Tag: Foreign Office

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

UK Statement for the Item 4 General Debate. Delivered by the UK’s Permanent Representative to the WTO and UN, Kumar Iyer.

Thank you Mr Vice President,

The Taliban continue their assault on the rights of the Afghan people. Women and girls are barred from education and most employment, and face severe restrictions on nearly all aspects of their lives. Religious minorities are persecuted, journalists and activists face intimidation, and arbitrary detentions, torture, and public executions continue. We urge the Taliban to respect the rights of all Afghans.

In Iran, the arrest of over 20,000 people since the 12-day war in June is of serious concern. Many of these arrests are a means to scapegoat and target already marginalised groups, including members of the Baluchi and Kurdish ethnic minorities, and Baha’i, Christian and Jewish religious minorities. The continued use of the death penalty as a political tool is appalling and we reiterate that we oppose the death penalty in all circumstances.

In China, we remain deeply concerned about religious and cultural restrictions in Tibet, unjust detention of activists like Sophia Huang, and widespread censorship and surveillance. China must honour its human rights commitments and restore fundamental freedoms. In Hong Kong, we take reports about Jimmy Lai’s health conditions very seriously. We continue to press for an independent assessment. Jimmy Lai’s prosecution is politically motivated; he should be released.

Thank you.

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

UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue on the High Commissioner’s Report on Nicaragua. Delivered by the UK’s Human Rights Ambassador, Eleanor Sanders.

We are grateful to the High Commissioner for his report.

The continued deterioration of human rights in Nicaragua is deeply concerning. The report reinforces the need for sustained international scrutiny of the systemic dismantling of democratic institutions and repression of civil liberties.

The Nicaraguan authorities’ regrettable decision to withdraw from the UN Human Rights Council and other international human rights mechanisms must not deter that scrutiny.

The arbitrary expulsion of citizens, denial of re-entry, and deprivation of nationality are unacceptable and must end. 

Moreover, the reformed cybercrime law will enable the arbitrary criminalisation of peaceful expression, contributing to a climate of fear, censorship and of intimidation particularly for journalists in Nicaragua.

The report also sheds further light on violations of the rights of indigenous peoples and people of African descent, as well as evidence of the suppression of religious freedom.

To the Office of the High Commissioner,

We would welcome your views on how the international community can best support implementation of your recommendations and ensure accountability for these serious violations.

Thank you.

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

Statement by The Rt Hon Yvette Cooper, Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, at the UN Security Council meeting on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Yesterday, alongside other ministers here in New York this week, I hosted a session to hear from doctors who have recently returned from Gaza, and the stories they told will stay with me forever.

One told of the screams of toddlers. And a scream of a toddler who she had operated on without full anaesthetics, and how she hoped and prayed that he would not feel pain.

Another told of the seriously malnourished pregnant women, affecting their babies.

And they talked about doctors and nurses whose family members were killed, but who still came back to work in hospitals in unimaginable conditions to help others.

And they told of how the absolute basics of modern medicine, like antibiotics and anaesthetics, things that we around this Council table take for granted for ourselves and our loved ones, were unavailable. Blocked and denied.

And we say the words “humanitarian crisis,” but this is what it means: the pain and the screams of a toddler who cannot get the basic health care that they need. 

And only 18 out of 36 hospitals in Gaza now remain open – all of them struggling to operate amidst severe shortages of fuel, medicine, equipment, and staff.

Over 1,700 healthcare workers have been killed in Gaza, more than 300 detained. This is what the catastrophic collapse of Gaza’s healthcare system looks like. 

And as we are gathered here, Israeli forces are escalating the conflict in Gaza City, pounding more homes into rubble, sending frightened families scattering. 

It is incomprehensible. It is inhumane. It is utterly unjustifiable. And it must end. 

All that this action from the Israeli Government will do is make a catastrophic humanitarian situation worse.

More healthcare in crisis.

Harder than ever to get desperately needed aid to those who need it.

More innocent children enduring a man-made famine.

More civilians killed.

But making it harder to get the remaining hostages out.

Hostages who are still being held, who were seized by Hamas on the barbaric terrorist attack of October 7th  and are still being held in the most horrendous conditions, prolonging the anguish for their families, and I reiterate our condemnation of Hamas and that barbaric terrorism on October 7th. 

I met with some of the UK-linked hostage families again last week. Their ask of all of us is to keep the hostages at the forefront of our minds, to do everything we can, to give their loved ones the chance of coming home, and to achieve a ceasefire that gives them the chance to do that.

And that must be our task.

We know what needs to be done. We need a ceasefire now. We need the release of all the hostages. We need the immediate restoration of aid and support for medical care. And we need a broader framework for the lasting peace. 

