Tag: Foreign Office

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 8 January 2026.

Statement by Caroline Quinn, UK Deputy Political Coordinator, at the UN Security Council meeting on Syria.

It has been a year since the fall of the Assad regime in Syria.

This new Syrian government has provided hope that Assad-era chemical weapons will be verifiably identified and eliminated, once and for all.

The United Kingdom applauds the continued commitment of Syria’s leadership to comply with the Chemical Weapons Convention and to meet its obligations under Resolution 2118 and we commend the continued professionalism and dedication of the OPCW technical secretariat staff who carry out their work in Syria under difficult conditions. 

In 2025, Syria and the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons made important progress under challenging circumstances.

First, multiple OPCW deployments to Syria have increased our understanding of the scale and scope of Assad’s chemical weapons programme. Evidence found of an undeclared chemical weapons programme was a stark reminder of the threat in Syria and to the wider region.

Second, a Syrian-led decision on expedited destruction was adopted by the OPCW Executive Council in October allowing Syria and the OPCW to deal with dangerous elements of Assad’s programme upon discovery. 

And third, a Syrian-led decision adopted at the Conference of the States Parties in November was an important step towards restoring Syria’s rights and privileges at the OPCW.

The United Kingdom welcomes the establishment of a continuous OPCW presence in Syria and the appointment of a new Syrian Permanent Representative to the OPCW in the Hague. We pay tribute to Qatar for representing Syria since January 2025.

These milestones provide a foundation for Syria and the OPCW secretariat to accelerate their work in 2026; however, there remain challenges to overcome.

Significant and sustainable financial and in-kind support from the international community is needed to deliver the elimination of Assad’s remnant chemical weapons programme.

The United Kingdom is proud to support Syria in this respect, having contributed over $3.8million since December 2024 to OPCW Syria missions. We will continue to provide technical expertise to both Syria and the OPCW. 

We urge Council members and the wider international community to assist in this endeavour.

President, this Council has spent more than a decade discussing this file.

With clear commitment from Syria’s leadership to eradicate chemical weapons and to seek accountability for their use, we hope to see continued progress in 2026 to deliver these important outcomes for the Syrian people.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 5 January 2026.

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

The Venezuelan people have suffered for years.

This Council now meets at a pivotal moment for Venezuela’s future.

Maduro’s actions created extreme levels of poverty, violent repression, and failing basic services. 

His regime’s rule precipitated a displacement crisis affecting the whole region. 

The United Kingdom has long been clear that Maduro’s claim to power was fraudulent. 

To date, Venezuela’s National Electoral Council has failed to publish the full results of the July 2024 Presidential elections. 

Independent domestic and international reports also observed significant irregularities and a lack of transparency. 

President, the United Kingdom wants to see a safe and peaceful transition to a legitimate government that reflects the will of the Venezuelan people. 

They deserve a government which reflects their vote at the ballot box, and delivers a more stable, prosperous future for all Venezuelans.

Finally, President, the United Kingdom reaffirms its commitment to international law and the principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations.  

These foundations are essential for maintaining global peace, security, and the rule of law.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 30 December 2025.

Joint statement on Gaza from the foreign ministers of Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Iceland, Japan, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

Joint statement:

We, the Foreign Ministers of Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Iceland, Japan, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom express serious concerns about the renewed deterioration of the humanitarian situation in Gaza which remains catastrophic. As winter draws in, civilians in Gaza are facing appalling conditions with heavy rainfall and temperatures dropping. 1.3 million people still require urgent shelter support. More than half of health facilities are only partially functional and face shortages of essential medical equipment and supplies. The total collapse of sanitation infrastructure has left 740,000 people vulnerable to toxic flooding.

On 19 December, the IPC published their latest report which showed that while there has been some improvement since the dire reports of famine in August, the situation remains desperate. The majority of the population (1.6 million people) in the Gaza Strip face high levels of acute food insecurity. Whilst the amount of aid going into Gaza has increased since the ceasefire, the response remains severely constrained by persistent impediments on humanitarian access.

We welcome the important progress that has been made to end the bloodshed in Gaza, secure the release of the hostages and turn the page on two terrible years of conflict. We also call for the remains of the final deceased hostage to be handed over swiftly, and for Hamas to disarm and renounce violence in line with the New York Declaration and UNSCR 2803 endorsing the Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict.

