Tag: Foreign Office

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 4 August 2026.

Mrs Gill Lever OBE has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Zimbabwe in succession to Mr Peter Vowles.

Mrs Gill Lever OBE has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Zimbabwe in succession to Mr Peter Vowles, who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment. Mrs Lever will take up her appointment during September 2026.

Curriculum vitae

Full name: Gill Joanna Lever

Dates	Role
2023 to 2026	Abuja, Deputy High Commissioner
2022 to 2023	Juba, Deputy Head of Mission
2018 to 2022	FCDO, Head of Overseas Health and Welfare
2014 to 2018	Vietnam, President of Hanoi International Women’s Club and Hue Help Drowning Prevention Programme Manager
2011 to 2013	Special Unpaid Leave (SUPL) accompanying FCO husband on overseas posting
2009 to 2011	FCO, Deputy Head of South-East Asia Department
2006 to 2009	FCO, HR Business Partner for Africa, Asia, Europe and Global Issues
2001 to 2006	Tokyo, First Secretary Management
1997 to 2001	FCO, UN Department, Africa Peacekeeping Team
1994 to 1997	Mumbai, Entry Clearance Officer
1991 to 1994	Bucharest, Third Secretary Political
1990 to 1991	FCO, Hong Kong Department, Administration Section
1989 to 1990	FCO, Research and Analysis Department, Asia Pacific Section
1989	Joined FCO

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 4 August 2026.

Ms Rebecca Fabrizi has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of South Sudan in succession to Mr David Ashley. Ms Fabrizi will take up her appointment during October 2026.

Curriculum vitae

Full name: Rebecca Jane Fabrizi

Dates	Role
2025 to present	FCDO, Deputy Director, Africa Directorate
2025	Lilongwe, Acting British High Commissioner
2022 to 2025	FCDO, Special Envoy for Small Island Developing States and Head of Caribbean and SIDS Department
2021	FCDO, Head of Joint Afghanistan Casework Unit
2019 to 2021	Belgrade, Deputy Head of Mission and HM Consul General
2018 to 2019	Pre-posting training, including Serbian language Training
2014 to 2017	Canberra, Associate Director of the Australian Centre on China in the World, Australian National University
2012 to 2014	Brussels, Head of the China, Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan and Mongolia Division, European Union External Action Service
2011 to 2012	FCO, China Department
2010 to 2011	FCO, European Union Department (External)
2005 to 2009	Rome, Political Counsellor
2002 to 2005	Geneva, First Secretary (Trade and Development)
1997 to 2002	Beijing, Second Secretary (Commercial) then First Secretary (Political)
1995 to 1997	London then Beijing, Mandarin language training
1994 to 1995	FCO, Africa Department (Equatorial)
1994	Joined FCO

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 3 August 2026.

Ms Mel Barlow has been appointed British High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam. Ms Barlow will take up her appointment during September 2026.

Curriculum vitae

Full name:  Melanie Barlow

2023 to present	Vientiane, His Majesty’s Ambassador
2022 to 2023	Kathmandu, Deputy Ambassador and Consul General
2019 to 2022	FCDO, Deputy Head, Consular Strategy and Network Department
2018 to 2019	FCO, Lead Trade Negotiator, Third Country Agreements Unit
2018	Illegal Wildlife Trade Joint Unit, Senior Manager, Private Sector Engagement
2015 to 2018	Seoul, Trade Policy and Economic Diplomacy Counsellor
2013 to 2015	FCO, Head, India and Nepal Team, South Asia Department
2013	FCO, Head, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Maldives Team, South Asia Department
2011 to 2012	FCO, Team Leader and Programme Manager, Conflict Department
2009 to 2011	Tokyo, Second Secretary (Trade)
2006 to 2008	Tokyo, Second Secretary (Political)
2004 to 2005	Japanese Language Training
2003	FCO, Project Manager, Department for Strategy and Innovation
2003	FCO, Desk Officer, Iraq Political Team
2002 to 2003	Trade Partners UK, Special Projects Manager Japan and China
2002	Joined FCO
1996	Private Sector

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 31 July 2026.

The British Embassy Phnom Penh has adopted an updated Khmer translation of the United Kingdom.

