Tag: Foreign Office

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 1 April 2026.

Minister for the Middle East statement marking two years since seven World Central Kitchen aid workers were killed in an Israeli strike, including three British citizens.

Minister for the Middle East Hamish Falconer said:

It has been two years since an Israeli strike on a World Central Kitchen convoy in Gaza killed seven aid workers delivering food to starving civilians. Among those killed were three British citizens.

For two years, the families of Armed Forces veterans John Chapman, James Henderson and James Kirby have sought answers. The UK government has pressed Israel at the highest level for answers. Israel has a responsibility to provide these.

I’ve heard first-hand the pain their families have endured. So today, I repeat the UK’s call for transparency and accountability for this appalling attack – we will continue to push for justice. No aid worker should be killed doing their job providing lifesaving care to civilians living in the most dire straits.

I pay tribute to the bravery of the World Central Kitchen staff, it is vital that we do everything we can to ensure humanitarian staff can carry out their work without fear. More than 500 aid workers have lost their lives in Gaza since October 2023. Before the ceasefire, it was the most dangerous place in the world to be an aid worker.

I urge Israel to swiftly conclude and publish their findings into this attack. The families of those killed must know why this happened. Lessons must be learnt. A tragedy like this must never happen again.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 1 April 2026.

Statement on Lebanon by the foreign ministers of Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, France, Greece, Italy, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal, the UK and the High Representative of the European Union.

We, Foreign Ministers of Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, France, Greece, Italy, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal, and the United Kingdom, and the High Representative of the European Union, express our full support to the Government and people of Lebanon, who are once again suffering the dramatic consequences of a war that is not theirs. We express our condolences to the family of the victims and our solidarity to the civilian population impacted by this war both in Lebanon and Israel.

The responsibility for this situation lies with Hezbollah. We strongly condemn Hezbollah’s attacks in support of Iran against Israel, which must cease immediately. The priority is to avoid a further escalation of the regional conflict with Iran.

We support the historic and courageous decisions taken by the Lebanese Government. There is no other way to preserve Lebanon from foreign interference than by strengthening its State, its institutions and sovereignty. In that regard, we call for direct political negotiation between Lebanon and Israel, that can contribute to putting a durable end to this conflict and set the conditions for peaceful regional coexistence.

The Lebanese executive has our full support in its approach and we encourage it to continue on this path through the implementation of concrete and irreversible measures, at all levels, to restore its sovereignty over the whole Lebanese territory, including the State’s monopoly on arms. In this context, we are committed to support the Lebanese Armed Forces and Lebanese Security Forces, by participating actively in the international support conference to be held as soon as conditions allow. With a view to enabling the Lebanese security forces to become the sole independent guarantors of Lebanon’s sovereignty in the long term, we also call on the Lebanese authorities to continue to adopt the necessary financial and economic reforms, in line with IMF requirements.

We call on all parties to immediately deescalate and to revert to the cessation of hostilities agreement and UN Security Council resolution 1701 (2006). We call for the protection of the civilian population, humanitarian personnel, peacekeepers, and civilian infrastructure, including airport, ports and bridges across the country, in line with international humanitarian law. We reaffirm our concern regarding the forced displacement of over 1m people in Lebanon. We call on Israel to avoid a further widening of the conflict including through a ground operation on Lebanese territory. We strongly reaffirm that the territorial integrity of Lebanon must be respected.

We stand determined to continue to support the Lebanese government in providing humanitarian assistance to those affected by the conflict including the more than 1 million people displaced and to preserve Lebanon’s internal cohesion, building on the emergency measures already taken by our respective countries. We call on the entire international community to participate in this vital humanitarian effort to ensure dignified living conditions for the many victims of this conflict.

Finally, we reaffirm our strong support for the mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) in South Lebanon and call to ensure deconfliction channels remain open. We strongly condemn all recent attacks on UNIFIL contingents, which provoked unacceptable casualties among peacekeepers in recent days. We urge all parties, under all circumstances, to ensure the safety and security of UNIFIL personnel and premises, in accordance with international law. We commend its remarkable work in these difficult conditions.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 30 March 2026.