However, we will not lose focus on the plight of civilians in Gaza. We are therefore calling on the Government of Israel to take the following urgent and essential steps:

Firstly, ensure that international NGOs are able to operate in Gaza in a sustained and predictable way. As 31 December approaches, many established international NGO partners are at risk of being deregistered because of the Government of Israel’s restrictive new requirements. Deregistration could result in the forced closure of INGO operations within 60 days in Gaza and the West Bank. This would have a severe impact on access to essential services including healthcare. One in 3 healthcare facilities in Gaza will close if INGOs operations are stopped. INGOs are integral to the humanitarian response and – working with the UN and Palestinian organisations – collectively deliver approximately $1 billion in aid across Palestine each year. Any attempt to stem their ability to operate is unacceptable. Without them, it will be impossible to meet all urgent needs at the scale required.

Secondly, ensure the UN and its partners can continue their vital work. This is essential to ensure the impartial, neutral, and independent delivery of aid throughout the whole of Gaza. This includes UNRWA, which provides essential services, such as healthcare and education, to millions of Palestinian refugees.

Thirdly, lift unreasonable restrictions on imports considered to have a dual use. This includes urgently needed medical and shelter equipment. The restrictions are holding up essential supplies in every sector and preventing the rehabilitation and repair of critical infrastructure.

Finally, open crossings and boost the flows of humanitarian aid into Gaza. We welcome the partial opening of the Allenby crossing, but other corridors for moving goods to Gaza remain closed or severely restricted for humanitarian aid. This includes Rafah, which was noted explicitly in the Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict. Bureaucratic customs processes and extensive screenings are causing delays, while commercial cargo is being allowed in more freely.  The target of 4,200 trucks per week, including an allocation of 250 UN trucks per day, should be a floor not a ceiling. These targets should be lifted so we can be sure the vital supplies are getting in at the vast scale needed.

Together, these restrictions limit the capacity for aid to be delivered at the scale needed, in accordance with international humanitarian law, or for repairs to be made to support recovery and reconstruction efforts. We now urge the Government of Israel to remove these humanitarian access constraints, and to deliver and honour the Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict. This is necessary for an effective humanitarian response, successful recovery and reconstruction and lasting peace and stability.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 29 December 2025.

The New Year Overseas Honours list recognises the outstanding contribution of British nationals abroad or internationally.

• Sarina Wiegman, the Head Coach of the England Women’s football team, appointed an honorary Dame in recognition of her services to football
• Dame Barbara Woodward, UK Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York, is made a Dame Grand Cross for her contribution to British foreign policy, and incoming Ambassador to the USA Dr Christian Turner is awarded with a Knighthood for his service in advancing UK foreign policy
• Multiple awards recognise British nationals for remarkable voluntary and charitable work overseas

One hundred and twelve people have received awards for their exceptional service to the UK overseas and internationally in the Overseas and International New Year Honours List this year. They are recognised for a wide range of contributions across different sectors, with many recipients given awards for voluntary and charitable work.

The most senior official recognised in the list is Dame Barbara Woodward, who is appointed Dame Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George (GCMG) for her outstanding contributions to the UK through international diplomacy and public service, most recently as the UK’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations and the first female British Ambassador to China.

Sarina Wiegman is recognised with an honorary Damehood (honorary awards to foreign nationals are the responsibility of the Foreign Secretary) for her outstanding contribution to Association football. As national coach, Ms Wiegman led the England Women’s football team, the ‘Lionesses’, in retaining their European Championship title this summer. Since becoming national coach, Ms Wiegman has inspired and overseen an unprecedented run of success for the Lionesses, reaching 3 major finals in a row and catalysing growth in women’s and girls’ football in the UK.

David Mabey, Professor of Communicable Diseases at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, is appointed a Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George (KCMG) in recognition of his exceptional and sustained contribution to global health. Also receiving a KCMG is Professor Tony Redmond, the founder of UK-Med and Professor Emeritus of International Emergency Medicine at the University of Manchester, who is recognised for his extraordinary services in support of humanitarian medical assistance around the world over many years.

Further information about recipients receiving substantive knighthood level awards on the Overseas and International List can be found below and alongside the lists published on GOV.UK. 

Sir Olly Robbins, Permanent Under-Secretary at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, said:

Today His Majesty The King has recognised those who show the UK at its very best internationally. Individuals that go above and beyond to protect UK nationals and interests around the world.

On behalf of the Foreign Secretary and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office I would like to congratulate and thank these outstanding individuals for their dedication and service.

Honorary awards are not listed in the New Year and Birthday honours lists. They are announced on GOV.UK as and when formal approval is given for them: Honorary awards to foreign nationals in 2025.

The Overseas and International New Year Honours list also recognises a wide range of contributions at all levels, including awards to British nationals for exceptional voluntary and charitable service that has enhanced the UK’s reputation overseas.