And I welcome and support mediation efforts being made by the United States, Qatar and Egypt to seek an end to conflict and to seek peace. 

We know too that Gaza cannot be seen in isolation from the West Bank. The Israeli government is tightening its stranglehold on the Palestinian economy and continuing to approve illegal settlement construction, including just recently in the E1 area of East Jerusalem, which is a further blow to the viability of the two-state solution, and we urge Israel to reverse these plans.

After two years of bloodshed, I believe the world is united in wanting this awful war to end.

United in wanting all the hostages released.

United in rejection of any role for Hamas in the future of Gaza or the future of a Palestinian state.

United in wanting Israel to unblock aid and end the humanitarian catastrophe.

And united in wanting a better and more peaceful future for the region, with the reconstruction of Gaza, the dignity for its people, and a new era of relations to support their collective security.

And that future must be based on a two-state solution.

The UK’s historic recognition of the state of Palestine this week is part of our commitment to peace.

Part of acting to protect the viability of the two-state solution as the only path to a just and lasting peace and to security for Palestinians and Israelis alike. 

Part of rejecting extremist ideas on all sides, which involve too often fantasies of the destruction of the State of Israel or expulsion of the Palestinian population, we reject both of those.

And part of our wider effort to work with partners on a long-term peace, not just to halt the immediate crisis but an advance a pragmatic plan for what comes next.

None of this can happen without an immediate ceasefire, and that is where all of this has to start. 

One of the doctors yesterday described the impact on children of growing up in trauma and devastation. And those will be the consequences on generations to come if we do not act now. 

We owe it to all of those children growing up in Gaza, across Palestine, across Israel. 

We owe it to all of them to build a better future.

The time for peace is now.

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

Syria Core Group Statement for the Item 4 General Debate. Delivered by the UK’s Human Rights Ambassador, Eleanor Sanders.

Mr President,

This statement is made on behalf of six countries.

In April, this Council renewed the mandate of the Commission of Inquiry on Syria by a landmark consensus. The Commission continues to fulfil an important role to document human rights violations and abuses across the country. We appreciate the Syrian government’s facilitation and welcome the Commission’s report on the violence in the coastal region.

We welcome positive steps made by the government. Their investigation into the coastal violence, and the establishment of the Commissions on Transitional Justice and Missing Persons, are important steps towards justice and reconciliation.

However, challenges remain. The violence in Suwayda in July was horrific; attacks that threaten the peace, stability and territorial integrity of Syria are unacceptable. We welcome the establishment of an investigatory committee and the efforts to develop a roadmap to address the crisis in Suwayda as agreed by Syria, Jordan and the United States. 

Transparent and tangible action against all perpetrators is required. The justice system must serve all Syrians, regardless of their religious or ethnic background. We note the role that the OHCHR, the IIIM and IIMP can play, and encourage further cooperation to complement national efforts. 

We reaffirm our strong commitment to the full respect of the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Syria. Now is the time to take the steps for an inclusive political process, which brings accountability and justice to all.

Thank you.

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

The G7 Foreign Ministers met on the margins of High-Level Week at the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

We, the G7 Foreign Ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States of America and the High Representative of the European Union, met on the margins of High-Level Week at the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

We expressed concerns around Russia’s most recent airspace violations in Estonia, Poland and Romania, which are unacceptable and risk undermining international security. We underscored our ongoing commitment to work together to achieve a durable peace and a strong, independent, sovereign and prosperous Ukraine, by continuing to coordinate with the United States to provide Ukraine with robust and credible security guarantees. We discussed imposing further economic costs on Russia, including taking action against third country enablers.  We welcome ongoing discussions between G7 Finance Ministers on further leveraging Russian Sovereign Assets to support Ukraine.

We welcomed the U.S. and Panama proposal to establish a UN Support Office for Haiti and transition the Multinational Security Support Mission into a new force, with a mandate to dismantle gangs, secure critical infrastructure, and re-establish security in Haiti together with the Haitian authorities.

We stressed the urgency of alleviating the immense suffering of civilians in Gaza through a flood of humanitarian aid and securing the release of all hostages, and we reiterated our call for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.  We unequivocally condemned Hamas, including for its brutal and unjustified terror attacks on October 7, 2023. We reiterated that Hamas can have no role in Gaza’s future and must never again be a threat to Israel. We affirmed our readiness to engage with Arab partners on their proposals to chart a way forward on reconstruction in Gaza and build a lasting Israeli-Palestinian peace.

We called on Iran to fully implement its obligations under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, resume full cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and engage in direct talks with the United States towards a robust, durable and comprehensive nuclear agreement that ensures Iran never obtains a nuclear weapon. We commended the E3’s decision to trigger the “snapback” mechanism.