• new Khmer language name reflects all four nations of the United Kingdom and the UK’s modern political structure 
• the revision was developed in consultation with Cambodian linguistic experts and the Royal Academy of Cambodia  
• approved by Cambodia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation 

The British Embassy Phnom Penh has adopted an updated Khmer translation of the United Kingdom, following consultation with Cambodian linguistic experts, the Royal Academy of Cambodia and members of the British community in Cambodia, and with the approval of Cambodia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. 

The full official title of the United Kingdom in English is “The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland”.  This remains the full and official title in English.  We have updated and modernised the Khmer language translation to ”រាជាណាចក្ររួមនៃព្រីតថេន និងអៀរឡង់ខាងជើង”.  The new translation more accurately reflects the UK’s current political structure as a constitutional monarchy and the fact that it is a union of four nations: England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The preferred short form will be ”ព្រីតថេន”, a newly minted Khmer word which is a transliteration of the English word “Britain”. 

The revision reflects a shared commitment to ensuring that the Khmer language accurately represents the identity of the United Kingdom, while respecting Khmer linguistic conventions and usage. It also highlights the value of collaboration between Cambodian and British partners in promoting mutual understanding between our two countries. 

His Majesty’s Ambassador to Cambodia, Dominic Williams MBE, said: 

I have had the tremendous privilege of an extended period learning Khmer and have deep respect for its fundamental importance in Cambodian culture.  I believe strongly in sustaining this vibrant, living language. 

When I first learnt the Khmer word for my country, I discovered that the words used, when translated into English, do not reflect the modern, diversity of the UK nor my own personal identity, as someone with English, Northern Irish and Welsh heritage. 

Our decision to update the translation is an indication of the deep respect and importance we place on the Khmer language.  We did not want to impose a change that felt alien to Khmer speakers so we consulted widely.  It was fascinating to learn from the Royal Academy that the King Father had used a more accurate term for my country in the 1960s – “រាជាណាចក្ររួម”.  It feels respectful to revive this historic usage so we have put the King Father’s words at the heart of our updated translation. 

I am grateful to the Royal Academy, our linguistic partners, members of the British community in Cambodia, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation for their expertise, thoughtfulness and collaboration in helping us reach this important milestone.  I hope this new translation will play a small role in enhancing the friendship and mutual understanding between our two great nations. 

The updated translation takes effect immediately and will be used across official British Embassy communications in Cambodia. 

Further information

• the revision was formally proposed by HM Ambassador to the Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and has received ministerial approval
• the previous term​ ”ចក្រភពអង់គ្លេស និងអៀរឡង់ខាងជើង”, translated as “English Empire and Northern Ireland”, not ”the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland”
• the updated Khmer translation is ”រាជាណាចក្ររួមនៃព្រីតថេន និងអៀរឡង់ខាងជើង”, translated as ”the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland”
• the preferred short form is ”ព្រីតថេន”, which can be translated to either “Britain” or “Great Britain”

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

Ambassador Holland commends the OSCE Mission to Serbia for its sustained work and continued focus on democratic governance, rule of law, media freedom, security sector reform and minority rights.

Thank you, Mr Chair.

I welcome Ambassador Peško to the Permanent Council and thank him for his comprehensive report. We commend the OSCE Mission to Serbia for its sustained work and continued focus on democratic governance, rule of law, media freedom, security sector reform and minority rights.

The report illustrates both the value of the Mission’s work and the challenging operating context. The UK remains concerned by the deepening political polarisation and tensions that have accompanied the ongoing protest movement. It is important to protect freedom of peaceful assembly, freedom of expression and the independence of democratic institutions, including the judiciary.

We are particularly concerned by the deterioration in media freedom, and the rise in the number of attacks against journalists described in the report. We welcome the Mission’s efforts to keep the Permanent Working Group on the Safety of Journalists functioning and its support for practical mechanisms that protect media professionals. Independent media and the safety of journalists are essential safeguards of democratic accountability. We encourage the Serbian government to facilitate the better operation of institutions dealing with attacks on journalists.

The United Kingdom welcomes progress towards re-establishing the Council of the Regulatory Authority for Electronic Media, and is grateful to the Representative on Freedom of the Media for his active engagement on this issue. A credible, independent and effective regulator is vital for public confidence, media pluralism and the implementation of electoral reforms. The Council should be allowed to carry out its mandate and resolve outstanding issues without interference.