These include:

Dr Comfort Ero

President and Chief Executive Officer, International Crisis Group, receives a CMG [Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George] for services to Crisis Response and Conflict Prevention.

Comfort Ero, President and Chief Executive Officer of the International Crisis Group, is recognised with a CMG for her outstanding contribution to crisis response and conflict prevention. Over several decades, she has shaped how the international community understands and addresses conflict, providing rigorous analysis and policy recommendations that have enhanced security and stability in some of the world’s most volatile regions. Under her leadership since 2021, the International Crisis Group has strengthened its global reputation for independent, field‑based insight, delivering advice that has had significant impact on the ground and earned strong recognition from partners and policymakers worldwide.

As President, she has steered Crisis Group’s influential work on preventing escalation, protecting civilians, and supporting diplomatic solutions. Her leadership has improved conditions for vulnerable communities. Having lived and worked in multiple conflict‑affected states, and previously serving as Crisis Group’s Africa Director and as a senior adviser to the UN, Comfort Ero has demonstrated exceptional dedication, expertise and personal courage throughout her career.

On learning of her award, Comfort Ero said:

I’m deeply grateful to receive the CMG. In an era increasingly afflicted by war and humanitarian crises, this award is testimony to the dedication of my colleagues at the International Crisis Group and our work shaping policies to build a more peaceful world. It’s a privilege to lead an organisation that, in its 30th year, continues to serve as an invaluable global public good.

Patrick McCabe

Patrick McCabe, lately Programme Manager, Explosive Ordnance Device Operations, United Nations Mine Action Service Occupied Palestinian Territory (UNMAS OPT), Palestine, receives an OBE [Officer of the Order of the British Empire] for services to the safe disposal of Explosive Ordnance Devices in Gaza.

Patrick McCabe is recognised with an OBE for his exceptional bravery and technical expertise in explosive ordnance disposal in Gaza. Before October 2023, he personally rendered safe many deep‑buried bombs – high‑risk operations that significantly reduced danger to civilians – and supported other operations across Gaza and the West Bank. Since 2023, he has become a critical part of the humanitarian response, providing explosive hazard support to more than 50 aid convoys, including the World Health Organisation mission to evacuate infants from Al Shifa hospital. Operating under extreme conditions, he also administered lifesaving first aid during multiple casualty incidents. His dedication has had a significant impact on civilian safety and humanitarian access in one of the world’s most challenging environments.

On learning of his award, Patrick McCabe said:

Thank you for this most uplifting news. I would be extremely proud to be awarded the OBE by His Majesty King Charles in the New Years Honours. I am deeply honoured and humbled.

Michael Raine

Michael Raine, Programme Manager, APOPO Cambodia, receives an OBE [Officer of the Order of the British Empire] for services to Humanitarian Land Mine Clearance and Explosive Ordnance Disposal Overseas.

Michael “Mick” Raine receives an OBE for his exceptional contribution to humanitarian landmine clearance and explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) over more than 4 decades. Beginning his career as a Royal Navy Clearance Diver before moving into humanitarian demining, he has led major clearance operations across Somaliland, Bosnia, Iraq, Laos, Lebanon, Vietnam and beyond, consistently combining technical expertise with strong leadership. His work with UNMAS in Cyprus, South Sudan and Somalia strengthened national EOD capacity and improved the safety of operations in active conflict zones. Since 2022, as Programme Manager for APOPO in Cambodia, Mick has overseen the clearance of hundreds of hectares of hazardous land and pioneered innovative methods in mine clearance employing animal scent detection systems. His service has had a lasting impact on communities worldwide by making land safe, usable, and productive again.

On learning of his award, Mick Raine said:

I am deeply honoured to receive this award. Mine action is always a collective effort, and this recognition belongs to the dedicated national staff, international colleagues, partners, and communities who work every day to save lives and build peace. I remain committed to ensuring that people can live, work, and move safely without fear of landmines.

Victoria Fletcher

Chair of the Board of Trustees, Women’s Centre Gulrukhsor, receives an MBE [Member of the Order of the British Empire] for services to Women in Tajikistan.

Victoria “Vicky” Fletcher has been recognised for her outstanding contribution to the Gulrukhsor Women’s Centre in Tajikistan, where she has played a transformative role in protecting and empowering survivors of gender-based violence (GBV). First volunteering in the country in 2011, she moved permanently to Khujand in 2017 and, since 2020, has dedicated herself full time to the Centre as a volunteer Programme Manager and lead fundraiser. At a moment when the organisation was on the brink of closure, Vicky created emergency fundraising efforts and subsequently secured long term international donor support, enabling the centre to spearhead ground-breaking work on preventing violence against women in conservative, rural communities.

