (TUBs) to conserve supplies. The Environment Agency expects and will ensure that water companies follow their drought management plans. Water companies need to step up their work to fix leaks and adjust their operations to conserve water.

    The public is being asked to think about how they use water at home and in the garden, and to comply with any local restrictions. The less water you use at the home, the more water there is in your local environment.  The National Drought Group is also asking recreational water users – such as anglers, swimmers, and boaters to remain vigilant and report any environmental issues they see, such as fish in distress, acting as important eyes and ears on the ground.

    Farmers are using water efficiently, supporting one another, and looking to trade water and welcome the support from the Environment Agency. However, without further rain, the agricultural community are facing a range of challenges due to the dry weather including concerns about irrigation reservoir levels. It is likely that yields will be lower than last year, particularly non-irrigated grains and straw

    Environment Agency teams are out on the ground actively monitoring river levels, with staff working with the water sector to ensure there is enough water for the people and the environment.  Teams are also supporting farmers and abstractors with advice on how to manage abstraction during prolonged dry weather and low flows.  Fisheries teams are responding where necessary to protect fish which are struggling due to reduced oxygen or moving them if the river has dried up and they have become stranded.

    Impacts across wildlife away from rivers and reservoirs have been seen since March. Wildfires, drying up wetlands and coastal sites, with the loss of breeding seasons for rare species have all been seen.

    Helen Wakeham, Environment Agency Director for Water and National Drought Group chair, said:

    This has been the driest start to the year since 1976, and we need to make sure our water supplies can sustain us through the summer.

    Today I have asked all the partners who make up the national drought group to step up their operational response to manage the drought and use water wisely. Environment Agency teams are out on the ground actively monitoring river levels and working to ensure there is enough water for the people and the environment.

    Water Minister Emma Hardy said:

    I have asked the National Drought Group to step up its response to ensure we are successfully managing the impacts of ongoing dry weather. Water companies must now take action to follow their drought plans – I will hold them to account if they delay.

    We face a growing water shortage in the next decade. That’s why we are pushing ahead with urgent water reforms under our Plan for Change, which includes £104 billion of private investment to build nine reservoirs and new pipes to cut leaks.

    Dr Will Lang, Chief Meteorologist at the Met Office, said:

    Although some areas saw rainfall at the start of July,  for many the month so far has been fairly dry, continuing a pattern seen through spring and June. We’ve now recorded our third heatwave of the summer and following a period of fresher, more unsettled conditions it’s likely to turn warmer and more humid again across many parts of England later this week. There’s also the possibility of heavy, thundery showers for some places too.

    It does look as though we’ll see typical changeable weather during the latter third of July and into early August with a mix of rain, showers. Confidence in details inevitably gets lower, the further ahead we look, but this would be consistent with our seasonal expectations.

    The National Drought Group – which includes the Met Office, government, regulators, water companies, farmers, CRT, angling groups and conservation experts. With further warm, dry weather expected, the NDG will continue to meet regularly to coordinate the national response and safeguard water supplies for people, agriculture, and the environment.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Improved trade rules to boost business and growth across the UK [July 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Improved trade rules to boost business and growth across the UK [July 2025]

    The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 15 July 2025.

    New changes to how the UK Internal Market Act works to benefit businesses across the four nations.

    • New reforms will ensure businesses can trade smoothly across the UK’s four nations, helping them operate more efficiently and with greater certainty.
    • Changes respond directly to business feedback and are a key part of the government’s Plan for Change to unlock investment and jobs, raise living standards and drive long-term growth.
    • Devolved governments will have greater flexibility to set rules that reflect local priorities, while protecting the UK’s internal market, worth £129bn a year, and supporting a more collaborative approach.

    Businesses trading across the UK’s four nations will benefit from clearer and more certain rules, following government changes to how the UK Internal Market Act works today [15 July].

    Following extensive feedback from businesses – including calls for greater clarity, consistency, and collaboration – the UK Government has completed a review of the Act ahead of schedule, ensuring seamless trading between the nations.

