Tag: Foreign Office

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 1 October 2024.

Ambassador Neil Holland says that the Warsaw Human Dimension Conference symbolises our shared commitment to respect human rights and fundamental freedoms, and thanks civil society organisations for their ongoing work.

Thank you Madam Chair and may I first thank the former and acting Directors of ODIHR for ODIHR’s support, assistance and expertise to participating States. ODIHR’s role is a manifestation of the principle that lasting security can only be achieved through respect for human rights and strong democratic institutions.

I would also like to thank the former Representative on Freedom of the Media and her team for their invaluable work, delivering on comprehensive security through media freedom.

And finally, I thank the Chair in Office and you Madam Chair, as well as Poland, our hosts, for their efforts and perseverance in arranging this Conference. These Conferences are the beating heart of the OSCE’s human dimension work in holding States to account.

The Warsaw Human Dimension Conference symbolises our shared commitment to respect human rights and fundamental freedoms. Those values, agreed in the Helsinki Accords nearly 50 years ago, are as relevant as ever today, as one participating State – Russia – unleashes an all-out attack on the OSCE’s founding principles through its all-out attack on another participating State Ukraine.

At the forefront of our minds during this conference are the ongoing atrocities being committed by Russia in Ukraine where the human rights situation continues to deteriorate. Russia’s aggression shows no respect for the rights and dignity of the Ukrainian people, nor for the OSCE commitments which it contravenes. ODIHR’s recent Fifth Interim Report showed stark evidence of the grave violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law being committed by Russia. This is also demonstrated in the reports resulting from our invocations of the Moscow Mechanism, supported by Ukraine.

As we look forward to next year’s 50th anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act, it is shocking to see all of the founding principles in the Helsinki Decalogue being blatantly violated by Russia, including respect for human rights and the fundamental freedoms. A key Helsinki commitment was that the security of the state is inseparable from the safety of the citizens. I have yet to hear any explanation from Russia as to why their actions in Ukraine can be interpreted in any other way than blatant disregard and violation of those founding principles. They did not provide any explanation when I asked them directly at the Permanent Council and they have chosen to block the Human Dimension Implementation Meeting which was designed for States to hold each other to account for their actions.

We pay tribute to the brave human rights defenders and other members of civil society, many of whom operate in increasingly oppressive environments. The perspective of civil society is vital in building an understanding of the human rights situation at grassroots level. So we are pleased to see so many civil society representatives at this conference. You represent the spirit of Helsinki and we will continue to support you and amplify your voices.

Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 1 October 2024.

UK Statement for the Universal Periodic Review Adoption of Yemen as delivered at the 57th Human Rights Council in Geneva.

Thank you, Mr President.

The United Kingdom welcomes the engagement of the government of Yemen with the UPR process. The UK recognises that despite facing obstacles due to the ongoing crisis in Yemen, the government has accepted many of the recommendations.

We are aware that the government of Yemen has actively engaged in peace initiatives but the Houthi militia’s refusal to participate has hindered progress towards an inclusive and sustainable political settlement. And the government has shown willingness to commit to promoting human rights, gender equality and enhancing governance structures.

Despite this willingness, the UK would like to reiterate concerns for the deteriorating human rights situation on the ground. Yemenis continue to suffer severe hardship. We call on the government of Yemen to improve humanitarian access and aid delivery in areas under its control and urge the government to improve the treatment of migrants. In addition, the government should create the necessary conditions for Yemenis to safely express freedom of religion.

Finally, we implore the government to implement the necessary institutional changes to ensure the meaningful participation of women and religious minorities in political decision-making processes and any future peace settlement.

Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 1 October 2024.

The UK, alongside the US and Australia, has sanctioned 16 members of prolific Russian cyber-crime gang ‘Evil Corp’.

• the UK sanctions 16 members of prolific Russian cyber-crime gang Evil Corp, alongside the US and Australia
• Evil Corp’s malicious cyber activity involved a concerted effort to compromise UK health, government and public sector institutions

Cybercriminals connected to Evil Corp, a prolific, long-standing Russian hacker group, have today (1 October) been targeted with new UK sanctions, in coordinated action alongside the US and Australia.

Among those sanctioned today is Maksim Yakubets, who long led the group’s operations and has a $5 million bounty on his head by the US Department of Justice. Yakubets also cultivated strong ties between Evil Corp and the Russian state, developing relationships with the FSB and Russian military intelligence (GRU).

Known for their Mafia style of operation, Evil Corp has waged a campaign of destructive cyber-attacks worldwide for over a decade.

This includes malware and ransomware attacks against UK health, government and public sector institutions, as well as private commercial technology companies. Their attacks have earned hundreds of millions of dollars in illicit profits worldwide.

Those sanctioned today will now be subject to a series of asset freezes and travel bans. The UK is committed to protecting the businesses and livelihoods affected by these cruel attacks.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy said:

I am making it my personal mission to target the Kremlin with the full arsenal of sanctions at our disposal.

Putin has built a corrupt mafia state with himself at its centre. We must combat this at every turn, and today’s action is just the beginning.

