Tag: Downing Street

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 4 May 2026.

The Prime Minister met the President of France, Emmanuel Macron, and NATO Secretary General, Mark Rutte, at the European Political Community Summit earlier today. 

The leaders reflected on their recent diplomatic discussions, including on the situation in Ukraine.  

On the situation in the Middle East and the need for an end to the war in Iran, the leaders agreed on the need to reopen of the Strait of Hormuz to restore freedom of navigation and the free flow of global trade. 

They discussed European support already positioned in the region to reinforce security, and welcomed the close coordination between European allies.

They looked forward to speaking again soon.

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 4 May 2026.

The Prime Minister joined leaders from Ukraine, France, Italy, Poland, Canada, Norway, Finland, NATO, the European Commission and the European Council for a meeting on Ukraine this morning.

The Prime Minister opened the meeting by acknowledging the consistent strength and extraordinary efforts of Ukraine’s frontline to regain territory in recent weeks. 

The leaders discussed the European Union’s £78 billion loan to Ukraine, and the Prime Minister underlined the opportunity the UK’s involvement would bring for both Ukraine and European security. 

Reflecting on peace negotiations, the leaders reiterated their support for Ukraine and agreed it was vital economic pressure was maintained on Russia.

Building on Ukraine’s drone expertise, the group also discussed opportunities to accelerate defence industrial cooperation to provide new technologies to enhance long term security in Europe. 

The leaders looked forward to speaking again soon.

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 3 May 2026.

The Prime Minister met President Volodymyr Zelenskyy this afternoon, ahead of the European Political Community summit in Yerevan.

The Prime Minister paid tribute to President Zelenskyy and the Ukrainian people for their remarkable courage and strength in the face of Russia’s ongoing attacks. 

The leaders discussed Ukraine’s momentum on the battlefield, and the President updated on the latest from the frontline.

Both agreed on the importance of stepping up defence industrial collaboration with European partners to defend Ukraine for as long as it takes.

The leaders also reiterated the need to prepare and protect Ukraine’s energy infrastructure ahead of next winter to boost the country’s resilience to Russia’s ongoing barbaric attacks. 

Turning to negotiations, the leaders discussed Ukraine’s efforts to secure a durable peace and underlined the importance of maintaining and accelerating sanctions to force Russia to the negotiating table.

The leaders looked forward to speaking again tomorrow.

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 22 April 2026.

Today, France and the United Kingdom convened 51 countries for an international summit on the Strait of Hormuz. The meeting underlined the determination of the international community to support freedom of navigation, to stand up for international law, and to protect global economic stability and energy security.

We expressed our strong support for a comprehensive diplomatic settlement to the conflict through negotiations. Diplomacy must prevail.

The UK, France, and all our partners, will draw on our collective diplomatic, economic and military capabilities to support freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.

First, we called for the unconditional, unrestricted, and immediate re-opening of the Strait of Hormuz. The right of transit passage without restrictions or tolls is the bedrock of international trade. Freedom of navigation means navigation must be free. We therefore welcome the announcement today that the Strait will re-open and underline that this must endure. The disruption to global energy security, supply chains, and economic and financial stability must end, for the benefit of communities right across the world, in particular for the poorest and most vulnerable. We committed to coordinating our economic responses and to avoid protectionist actions.

Second, we confirmed our support for the vital work of the International Maritime Organisation to ensure the safety of seafarers and vessels. We will continue to work with the shipping industry to ensure that they can resume operations as soon as conditions permit, including through engagement with shipping operators, insurers, and industry bodies.

Third, France and the United Kingdom confirmed that they are establishing an independent and strictly defensive multinational mission to protect merchant vessels, reassure commercial shipping operators, and conduct mine clearance operations as soon as conditions permit following a sustainable ceasefire agreement.

The international mission will be strictly defensive, and will operate in full accordance with international law and in consultation with relevant states. We are grateful to those nations that have indicated their readiness to contribute in compliance with their constitutional procedures, whether through military assets, logistical support, financial contributions or political solidarity, and call on all countries with an interest in the free flow of global trade to express their support for this initiative.

The UK and France will jointly take forward this initiative, including coordinating military planning with contributing nations. The UK will host the next Leaders meeting in this format.