    The updated approach puts business needs at the forefront, while also enabling devolved governments to shape laws which align with their own priorities. A transparent and well-managed internal market will help to minimise the risk of unnecessary trade barriers, providing certainty for businesses to invest, boosting growth and raising living standards as the government delivers on its Plan for Change.

    In response to businesses’ asks, the rules will now be made in a way that is more transparent, streamlined, and considers a broader evidence base, encouraging open conversations between governments and making it easier for businesses to engage with and understand how decisions are made and applied across the UK.

    Protecting the environment and public health will be taken into account alongside economic factors when a government proposes excluding an area from the UK Internal Market Act. In addition, if a proposed change has only a limited economic impact, this can now be agreed through a streamlined process.

    This updated approach will better enable all four governments to agree shared rules across a wide range of areas including chemicals and pesticides and provide more flexibility to legislate.

    Minister for Trade Policy Douglas Alexander said:

    “A thriving internal market is essential to the UK’s economic success, so we’ve listened to what businesses want — and we’re acting ahead of schedule.

    “These reforms will keep trade flowing, reduce friction, and unlock growth across all four nations.

    “We’ve also worked closely with devolved governments to ensure they can deliver on their priorities.”

    Jane Gratton, Deputy Director of Public Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, said:

    “Trade between the nations of the UK is vital to the health of our overall economy and a key driver of growth. Businesses want to see devolved and UK governments working together to ensure there are no unnecessary barriers to the flows of goods and services between us.

    “The UK Internal Market Act is key to this, setting the foundations which underpin over £100bn of trade. This new streamlined approach to rulemaking will give businesses the certainty they need so they can grow, invest, and prosper.”

    This is just another example of how we’re making things better for business, alongside cutting regulation and reducing administrative costs to boost businesses and growth across the country for big and small firms.

    The UK internal market supported over £129 billion of trade between the four nations in 2019 — equivalent to around 6% of the UK economy. For Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, sales to the rest of the UK make up a major share of their external sales — typically around 60%. The reforms published today aim to protect and grow that vital trade, ensuring businesses can operate with confidence and certainty.

    This announcement follows a wide-ranging consultation launched in January 2025 and a statutory review announced in December 2024. The consultation received almost a hundred responses, from businesses, academics, environmental groups and the devolved governments. The improvements made to the operation of the Act are a result of those responses.

    Together, these steps mark a shift toward a more business-led, cooperative approach to managing the internal market — one that supports economic growth while respecting devolved powers.

    Notes to editors:

    • The UK government is required by law to review elements of the UK Internal Market Act by December 2025.
    • These changes do not affect provisions relating to Northern Ireland, which are tied to the Windsor Framework.
    • The UK Government continues to be committed to the Common Frameworks programme and improving transparency and collaboration between the four governments of the UK, which is clearly demonstrated by the outcomes of this review.
    • Further details can be found on the consultation outcome page.
  • PRESS RELEASE : Reeves to cut financial red tape to boost homeownership [July 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Reeves to cut financial red tape to boost homeownership [July 2025]

    The press release issued by HM Treasury on 15 July 2025.

    Red tape swept away in biggest financial regulation reforms in a decade to boost homeownership and put more money into people’s pockets through the government’s Plan for Change.

    • Nationwide set to widen access to its ‘Helping Hand’ mortgage from Wednesday, supporting 10,000 extra first-time buyers thanks to Chancellor’s Leeds Reforms.
    • Reeves: Benefits of a thriving finance sector will be felt all over Britain

    The Chancellor is expected to announce the biggest set of reforms to financial regulation in a decade at a summit of top finance executives in Leeds today, as part of the government’s mission to kick start economic growth and support more first-time buyers.

    Red tape holding back the competitiveness of the UK financial sector will be swept away under the Leeds Reforms, addressing long-standing industry complaints.

    The changes will see Britain become the top destination for finance firms over the next decade, attracting inward investment from across the globe to create good, skilled jobs around the country.

    Prospective homeowners will be given a leg up onto the housing ladder under the plans, with regulators acting on the Chancellor’s push to regulate for growth.