On elections and democratic governance, we note the Mission’s support for reforms to electoral legislation and the Unified Voters’ Register. These are important steps. However, as ODIHR have underlined, significant recommendations remain outstanding. Comprehensive electoral reform, implemented well in advance of future elections and in consultation with opposition parties and civil society, remains essential.

We thank the Mission for its valuable work to improve the rights of minority communities and increase their representation in public institutions. These programmes help build trust between communities and strengthen Serbia’s long-term resilience. We also commend the Mission’s work on community policing, youth engagement and women’s participation in security institutions.

We reiterate our call for Serbia and Kosovo to engage constructively in the EU-facilitated Dialogue and to implement their existing commitments. We also urge public officials to refrain from provocative, revisionist or harmful language in public statements, which risks deepening divisions and undermining reconciliation. We continue to call for full accountability for the 2023 Banjska attack.

Finally, we thank Ambassador Peško and his team for their professionalism and dedication. The Mission remains an important partner and a valuable contributor to security and stability across the region.

Thank you, Mr Chair.

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

Ambassador Holland argued that Russia’s war against Ukraine reflects a long-standing pattern of challenging the sovereignty and territorial integrity of neighbouring states. Russia’s actions in Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia demonstrate a disregard for OSCE commitments and the principle that borders cannot be changed by force.

Thank you, Mr Chair.

Last week, a group of my colleagues and I visited Ukraine. We saw the reality of Russia’s war first hand. We visited communities where Russian strikes have destroyed homes. We met former prisoners of war and the families of civilians arbitrarily detained by Russia, including the families of OSCE staff members whom Russia has unlawfully detained for more than four years. We again call for their immediate and unconditional release.

The visit was an opportunity to see the consequences of Russia’s actions at first hand. Understanding those consequences also requires an honest assessment of their causes, something which I will offer today.

Russia has argued that we should look beyond 2022 to understand its war against Ukraine. We agree that context and history matter, so let us examine them.

Russia’s behaviour prior to 2022 is part of a broader pattern, extending beyond Ukraine.

In Moldova, Russian military forces became involved in the conflict on the left bank of the Nistru more than three decades ago. Russia later committed at the Istanbul Summit to withdraw its forces, yet military personnel remain on Moldovan territory without the consent of the Moldovan Government.

In Georgia, Russian forces crossed internationally recognised borders in 2008. Russia subsequently recognised Abkhazia and South Ossetia as independent states and entrenched its military presence there occupying 20% of Georgian sovereign territory.

Ukraine is part of the same story.

In 1994, Russia committed to respect Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and existing borders. Twenty years later, following political upheaval in Kyiv, Russia seized Crimea and attempted to annex it. It then supported and sustained armed conflict in eastern Ukraine for the following eight years.

Russia has sought to justify those actions by claiming that the events of 2014 amounted to an “unconstitutional coup”. This is false. Despite the unprecedented situation, Ukraine’s institutions continued to function. Presidential and parliamentary elections were held, and Ukrainians freely chose successive governments after 2014 through democratic processes recognised by the international community. There was no line in the sand moment. Just a democratic process. Whatever interpretation Russia offers of Ukraine’s domestic politics, it cannot justify violating Ukraine’s sovereignty or redrawing its borders by force using the pretext of a coup.

When we take the longer and broader view of Russia’s behaviour, it becomes clear that the roots of the war relate to a fundamental question: whether countries that Russia regards as falling within its “sphere of influence” have the right to determine their own future. The full-scale invasion was the latest and most devastating manifestation of Russia’s answer to that question.

This war was not caused by a single political crisis, nor by a breakdown in diplomacy. It reflects a deeper disagreement about the rules that govern relations between states in the OSCE area.

Russia helped to shape those principles and freely subscribed to them. From Helsinki to Paris, from Budapest to Istanbul, the record is clear. States are sovereign. Borders cannot be changed by force. Those principles are not new. Nor is there any ambiguity to them.

The question is whether Russia is prepared to abide by those commitments it has repeatedly undertaken. Until it does, discussions about the roots of this war will continue to lead to the same conclusion: the problem was never the rules themselves, but Russia’s decision to disregard them.