We reaffirmed the importance of a free and open Indo-Pacific based on the rule of law.  We reiterated our strong opposition to any unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion, including in the East China Sea, the South China Sea, and across the Taiwan Strait. We reaffirmed our commitment to the complete denuclearization of North Korea and the immediate resolution of the abductions issue.

As the United Nations marks its 80th anniversary, we recognised the fundamental need for the reform of the United Nations and expressed willingness to participate in efforts to ensure that it is fit for purpose.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 22 September 2025.

UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue with the Fact-Finding Mission on Venezuela. Not delivered due to time constraints.

Thank you, Mr. President.

The UK commends the work of the Mission and thanks it for its sobering report. 

We remain gravely concerned by the findings of the latest report, which once again lays bare the systematic and ongoing violations of human rights in Venezuela. The continued erosion of the rule of law, the widespread use of arbitrary detention, and the number of enforced disappearances is unacceptable.

Political repression has persisted and over 800 individuals remain arbitrarily detained, many without access to due process or legal representation. We call on the Venezuelan authorities to immediately release all those held arbitrarily and to uphold fair trial guarantees.

Mr. President, the findings presented today underscore the need for the Council’s continued attention on Venezuela. We reiterate our call on the Venezuelan authorities to cooperate fully with international mechanisms by granting them immediate and full access to the country. We urge concrete steps from Venezuela ahead of the next session, including implementing the Mission’s recommendations.

The UK remains steadfast in its support for the Venezuelan people and their fundamental rights.

Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 22 September 2025.

Statement by The Rt Hon Yvette Cooper, Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, at the UNGA 80 side event on Beijing +30.

I am honoured to join you today as the United Kingdom’s new Foreign Secretary.

And to be here too, alongside the UK’s trailblazing Special Envoy for Women and Girls, Baroness Harriet Harman, who gave me one of my first jobs in politics more than 30 years ago, including research on women’s equality, not long before the Beijing Declaration was adopted.

I remember at that time just how significant it felt to see countries coming together, from across the globe, committed to advancing women’s equality and women’s rights.

So it is particularly special to be here three decades on to discuss an issue that has been so close to my heart since, and to be clear that this will be a priority for me now, in this role. 

Supporting women across the globe, on leadership, on representation, on access to education and economic opportunity. 

An agenda set by women, and supported by male allies, who are vital partners for progress. 

But I particularly want to draw attention to the topic of Violence Against Women and Girls.

Because we know that safety and security are the bedrock on which all opportunities in our lives are built. Women’s safety is an essential foundation for women’s equality.

And while individual nations and UN agencies have helped to achieve great strides forward, with FGM and forced marriage less prevalent than they were three decades ago.

The facts should still shame us all.

Across the globe, 1 in 3 women will be beaten or sexually assaulted in their lifetime. 

140 women and girls are killed every day by a partner or close relative. 

And rape and sexual violence continue to be used as a weapon of war. 

My Government has described violence against women and girls in the UK as a national emergency, and we have set out an unprecedented mission to halve it in a decade.

But the truth is that this is an international emergency too.

So today I make two calls for action.

First, that we step up our efforts to eliminate violence against women and girls, because everyone has the right to live in freedom from fear. 

Including challenging new forms of abuse and collaborating against devastating sexual abuse of children online.

And second, we must ensure that the multilateral system remains a powerful force for the rights and equality of women and girls everywhere because we know that by doing so, we also strengthen our families, our communities, our economies and our nations too.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 22 September 2025.

The UK has formally recognised Palestine to protect the viability of a two-state solution and create a path towards lasting peace for the Israeli and Palestinian people.

• government acts to protect the prospect of a two-state solution as the appalling situation in Gaza worsens, Israel continues its illegal settlement expansions in the West Bank and Hamas continues to hold the hostages
• Prime Minister makes clear that Hamas will have no role in the future of Palestine and reiterates his call for them to release the hostages immediately and unconditionally
• historic step taken alongside close allies Canada and Australia, as part of wider international effort to support a pathway to peace and protect the equal rights of both Israeli and Palestinian peoples

The UK has formally recognised Palestine to protect the viability of a two-state solution and create a path towards lasting peace for the Israeli and Palestinian people.

The historic decision, announced alongside Canada and Australia, comes as the situation on the ground in Gaza continues to worsen, Israel continues to expand its illegal settlements in the West Bank, and Hamas continues to hold the hostages.

In July, the Prime Minister pledged to act if the situation did not change and firmly believes that the UK has a moral responsibility to do everything it can to support a peaceful future for Israel and Palestine – the prospect of which is slipping further away.