Her work has strengthened relationships with local authorities and police, contributed to a more coordinated response to GBV in the Sughd region, and expanded the services available to women and children seeking safety and support. Through tireless commitment, including the establishment of a UK registered charity to safeguard the Centre’s future, Vicky has ensured that thousands of vulnerable women continue to have access to legal protection, counselling, shelter and hope.

On learning of her award, Victoria Fletcher said:

To be recognised for making a significant contribution is very powerful. It was something that was completely unexpected, that had never even crossed my mind. When I received the phone call it brought news that I could never have imagined. It’s something very special.

Catherine Mentink Duncan

Former Councillor of Tourism & Foreign Affairs, Calvia Town Hall, Mallorca, Spain, receives a British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to British Nationals in Mallorca.

Catherine “Kate” Mentink Duncan has been recognised with a British Empire Medal in recognition of her exceptional, decades‑long service to British nationals living in Mallorca. Since moving to the island in 1979, she has worked tirelessly to help residents integrate and access reliable support, notably through her role as Councillor for Tourism and Foreign Affairs and head of the Foreigners Department at Calvia Town Hall – the municipality with the highest UK‑born population in the Balearic Islands. She championed practical measures such as free Spanish and Catalan language courses and created long‑standing community events that foster inclusion. As co‑founder of Ciudadanos Europeos, she advocated for the rights of non‑Spanish nationals, responding to thousands of enquiries each year. Following the EU Exit referendum, she played a particularly vital role by partnering closely with the British Consulate to ensure accurate information reached thousands of UK residents during a period of uncertainty, using her extensive networks to organise outreach events across the island. Her service continues today through her involvement with local charities and community groups, reflecting a lifelong dedication to supporting and strengthening the British community in Mallorca.

On learning of her award, Kate Mentink Duncan said:

Upon receiving confirmation of being awarded a British Empire Medal, I was totally surprised, excited and delighted to receive this honour, an award beyond my dreams. I am a true believer in teamwork, especially in all my community and charity work. Every one of these many volunteers over the years deserves my heartfelt thanks.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 29 December 2025.

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

First, the United Kingdom reaffirms its support for the sovereignty, territorial integrity, political independence, and unity of Somalia.

The United Kingdom does not recognise Somaliland’s independence. We maintain that any change to Somaliland’s status depends on mutual agreement between Mogadishu and Hargeisa, through dialogue, and must conform to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. We regret any action that risks undermining peace and security in the region.

Second, we urge further efforts between the Federal Government of Somalia and the Somaliland authorities to address differences and work together to face common threats. Al-Shabaab and other terrorist groups benefit from internal divisions in Somalia. We encourage Mogadishu and Hargeisa to pursue dialogue, with the support of regional bodies and the international community, to resolve these divisions.

Third, we underscore the importance of continued international support to Somalia’s security transition. Just this month, the Council renewed its authorisations for the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), extended the provision of United Nations logistical support to AUSSOM through UNSOS, and mandated a strong package of sanctions measures to degrade Al-Shabaab.

In September, the United Kingdom announced a contribution of over $30 million to support Somalia’s security transition, including $22 million to AUSSOM. As a close and longstanding partner of Somalia, we remain committed to supporting the Federal Government in its efforts to build a secure and stable Somalia. We urge greater international support to this end.

The UK also welcomes the peaceful conduct of the local elections in Mogadishu, and reaffirms its support for Somalia’s democratic aspirations. We encourage all political actors to work together to reach consensus on next steps.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 24 December 2025.

Joint statement condemning the approval by the Israeli security cabinet of 19 new settlements in the occupied West Bank.

We, States of Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Iceland, Ireland, Japan, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain and the United Kingdom condemn the approval by the Israeli security cabinet of 19 new settlements in the occupied West Bank.

We recall that such unilateral actions, as part of a wider intensification of the settlement policies in the West Bank, not only violate international law but also risk fueling instability. They risk undermining the implementation of the Comprehensive Plan for Gaza amid efforts to progress to phase 2 and harming prospects for long term peace and security across the region. 

We recall our clear opposition to any form of annexation and to the expansion of settlement policies, including the approval of the E1 settlement and thousands of new housing units.

We call on Israel to reverse this decision, as well as the expansion of settlements, in line with UNSC Resolution 2334.

We are resolute in our support of Palestinians’ right of self-determination. We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to a comprehensive, just and lasting peace based on the Two-State solution in accordance with relevant UN Security Council resolutions where two democratic states, Israel and Palestine, live side-by-side in peace and security within secure and recognized borders. We reaffirm that there is no alternative to a negotiated two-state solution.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 23 December 2025.