Mrs Jane Stevens has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Iceland in succession to Dr Bryony Mathew. Mrs Stevens will take up her appointment during September 2026.

Curriculum vitae

Full name: Jane Elizabeth Stevens

Year	Role
2025 to present	Full time language training (Icelandic)
2024 to 2025	FCDO, temporary assignments in MENAD, EECAD and Analysis Directorate
2022 to 2023	FCDO, Deputy Director, Ukraine Campaign Unit
2018 to 2022	FCDO, Europe Directorate (Deputy Head EU Exit, then Europe Strategy)
2013 to 2018	FCO, Team Leader then Deputy Head, Projects Task Force
2010 to 2013	FCO, Olympics Directorate (London 2012)
2004 to 2010	Maternity/special unpaid leave
2003 to 2004	FCO, Press Officer to the Permanent Under Secretary, then Chief Press Officer
2001 to 2003	FCO, Communication Directorate (Islamic Media)
1998 to 2001	FCO, Middle East and North Africa Directorate (Iraq)

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 26 March 2026.

UK Chargé d’Affaires, Deputy Ambassador James Ford, welcomes the OSCE Mission’s continued public advocacy and work on election integrity, reconciliation and dialogue between communities.

Thank you, Mr Chair.

And welcome Ambassador Holtzapple to the Permanent Council. As you know, the United Kingdom is a strong supporter of your Mission’s work.

Mr Chair, the United Kingdom remains committed to supporting a more inclusive, stable and transparent Bosnia and Herzegovina within the framework of the Dayton Peace Agreement. We are working with our international partners to support domestic institutions to respond to threats to Dayton, and to encourage constructive engagement from leaders in the wider region.  

We believe that following the recent presidential elections in Republika Srpska there is an opportunity for the new RS President to draw a line under the past and move towards a functional, stable Republika Srpska entity respectful of the BiH constitution. We encourage all politicians – including the current leadership of Republika Srpska – to work for the benefit of all the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The United Kingdom strongly values the OSCE Mission’s strong public advocacy and continuing work on reconciliation and facilitating dialogue between communities. A more inclusive and cohesive society is essential to achieving a positive future for the whole of Bosnia and Herzegovina. We particularly value the insight and proactive engagement by the nine OSCE Field Offices across the country and their role towards strengthening inter-ethnic relations. This has remained especially important amid recent divisive and inflammatory rhetoric.

We welcome ongoing efforts to draft reforms to BiH’s Constitution and Election Law, to address electoral discrimination and bring BiH in line with European Court of Human Rights requirements. It is positive news that the Working Group, established to advance this process, has committed to meeting again this month to discuss reform proposals. We urge continued and sustained efforts to implement these reforms ahead of October’s general elections.

The UK is pleased to have contributed to the Mission’s programme of support for improving the integrity of electoral processes in BiH. The successful rollout of election technology is a key part of strengthening political plurality and bolstering trust in democratic processes.  

Lastly, I wanted to recognise the role played by OSCE field missions in delivering cost savings which allowed the adoption of the 2026 OSCE budget, for the first time in five years. Decisions around staffing cuts have been difficult, and we thank you for engaging so constructively with the process.

Thank you again, Ambassador Holtzapple, for your leadership of the Mission at this important time. We highly appreciate the hard work and expertise of your team, and wish you continued success.

Thank you, Mr Chair.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 26 March 2026.

UK Statement for the Item 10 Interactive Dialogue with the Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Mali. Delivered at the 61st Human Rights Council in Geneva.

Thank you, Mr Vice President,

The United Kingdom welcomes Mali’s continued engagement with the Human Rights Council and the mandate of the Independent Expert. Respect for human rights, justice and accountability is fundamental to achieving lasting security and stability, and we urge the government of Mali to maintain their engagement with the Independent Expert.

The human rights situation remains concerning. We are troubled by ongoing reports of violations and abuses affecting civilians, including women and children. As the Independent Expert notes, armed opposition groups violate international humanitarian law with impunity. Restrictions on civic space, the detention of opposition figures and journalists, and limitations on political participation are also of concern.