A two-state solution, with a safe and secure Israel alongside a viable and sovereign Palestinian state led by a reformed Palestinian Authority, is the only path to a lasting peace for the Israeli and Palestinian people – free from the horrendous violence and suffering of the last two years.

Recognising Palestine is a historic decision, firmly grounded in the Palestinian people’s inalienable right to self-determination, which the government committed to as part of its manifesto.

In a statement this afternoon, the Prime Minister was clear this decision is not about Hamas. They are a brutal terrorist organisation that wants to see Israel destroyed. Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace with recognised borders is the exact opposite of their hateful vision. 

The government’s demands on them have not changed. It must release all hostages, agree to an immediate ceasefire, accept it will have no role in governing Gaza, and commit to disarmament.

The UK is also expected to take further action to sanction senior figures in the Hamas leadership in the coming weeks and keep doing everything possible to bring the hostages home.

Our support for Israel’s and the security of its people remains steadfast. But the Israeli government must also change course – halting their offensive in Gaza, letting the desperately needed humanitarian aid in, and stopping their illegal settlement expansion in the West Bank.

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said:

Today’s historic decision, taken alongside some of our closest allies, to recognise a Palestinian State, reflects our unwavering commitment to a two-state solution and affirms the inalienable right of the Palestinian people to self-determination.

Recognition is an important step to preserve the prospect of a two-state solution, at a time when it is now under unprecedented threat. Two states is the only way to safeguard long term peace and security for Israelis and Palestinians alike. 

We are clear that Hamas can have no role in Palestine’s future – they are a barbaric terrorist organisation who oppose the very idea of two states. They must release the hostages and relinquish any hold on Gaza. But Hamas are not the Palestinian people. 

Recognition is only one part of what must be a stronger and wider push for peace. We need to end the conflict in Gaza, secure the release of all hostages and get humanitarian aid to all those who desperately need it. That requires not just an immediate ceasefire, but a plan for a durable peace, which will be a key to my diplomatic drive at the UN this week.

Having recognised the State of Israel in 1950, the government believes it can no longer credibly continue to support the two-state solution without recognising both States. 

The decision does not remove the demands the government has made of the Palestinian Authority to conduct extensive reform. President Abbas has committed to this reform, including organising new elections within a year of a ceasefire.

The UK will continue to provide technical and financial support to the PA as it delivers these reforms and builds the State of Palestine, including through the work of UK Envoy for Palestinian Authority Governance Sir Michael Barber, who is enhancing the PA’s delivery and governance capabilities. 

The government has been clear that recognition is not enough to change the situation on the ground on its own.

That’s why the decision comes as part of coordinated international efforts to build consensus around a Framework for Peace, which addresses governance, security, humanitarian access, and ceasefire monitoring in Gaza, and the foundations of a two-state solution.

The UK will continue working closely with its allies to advance this plan, which recognition forms part of as the first, most urgent step towards lasting peace.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 22 September 2025.

Baroness Hodge is visiting the BVI to assess progress on financial transparency.

Efforts to increase the UK’s security and resilience to illicit finance and money laundering are at the top of the agenda this week, as the UK’s Anti-Corruption Champion, Baroness Margaret Hodge, visits the British Virgin Islands to assess progress in implementing commitments on beneficial ownership registers.   

Speaking ahead of her meetings with government officials and financial and legal sector representatives, scheduled for 23 and 24 September, Baroness Hodge said:   

The UK is committed to transparency and the international fight against illicit finance. Public beneficial ownership registers are an essential tool that help us all follow the money so that we can expose corruption and money laundering.  

In today’s global context, secret corporate structures are not just used to launder money. They are also used to undermine democracies, fund conflicts, and engage in human rights abuses and terrorism. So transparency is vital for us all and we share responsibility for ensuring we promote it.    

This visit is an opportunity to engage constructively with leaders and stakeholders in the British Virgin Islands to better understand the challenges they perceive in implementing beneficial ownership registers.    

I look forward to open, collaborative discussions that support our common goal of strengthening financial transparency.

In November 2024, the British Virgin Islands joined the other UK Overseas Territories in committing to implement beneficial ownership registers with legitimate interest access by June 2025, as part of the UK’s efforts to enhance corporate transparency. While commitments have been made, concerns remain about the pace of progress towards implementing registers that meet the UK’s minimum requirements.  

During her visit, Baroness Hodge will assess the progress and challenges in implementing transparent registers in the BVI. She will make recommendations on the required next steps to the UK’s Minister of State for the Overseas Territories, Stephen Doughty, who oversees the UK’s engagement with BVI on matters including governance and transparency.    

Minister Doughty will consider Baroness Hodge’s findings following the visit.