Finally, Mr Chair, I condemn Russia’s continued bombardment of Ukraine, including the mass attack overnight that killed multiple civilians, and a recent strike that damaged the Latvian Consulate in Sloviansk. Russia’s reckless actions continue to have consequences beyond Ukraine. On three consecutive days beginning on 24 July, drones entered Romanian airspace and were subsequently shot down by Romanian F-16s. The first was identified as a Shahed-type drone used by Russia; investigations into the other two incidents are ongoing. We stand in full solidarity with Romania, Latvia and Ukraine. Russia’s continued attacks against Ukraine, and the repeated violation of NATO airspace, are unacceptable.

Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 29 July 2026.

Senior Military Advisor, Col Joby Rimmer, marks the close of the trimester by condemning Russia’s continued war against Ukraine, its drone incursions into Romanian airspace and the strike on Latvia’s Consulate in Sloviansk, and reaffirms the UK’s ironclad support for Ukraine.

Thank you, Mr Chair. Another Trimester has passed. But Russia’s war of aggression continues. Too little progress has been made towards the just and lasting peace that the people of Ukraine deserve.

The Russian Federation continues to wage an illegal war against another participating State. It continues to bring death and destruction to Ukraine, while creating wider risks for security across our region. And it continues to violate the UN Charter and the Helsinki Final Act, the 51st anniversary of which is this Saturday.

We saw those risks again over the weekend. On three consecutive days, Romanian F-16s shot down drones which had entered Romanian airspace. The first was identified and verified as a Shahed type used by Russia. Investigations into the other two continue. Furthermore, a Russian strike on Ukraine damaged the Latvian Consulate in Sloviansk. We stand in full solidarity with Romania, Ukraine and Latvia. The strikes on Ukraine and the incursions into NATO airspace are unacceptable. They show how Russia’s war threatens security far beyond Ukraine.

The Russian government appears to believe that time is on its side. It is not. Another trimester has not made Russia’s aggression lawful. Another trimester has not made Russian victory more likely. Ukraine continues to defend its sovereignty, its territory and its people with extraordinary courage. And as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom said during his meeting with President Zelensky in Portsmouth on Monday – “We are with Ukraine 100%”. The Russian Federation cannot turn a futile war of aggression into a legitimate or sustainable victory simply by prolonging it. Too many lives have already been needlessly lost.

The path towards peace is clear. The Russian government should agree to a full, immediate and unconditional ceasefire. The Russian government should engage seriously in efforts towards a just and lasting peace. And the Russian government must respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, in accordance with the principles to which it and every other participating State has committed.

Mr Chair, another trimester has passed. But the fundamental truths have not changed. Russia’s victory is not inevitable. A just and lasting peace remains possible. And Ukraine will continue to have the United Kingdom’s ironclad support.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 28 July 2026.

An FCDO statement on recent declarations by the Nicaraguan authorities about elections.

An FCDO spokesperson said:

“The UK Government remains deeply concerned by the continued deterioration of democratic governance, civic space and human rights in Nicaragua.

Recent declarations by the Nicaraguan authorities about elections represent a further assault on democratic principles and the Nicaraguan people’s right to choose their leaders freely and fairly

We urge the Nicaraguan authorities to uphold their international human rights commitments, restore democratic guarantees, and create the conditions for meaningful political participation, peaceful dissent and respect for fundamental freedoms.”

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 28 July 2026.

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

Last November this Council adopted UN Security Council Resolution 2803, endorsing President Trump’s Comprehensive Peace Plan for Gaza. 

It continues to offer a historic opportunity to achieve lasting peace. But eight months on, implementation risks stalling. 

Now is the time for all parties to fulfil their commitments under the plan, in full.  

In that context, I will highlight three priorities to reinvigorate implementation. 

First, we need further action to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza. 

Civilians continue to endure horrendous conditions surrounded by sewage and rubble. 

We welcome the progress that has pulled Gaza back from the levels of famine seen last year. 

However, according to the IPC’s latest snapshot, 1.2 million people still face significant food shortages, with projections indicating 90% of the population will remain dependent on humanitarian aid to survive. 

While food may be available in some private markets, it remains unaffordable or inaccessible for many Palestinians, particularly the most vulnerable. 

Averting famine cannot be a benchmark for success. Nor can improving the humanitarian situation be conditional on progress on other tracks.  

Israel must fulfil its commitments under the Comprehensive Plan by ensuring unimpeded humanitarian access. 

This includes opening more crossings into Gaza, streamlining the dual-use approvals process, and allowing life-saving and essential recovery items to enter. 