The United Kingdom remains committed to supporting the Malian people. This financial year, the UK is providing around $55 million in assistance, including support for health, education, and humanitarian assistance for those displaced by conflict.

We welcome efforts taken by the government of Mali to address challenges facing the Malian people and encourage them to take further steps to strengthen the protection of human rights and end impunity.

Mr Vice President, what further steps could the international community take to support Mali in strengthening accountability and protecting civic space?

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 26 March 2026.

UK Statement for the Item 10 Enhanced Interactive Dialogue on the oral update by the High Commissioner on the situation of human rights in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Delivered at the 61st Human Rights Council in Geneva.

Thank you, Madame Vice President.

The UK thanks the Deputy High Commissioner for her update on the situation of human rights in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, including the challenges and concerns that she has raised. We urge the DRC government to engage with these.

The UK remains gravely concerned by the situation in eastern DRC, where the security and human rights situation continues to deteriorate, driven by M23’s advances with the support of the Rwanda Defence Force.

Intensifying armed conflict has displaced more than 5 million people, and widespread human rights abuses and violations are being committed by all parties to the conflict. We remain particularly concerned by the scale of conflict-related sexual violence. We remind all parties of their obligations under international law to hold perpetrators to account.

At the same time, humanitarian workers face unprecedent obstacles. We urge all parties to allow full and unhindered humanitarian access.

The UK calls on all parties to the conflict to immediately respect the ceasefire, return to the negotiating table and implement their commitments under the Doha Framework and Washington Accords.

Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 26 March 2026.

UK Chargé d’Affaires, Deputy Ambassador James Ford, condemns Russia’s attempts to justify its illegal occupation of Crimea. He reaffirms that Crimea is Ukraine and calls on Russia to end its occupation and cease its wider war of aggression.

Thank you, Mr Chair.

Last week, Russia used this Council to “celebrate” the so‑called reunification of Crimea with the Russian Federation. Russia even claimed that this “confirms that there are alternatives to violence and hatred”.

Mr Chair that was disinformation not worthy of this forum, and it warrants a clear rebuttal.  Russia knows that its invasion, occupation and attempted annexation of Crimea in 2014 was achieved through force. And nothing in the reality of Crimea today supports the narrative Russia presented here last week.

In the drafting of the Helsinki Final Act, the USSR itself was insistent on the inviolability of frontiers in Europe. It is notable that Russia is now the State seeking to erode this foundation of our collective security.

Indeed, Russia’s actions in Crimea in 2014 violated multiple Helsinki principles, including: sovereign equality; the inviolability of frontiers; territorial integrity; refraining from the threat or use of force; and the peaceful settlement of disputes. The events of 2014 were not a spontaneous expression of popular will. They followed an anti‑constitutional seizure of territory, conducted under military occupation, and accompanied by systematic pressure on local populations. This included Crimean Tatars, whose fundamental rights have since been routinely violated.

Twelve years on, Russia’s attempts to retroactively justify its actions do not alter these facts. Nor do they change the reality that Crimea’s occupation marked another milestone – alongside Russia’s actions in Moldova and Georgia – in Moscow’s assault on European security. Russia’s actions of 2014 culminated in the full‑scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, and of course continue today.

Independent reporting shows that the tactics Russia employed in Crimea have since been applied across other occupied areas of Ukraine: methods like detention, disappearances and deportations, targeting Ukrainian communities and attempting to erode Ukrainian identity.

And Russia’s continued large‑scale aerial assaults across Ukraine demonstrate how this same pattern of coercion and disregard for civilian life continues today. Earlier this week, Russia launched nearly one thousand drones and dozens of missiles in the largest attack over a 24-hour period since the war began. Among the sites damaged were Lviv’s 16th‑century Bernardine Monastery – a UNESCO World Heritage site – and a maternity hospital. These attacks are part of a sustained strategy of intimidation that demonstrates, yet again, Russia’s contempt for peace talks and its refusal to resolve disputes through diplomatic or lawful means.