    More mortgages will be available at over 4.5 times a buyer’s income following Bank of England recommendations that some banks and building societies offer more high loan-to-income mortgages – creating up to 36,000 additional mortgages for first-time buyers over the first year.

    This change means that Nationwide will be able to make its popular ‘Helping Hand’ mortgage available to people with lower incomes. From Wednesday, eligible first-time buyers can apply for the mortgage with a £30,000 salary, down from £35,000, and joint applicants with a £50,000 combined salary – down from £55,000. This will support an additional 10,000 first-time buyers each year.

    This comes alongside the creation of a permanent mortgage guarantee scheme, delivering on a Manifesto commitment and ensuring high loan-to-value mortgages continue to be available in times of uncertainty, as well as a review of Financial Conduct Authority lending rules that could allow a prospective buyers’ record of paying rent on time to show they can afford mortgage repayments.

    The reforms will be unveiled in Leeds ahead of the Chancellor’s Mansion House speech this evening.

    Speaking in the City of London, Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves is expected to say:

    This is the foundation of an economy, and a country, that is more active and more confident.

    Where people and businesses look to the future and talk about hope about opportunity.

    Assured of their own capability, and of the ability of our country to boldly face the challenges that lie ahead.

    And certain of the prize if they succeed.

    Of higher wages and higher living standards.

    The renewal of Britain in every home and every high street.

    To put it simply: a Britain that is better off.

    She will add on homeownership:

    I welcome the recent changes the Financial Policy Committee has announced to the loan-to-income limit on mortgage lending, which the PRA and FCA are implementing immediately.

    With an instant impact for consumers, such as Nationwide offering its ‘Helping Hand’ mortgage to more first time-buyers – supporting an additional 10,000 each year.

    She will conclude:

    Today, I have placed financial services at the heart of the government’s growth mission.

    Recognising that Britain cannot succeed and meet its growth ambitions without a financial services sector that is fighting fit and thriving.

    And I have been clear on the benefits that that will drive.

    With a ripple effect that will drive investment in all sectors of our economy and put pounds in the pockets of working people.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Reappointment of a Ministry of Justice non-executive board member [July 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Reappointment of a Ministry of Justice non-executive board member [July 2025]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Justice on 15 July 2025.

    The Lord Chancellor has approved the reappointment of Mark Beaton, as a non-executive board member of the Ministry of Justice, for 3 years from 15 July 2025.

    MOJ non-executive board members exercise their role through influence and advice, supporting as well as challenging the executive, and covering such issues as:

    • Support, guidance and challenge on the progress and implementation of the Outcome Delivery Plan.
    • Performance, operational issues, adherence to relevant standards and on the effective management of the Department.
    • The recruitment, appraisal, and suitable success planning of senior executives.

    The appointment and reappointments of MOJ departmental board non-executive board members are regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments and reappointment process comply with the Cabinet Office Governance Code on Public Appointments.

    Biography

    Prior to joining the Ministry of Justice, Mark Beaton worked for 27 years for Accenture; one of the World’s leading Technology, Consulting and Outsourcing organisations.  During this time, he served on the Board of Accenture Operations and was a Global Leader in the Outsourcing business. He also led the Cloud and Security businesses for Europe. Mark spent 10 years working in the Technology, Digital and Consulting businesses as a consultant, including many years in Public Service for clients such as DWP.

    Mark was also the Executive Global Sponsor for Equality, Inclusion and Diversity for 187,000 people in Accenture Operations. After retiring from Accenture, Mark has worked for the past three and a half years as a Non-Executive Director in the NHS.

  • PRESS RELEASE : New UK eVisas for Pakistani students and workers [July 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : New UK eVisas for Pakistani students and workers [July 2025]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 15 July 2025.

    Most main applicants travelling to the UK on study or work-related visas will no longer need a physical sticker visa in passports from today (15 July).

    The UK Government is replacing physical immigration documents for most student and worker visas with a digital proof of immigration status, an eVisa. An eVisa is an online record of a person’s immigration permission in the UK, and any conditions which apply, which can be viewed by creating and accessing an online UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account.

    eVisas are part of an enhanced border and immigration system that will not only make the visa process easier, but is more secure, digital and streamlined. eVisas are tried and tested, with millions of people already using them on select immigration routes.