We are also deeply concerned by reports of Hamas obstructing humanitarian operations, as Deputy Special Coordinator Alakbarov set out today. 

That includes the recent incident at a World Food Programme distribution centre.

Actions that disrupt the lifesaving assistance are unacceptable.

The UN, including UNRWA, and NGOs must be able to operate safely and at scale so that they can help alleviate the suffering.  

Second, we need renewed momentum on security, governance, and recovery in Gaza. 

We reiterate that Hamas must fulfil its commitments to decommission its weapons and dismantle its terrorist infrastructure.  

This should be phased and verified alongside a strengthened Palestinian security presence, deployment of an International Stabilisation Force, and a sequenced Israeli withdrawal.  

At the recent Palestinian Donor Group, the UK joined the Team Gaza Initiative and announced over 13 million dollars for the UN Horizon Fund.  

These commitments should support Palestinian-led delivery across all of Gaza. 

There can be no permanent arrangements that entrench Gaza’s division or leave millions of people living under Hamas control.   

Thirdly, the trajectory in the West Bank and East Jerusalem remains deeply alarming.  

We are appalled by the violence in the West Bank on 24 July, in which four Palestinians and two Israelis were killed. 

We condemn violence on all sides and call for de-escalation. 

We urge the Israeli government to exercise restraint, to uphold stability and international law, and to ensure accountability for crimes. 

We are also alarmed by the mass incursion at the Haram al Sharif Temple Mount on 23 July by thousands of Jewish worshippers. 

The Status Quo on Jerusalem’s holy sites is clear and should be respected. 

We are further concerned by reports of an incursion by Israeli forces on an UNRWA training centre near Kalandia refugee camp yesterday morning.  

These incidents form part of a broader deterioration in the stability and security of the West Bank, fuelled by settler violence and Israeli government policies.

104 Israeli settlements have been approved in four years, and billions of dollars allocated to speed up construction. Together, these represent a deliberate attempt to erode the possibility of a two-state solution. 

Madam President, the path to peace requires the parties to demonstrate the political will needed to realise the promise of the comprehensive peace plan.  

We must now renew momentum across all tracks and deliver positive change on the ground. 

That is the only route to a future based on a two-state solution that delivers peace, security, and dignity for Palestinians and Israelis alike.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 27 July 2026.

Statement by Ambassador Kate Foster, UK Chargé d’Affaires to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Ukraine.

As we have heard today, Russia continues to escalate in its violence against Ukraine. 

Russia is on track to fire well over 300 missiles at Ukraine in July, a grim war record.

Around half have been directed at Kyiv alone.

And the consequences are clear in the rising civilian casualty figures, but also in Russia’s continued attacks on civilian and commercial infrastructure.

On 19 July, three cruise missiles struck a cargo ship carrying grain from Odesa, killing ten civilians.

On 24 July, further attacks killed and injured civilians in Kyiv and damaged the Latvian Honorary Consulate in Sloviansk. 

And Russia’s reckless actions have also resulted in repeated drone incursions into Romania over the past four days.

The United Kingdom stands in full solidarity with Ukraine, as well as with Latvia and Romania.

Russia seeks to draw a parallel between its sustained bombardment of Ukrainian cities, its illegal and brutal occupation of Ukrainian territory, and Ukraine’s efforts to defend itself. 

But there is no equivalence. 

Ukraine is exercising its Article 51 right to self-defence under the UN Charter. 

And we welcome the announcement on 13 July of the Anti-Ballistic Missile Coalition, which will help Ukraine better protect civilians from Russian attacks. 

As the General Assembly has declared repeatedly, Russia’s invasion is a violation of international law. 

And for what benefit? 

Russia now spends more on compensation for the families of dead soldiers than it does on salaries for the living. 

Civilians are queuing for fuel across Russia. 

Forty-two per cent of refining capacity has been disabled, and a country with some of the largest oil reserves in the world is now importing fuel. 

Growth has fallen. The deficit has doubled. And the real incomes of ordinary Russians continue to decline. 

I urge Russia to heed global calls for an immediate, unconditional and comprehensive ceasefire.

We all want a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, one that upholds the core principles of the UN Charter and is backed by security guarantees to prevent renewed aggression. 

Colleagues, as my Prime Minister has made clear ahead of his meeting today with President Zelenskyy, the United Kingdom remains resolute and unwavering in its commitment to Ukraine.