Mr Chair, OSCE participating States have repeatedly reaffirmed the Helsinki Final Act and underlined that its principles are non‑negotiable. Russia agreed to these principles freely; in fact, it strongly advocated for some of them. It cannot choose to invoke them when convenient while discarding them in practice.

The United Kingdom reaffirms that Crimea is part of Ukraine, today as in 2014. We call on Russia to meet its OSCE commitments by ending its occupation of Crimean territory, and all occupied territory, and ceasing its war of aggression against Ukraine.

Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 24 March 2026.

Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Chargé d’Affaires to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on the Middle East.

The United Kingdom remains deeply concerned by the conflict in the Middle East and its impact upon civilians.

Together with partners, we continue to strive for a swift resolution to this crisis.

And we cannot let this current period of crisis in the region distract us from the need to make progress on the 20-Point Plan for Gaza, or from the deeply concerning trajectory in the West Bank.

So I will make three points.

First, the parties and this Council, through resolution 2803, have expressed their backing for President Trump’s 20-Point Plan. 

But Gaza today remains unacceptably divided. 

Repeated violations of the ceasefire are costing lives and undermining progress for peace.

It is essential that swift progress is made to implement Phase 2. 

Hamas has no future in the governance of Gaza. It and other militant groups must demilitarise. 

And I welcome and fully support High Representative Mladenov’s remarks on the importance of full decommissioning.

Swift progress also means the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza being given full support to lead the day-to-day administration of Gaza during the transition to Palestinian Authority governance, delivering for the Palestinian people’s immediate needs and the crucial recovery efforts needed across the Gaza Strip.

Second, Resolution 2803 is clear on the need for the full resumption of humanitarian aid into Gaza. 

Yet for weeks, Israel has restricted the delivery of humanitarian aid to one single crossing. 

Last week, 1,063 trucks were offloaded, just one quarter of the weekly target of 4,200 trucks.

And Israel’s closure of the Rafah crossing on 28 February for 18 days delayed life‑saving medical evacuations for thousands. 

This is wholly unacceptable.

A lack of essential goods is driving up commercial prices, while shelter materials, critical medical supplies, fuel, and repair equipment remain blocked by Israel under long‑standing dual‑use restrictions.

At the same time, the Government of Israel’s de-registration measures are shrinking the space for international NGOs in Palestine

The UN and its partners, including UNRWA and International NGOs, must be able to operate unimpeded in Gaza, with access to all parts of the Strip and the supplies needed to deliver essential and lifesaving services.

Finally, we cannot successfully implement the 20-Point Plan without resolving the situation in the West Bank.

The UK has repeatedly and strongly condemned Israeli steps to expand control over the West Bank. 

We have been clear. Israeli settlements in the West Bank are illegal under international law. 

And the severe economic restrictions imposed by Israel are significantly undermining peace efforts.

The UK is appalled by recent killings, reports of sexual assault, torture, and degrading treatment of Palestinians at the hands of violent settlers. 

We strongly condemn settler violence and terror, including the spate of attacks on West Bank villages over the weekend.

Since February 28, we have seen 6 Palestinians shot dead by settlers, as well as the killing of Palestinian children by Israeli forces. 

This is completely unacceptable, as is the apparent lack of accountability for countless reports of human rights violations at the Sde Teiman facility.

The Israeli government must take concrete steps to prevent any such egregious actions and ensure accountability. 

Impunity for such horrific actions is inconsistent with international law.

President, we still have the opportunity to end the cycle of violence and build a better future for the region, a better future for the next Israeli and Palestinian generations. 

A two-state solution is the only way to achieve this. There is no alternative.

Together, and urgently, we must preserve the land and the people of Palestine so that a two-state solution remains viable.

To promote peace, security, and stability, the Israeli Government must reverse the Security Cabinet’s decision to expand control over the West Bank and take urgent action to halt the escalating violence and hold perpetrators accountable.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 19 March 2026.

Deputy Ambassador James Ford reaffirms the UK’s commitment to tackling anti Muslim hatred and promoting tolerance and non-discrimination and the enjoyment of human rights for all.