Statement by Ambassador Archie Young, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Venezuela.

We have long been clear that Nicolás Maduro’s claim to power lacks legitimacy.  

Venezuela’s National Electoral Council has still failed to publish the full results of the July 2024 Presidential elections after 18 months. 

Independent domestic and international reports observed significant irregularities and a lack of transparency. 

Meanwhile, political freedoms in Venezuela remain severely restricted. The human rights situation continues to deteriorate. Its political and judicial systems continue to erode.  

We remain deeply concerned about ongoing repression in Venezuela, and the everyday struggles of Venezuelans. 

This includes extreme levels of poverty and failing basic services which are precipitating a displacement crisis affecting the whole region. 

The United Kingdom stands firmly with the people of Venezuela in their pursuit of a democratic future. 

The voices of all Venezuelans need to be heard; they deserve a government which reflects their will at the ballot box.   

We will continue to work to achieve a peaceful, negotiated transition in Venezuela which ensures that the will of all Venezuelans is respected. 

As we said in October, drug trafficking and organised crime continue to endanger communities across the globe, undermining stability and putting our shared security at risk. 

We will continue to work with partners in Latin America and elsewhere to tackle this issue and address challenges. 

President, the United Kingdom reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter.  

We believe these foundations are essential for maintaining global peace, security, and the rule of law. 

The UN Convention on the Law of the Sea is the cornerstone of international law on ocean-related issues. The United Kingdom will always support international law and the upholding of it.  

We continue to monitor this situation closely.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 23 December 2025.

Statement by Ambassador Archie Young, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Iran.

Today, I will focus first on the need for Iran to provide access to the International Atomic Energy Agency. Then, on our continued commitment to a diplomatic solution. And, third, on the need for all member states to comply fully with Security Council resolutions.

First, as has been reported today, Iran has restricted access for the International Atomic Energy Agency for over six months, including at the sites of greatest proliferation concern.

This is despite the IAEA making clear that there is no technical or equipment-related reason preventing them from returning to the damaged sites.

Iran’s restrictions mean that the IAEA is unable to verify the location of Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile. 

This includes over 400kg of high enriched uranium, for which there is no credible civilian justification.

We call on Iran urgently to lift its restrictions and fully cooperate with the IAEA, in line with its legal obligations under the Non-Proliferation Treaty.

Second, the United Kingdom remains committed to a diplomatic solution to address international concerns with Iran’s nuclear programme.

We urge Iran to engage in direct talks with the US. 

The UK, alongside its E3 partners, stands ready to support a diplomatic solution. We are engaging with all interlocutors and continue to encourage both sides to return to the negotiating table.

Future sanctions relief remains possible should Iran take concrete, verifiable, and durable steps to address international concern with its nuclear programme.

Third, we call on Iran and all member states to comply fully with Security Council decisions on Iran’s nuclear programme.

As a result of Iran’s significant non-performance of its JCPoA commitments, the United Kingdom, alongside France and Germany, triggered the snapback process in full accordance with Security Council resolution 2231.

This process completed on 28 September. 

As a result, Council resolution 2231 remains in force, and the provisions of the six resolutions previously lifted have come back into effect.

All UN Member States should fully comply with the provisions of the relevant resolutions. 

We are particularly concerned by the suggestion from certain permanent Council members that they will not do so. 

We reiterate the importance that all members of this Council seek to maintain international peace and security.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 23 December 2025.

Explanation of Vote by Ambassador Archie Young, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Somalia.

The United Kingdom welcomes the unanimous adoption of this resolution, which authorises the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission to continue its essential role in strengthening stability and security in Somalia with the support of the United Nations through UNSOS. 

We thank all Council members for their constructive approach to the negotiations on this text. 

Today’s adoption follows the recent extension of the Al-Shabaab sanctions regime. 

Taken together, these decisions demonstrate the Council’s continued determination to support Somalia in its fight against Al-Shabaab.

The resolution we have adopted today is clear-eyed about the challenges of the underfunding of AUSSOM and UNSOS’s liquidity shortfall. 

This mandate, therefore, creates a process to enable an informed review of the logistical support provided by the UN. 

We look forward to working closely with Council members on this in June.

Somalia has made enormous progress since the Security Council first authorised the deployment of AMISOM in 2007. 

To ensure its support to Somalia remains targeted and effective, the Council’s decision-making must continue to be informed by a comprehensive understanding of the national context into which AUSSOM is deployed.

Finally, I pay tribute to the brave personnel of AUSSOM and its predecessors who paid the ultimate price in support of these missions, alongside the many Somali forces and civilians who have lost their lives in the fight against terrorism in Somalia.