    British High Commissioner, Jane Marriott CMG OBE, said:

    These changes to the UK visa system will make it much simpler for students and workers to prove their identity and visa status. It also means applicants can hold onto their passports, saving them time.

    Updating from a physical document to an eVisa does not affect anyone’s immigration status or the conditions of their permission to enter or stay in the UK.

    E-visas are being rolled out for the main applicants for:

    • Students, including short term study for 11 months
    • Global Business Mobility routes (specifically, Senior or Specialist Worker, Graduate Trainee, UK Expansion Worker, Service Supplier, Secondment Worker)
    • Global Talent
    • International Sportsperson
    • Skilled Worker (including Health and Care)
    • Temporary Work routes (specifically, Charity Worker, Creative Worker, Government Authorised Exchange, International Agreement, and Religious work routes)
    • Youth Mobility Scheme

    Holders can link their travel document (such as passport) to their UKVI account to facilitate straightforward international travel. People who have created a UKVI account will be able to use the view and prove service to prove their status securely with third parties, such as employers or landlords (in England).

    Applicants applying as a dependant, or as a main applicant for visas other than study or work, e.g. general visitor visas, will still need a physical sticker visa. Anyone with existing, in date, physical visa stickers do not need to take any action.

    This will eventually be rolled out to all visa routes meaning a more secure and streamlined process for all UK visa customers.

  • NEWS STORY : New British Ambassador Appointed to Armenia

    NEWS STORY : New British Ambassador Appointed to Armenia

    STORY

    The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office has announced the appointment of Ms Alexandra Cole as His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Armenia. Ms Cole will succeed Mr John Gallagher, who is set to transfer to another Diplomatic Service appointment. She is expected to take up her new role in September 2025.

    Ms Cole brings a wealth of diplomatic experience to the position. Her extensive career includes serving as Deputy Head of Mission in Doha from 2020 to 2023, and in Tbilisi from 2018 to 2020. Prior to these postings, she held the role of Counsellor for Specialised Agencies at the UK Mission to the UN in Geneva from 2013 to 2018. Her background also includes roles in contingency planning, policy, and consular affairs across various regions, including the Middle East and North Africa, Cairo, Islamabad, and Sarajevo.

    This appointment marks a new chapter in the diplomatic relations between the United Kingdom and Armenia, with Ms Cole poised to lead the British Embassy in Yerevan and further strengthen bilateral ties.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Change of His Majesty’s Ambassador to Armenia – Alexandra Cole [July 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Change of His Majesty’s Ambassador to Armenia – Alexandra Cole [July 2025]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 15 July 2025.

    Ms Alexandra Cole has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Armenia in succession to Mr John Gallagher.

    Ms Alexandra Cole has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Armenia in succession to Mr John Gallagher who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment.  Ms Cole will take up her appointment during September 2025.

    Curriculum vitae

    Full name: Alexandra Pamela Cole

    Year Role
    2024 to present Pre-posting training
    2023 to 2024 FCDO, Head of Contingency Planning, MENA
    2020 to 2023 Doha, Deputy Head of Mission
    2018 to 2020 Tbilisi, Deputy Head of Mission
    2013 to 2018 UK Mission to the UN in Geneva, Counsellor Specialised Agencies
    2011 to 2013 FCO, Policy Unit
    2008 to 2010 Cairo, Consular Regional Director
    2006 to 2008 FCO, Engaging with Islamic World Group
    2004 to 2006 Islamabad, Second Secretary Human Rights
    2002 to 2004 Sarajevo, Second Secretary Political
    2001 to 2002 Pre-posting training (including Bosnian language training)
    1999 to 2001 FCO, Personnel Management Unit
    1996 to 1999 Tehran, Entry Clearance Officer
    1994 to 1995 FCO, Trade Union Side
    1992 to 1994 FCO, Finance Department
    1990 to 1992 FCO, Migration and Visa Department
    1990 Joined FCO