Thank you, Mr Chair.

The United Kingdom reiterates its firm commitment to tolerance, non‑discrimination, and the full enjoyment of human rights for all. These principles are at the heart of the OSCE’s comprehensive approach to security. When they are undermined, our societies become less cohesive, less resilient, and less safe.

We thank Türkiye for raising this important issue today. Anti‑Muslim hatred is a serious and persistent problem across the OSCE area. No one should face intimidation, discrimination or violence because they are Muslim or perceived to be Muslim.

According to the UK’s most recent official statistics, 45% of police-recorded religious hate crimes targeted Muslims – a level that has been high for many years. This month, the UK Government adopted a new non‑statutory definition of Anti‑Muslim Hostility. This definition was informed by the work of an independent expert working group and a broad evidence‑gathering process.

The definition has a clear purpose within the UK: to improve understanding of unacceptable hostility targeting Muslims and those perceived to be Muslim, and to provide a practical framework for action. The definition helps public authorities, employers and services recognise when behaviour crosses the line into targeted hostility, unlawful discrimination or prejudicial stereotyping intended to encourage hatred.

Domestically, this sits alongside wider work to tackle all forms of religiously motivated hate crime and to strengthen social cohesion. The UK continues to support security measures for places of worship, to fund monitoring and victim‑support services, and to promote dialogue between communities. We recognise that antisemitism, anti‑Muslim hatred and other forms of hatred often rise together and must be addressed together.

Internationally, the UK remains committed to championing freedom of religion or belief for all, and to implementing our OSCE human dimension commitments. We will continue to support ODIHR and the OSCE’s Personal Representatives on tolerance and non‑discrimination, and to share good practice, including on the  implementation of non‑statutory definitions at a national level such as the IHRA working definition of antisemitism and, now, our definition of Anti‑Muslim Hostility.

Across the OSCE region, we must resist efforts to instrumentalise religion for political ends, and we must confront disinformation and narratives that inflame tensions between communities. The United Kingdom will continue to work with participating States, OSCE institutions and civil society to ensure that every individual can live free from fear, and that diversity is recognised as a source of strength, not division.

Thank you, Mr Chair.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 19 March 2026.

Ecuador and UK hold political consultations in London, reaffirming strong ties and advancing cooperation on security, trade, environment and education.

Delegations from Ecuador and the United Kingdom held their first Bilateral Political Consultation in London on 19 March 2026. The meeting was co-chaired by the Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ecuador, Ambassador Alejandro Dávalos, and the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Multilateral, Human Rights, Latin America and the Caribbean), Chris Elmore MP.

Noting the strong and historic partnership between the UK and Ecuador, the Consultation reaffirmed the excellent state of bilateral relations and the shared commitment of both countries to maintaining regular political and technical dialogue.

A range of bilateral issues were discussed, with particular emphasis on security, trade & investment, and environment & climate cooperation. During the meeting, both authorities reflected on the growing people-people links being built between the UK and Ecuador, including through education, business and tourism.

The Consultation included exchanges on our strong trade relationship. The parties celebrated the developments made in recent years, supported by the Double Taxation Agreement and Andean Trade Agreement. Vice Minister Dávalos also highlighted the strategic importance of the banana trade for Ecuador’s economic growth, its development and labour, and on sustainability and environmental protection.

On security matters, both parties agreed on the importance of strengthening cooperation against transnational organised crime, particularly through enhanced collaboration on maritime security, drug trafficking, information exchange and efforts to combat illicit financial flows. Minister Elmore stressed the UK’s commitment to enhancing regional and international security.

The parties exchanged views on other areas of mutual interest, including migration, environmental cooperation, and the strengthening of educational opportunities through the UK’s Chevening Programme and the scientific research grants offered by Ecuador in the Galapagos.

The UK and Ecuador remain committed to strengthening bilateral ties across security, trade, development, environment and climate. At the conclusion of the meeting both parties agreed to continue advancing the issues discussed, and to reconvene in Ecuador in 2027.