Following publication, Germany, Netherlands, New Zealand, Denmark, Estonia, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Portugal, Somalia, Cyprus, Poland, Belgium, Italy, Canada, Bahrain, North Macedonia, Latvia, Greece, Iceland, Australia, Montenegro, Lithuania, Romania, the Republic of Korea, Bulgaria, Djibouti, Czechia, Croatia, Iraq and Albania confirmed they also joined this joint leaders’ statement.

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 22 April 2026.

The Prime Minister welcomed the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Alain Berset, to Downing Street today.

The Prime Minister reiterated his personal commitment, and that of the government, to the Council of Europe and the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). Both leaders noted the utmost importance of the rule of law, democracy, and human rights to today’s global stability.

On the shared challenge of illegal migration, the Prime Minister highlighted the importance of showing that the ECHR reflects modern challenges and that it works for people with genuine concerns about border security. 

The Secretary General provided an update on the Council of Europe’s work to pursue accountability for the atrocities perpetrated in Ukraine and he thanked the UK government for its strong support in this area. 

They looked forward to speaking again soon.

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 17 April 2026.

The Prime Minister spoke to new Prime Minister of Hungary, Péter Magyar, from Paris this afternoon.

The Prime Minister began by offering his congratulations, adding that Prime Minister Magyar’s election victory marked a new chapter for Hungary.

That chapter offered a new opportunity for the UK and Hungary to deepen their relationship across all areas, the Prime Minister added.

The leaders also discussed how both countries could work together to tackle Russian aggression.

On Ukraine, the Prime Minister thanked Prime Minister Magyar for his support to ensure Ukraine could continue to defend itself from Russia’s barbaric attacks.

The leaders looked forward to speaking again soon.

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 17 April 2026.

The Prime Minister met the President of France, Emmanuel Macron, in Paris this morning, ahead of talks with partners on the Strait of Hormuz.

The leaders began by reflecting on the situation in the Middle East and agreed on the need for a lasting peace to ensure a return to global stability and security in the region.

Turning to the bilateral relationship, both leaders discussed how the UK and France were entering a new era of global collaboration together through the convening of the Coalition of the Willing on Ukraine, and Strait of Hormuz Maritime Freedom of Navigation Initiative.

The Prime Minister also set out his ambition for a closer relationship between the UK and European Union, reflecting the threats and challenges now faced, and the need to build a stronger Europe.

Returning to Ukraine, the leaders underlined the need to continue to ensure the country had the means necessary to drive forward the momentum they had seized on the battlefield.

The leaders also discussed migration. The Prime Minister and President agreed on the need to continue momentum to drive down illegal crossings between France and the UK, and tackle the problem upstream working with international partners.

The leaders looked forward to speaking again during the summit.

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 12 April 2026.

The Prime Minister spoke with the President of France, Emmanuel Macron, earlier this afternoon.

The leaders discussed the situation in the Middle East and the importance of de‑escalation across the region. The Prime Minister stressed the need for a lasting ceasefire, with both leaders agreeing that any ceasefire must include Lebanon to support wider regional stability.

They agreed on the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz for global trade and energy supplies, and on the need to work with a wide coalition of partners to protect freedom of navigation.

Turning to Europe, they underlined the importance of close cooperation between the UK, France and the EU in tackling shared challenges.

On migration, the leaders discussed the importance of continuing efforts to reduce dangerous small boat crossings and tackle irregular migration, including through bilateral cooperation and work with European partners.

They agreed to stay in close touch.

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 12 April 2026.

The Prime Minister spoke to the Sultan of Oman, His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik al Said, this morning.

They discussed the peace talks held in Pakistan over the weekend and urged both sides to find a way through. It was vital there was a continuation of the ceasefire, and that all parties avoided any further escalation, the leaders agreed.

His Majesty updated on the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, and the Prime Minister thanked him for Oman’s efforts to rescue sailors from vessels in distress in the region.

Reflecting on international efforts to coordinate safe passage for shipping in the region, the Prime Minister said that following meetings convened by the Foreign Secretary and British military planners, partners continued to work towards restoring freedom of navigation for the long term.

The Prime Minister also reiterated the UK’s commitment to ensuring Oman’s security and updated on the UK’s work with Ukraine on drone technology.

It was clear Ukraine’s expertise had been vital to the region in recent weeks, while Russia appeared to continue to support Iran’s aggression, the Prime Minister added.

The leaders agreed to speak again soon.