Today’s sanctions send a clear message to the Kremlin that we will not tolerate Russian cyber-attacks – whether from the state itself or from its cyber-criminal ecosystem.

Security Minister Dan Jarvis said:

Cyber-crime causes immense damage to people and business across the world but today’s action is evidence that there are serious consequences for those involved.

We will continue to work with our international partners to pursue and expose malicious cyber activity and protect the public.

These sanctions have taken place in coordination with significant law enforcement investigations led by the NCA and law enforcement agencies internationally. This announcement demonstrates our ability to use the full range of government tools to target the threat from cybercrime and disrupt malicious cyber actors emanating from the Russian state.

Today’s sanctions build on the action taken earlier this year against a leader of associated cyber-crime group LockBit. Alongside our allies, we will continue to crack down on malicious cyber activity and cyber-crime groups with links to Russia that seek to undermine global integrity, prosperity and security.

Background

Today the UK has sanctioned:

• Maksim Viktorovich Yakubets
• Artem Viktorovich Yakubets
• Viktor Grigoryevich Yakubets
• Igor Olegovich Turashev
• Aleksandr Viktorovich Ryzhenkov
• Sergey Viktorovich Ryzhenkov
• Eduard Vitalevich Benderskiy
• Dmitry Konstantinovich Smirnov
• Dmitriy Alekseyevich Slobodskoy
• Kirill Alekseyevich Slobodskoy
• Denis Igorevich Gusev
• Ivan Dmitriyevich Tuchkov
• Andrey Vechislavovich Plotnitskiy
• Aleksey Evgenyevich Shchetinin
• Beyat Enverovich Ramazanov
• Vadim Gennadyevich Pogodin

Since designation by the US in 2019, Evil Corp-affiliated actors have continued to operate, rebranding their activity by using different ransomware variants to obfuscate their activity and evade sanctions. This activity included the use of and affiliation with LockBit ransomware operations. Evil Corp and those involved in its malicious cyber activity remain a threat.

These announcements represent the culmination of significant law enforcement investigations led by the NCA and law enforcement agencies internationally and demonstrate our ability to use the full range of government tools to target the threat from cybercrime and disrupt malicious cyber actors emanating from the Russian state.

Alongside our sanctions action, the NCA, FBI and Australian Federal Police have released a public document revealing Evil Corp’s ties to the Russian state and their history of trying to adapt to a changing cyber landscape to cause as much harm as possible, including by pioneering new forms of cyber-crime.

This package has been announced as the UK is attending the international Counter Ransomware Initiative in the United States, where like-minded countries are working to mitigate the risks of malicious cyber activity.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 30 September 2024.

Statement by Fergus Eckersley, Minister Counsellor, at the Security Council meeting on the situation in Libya.

Thank you, Mr President, and thank you to UNHCR and the IOM for their briefings this afternoon.

We wish to make three points today:

First, the UK is committed to working with member states and UN agencies to tackle the drivers of irregular migration across Africa and the Mediterranean route, and to counter trafficking and people smuggling.

To this end, the UK is supporting the International Organisation for Migration’s work in Libya, including funding to provide returns and reintegration assistance for vulnerable migrants. The UK is also building capacity through joint UK National Crime Agency and Libyan law enforcement work to prosecute the leaders of organised criminal gangs.

Second, we are grateful to the Secretary General for his report on the implementation of Security Council Resolution 2698. Its description of the human rights situation for migrants is extremely worrying, including reports of arbitrary detention, torture, and mistreatment.

Its reports of migrant mass graves in Al-Shuwairf and other areas are extremely serious. All migrants and refugees must be treated with humanity and dignity, and their rights must be fully respected.

Third, we recognise the role that the Libyan authorities are playing in hosting large numbers of migrants and refugees, including from Sudan. The UK has provided support, including £2 million of assistance to support up to 150,000 Sudanese refugees in Libya fleeing violence in Darfur.

As part of their efforts we urge the Libyan authorities to work with the UN and other humanitarian actors to enhance conditions in migrant detention centres and to ensure that those responsible for any human rights violations are properly held to account. We look forward to continuing to work closely with the Libyan authorities on these issues.

In conclusion, Mr President, the UK is committed to countering trafficking and people smuggling, and supporting vulnerable migrants. A political solution in Libya would support efforts to address the drivers of irregular migration, and provide peace and stability for Libyans.

We remain committed to supporting a Libyan-led and owned political process under UN auspices. We look forward to working with all Council members as we negotiate UNSMIL’s mandate next month.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 30 September 2024.

Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

President, let me start by thanking SRSG Keita and Ms. Nzale-Kove for briefing us today. I also welcome the participation of the representatives of the DRC, Rwanda and Angola in our meeting. I will make three broad points.

First, the United Kingdom thanks President Lourenço for his continued mediation efforts. We welcome progress made under August’s ceasefire agreement. Parties must now produce detailed plans outlining how and when their commitments will be met. They should also action the plans already in place.

During his recent visits to Angola, DRC and Rwanda recently, my Minister for Africa and the United Nations, Lord Collins of Highbury, encouraged all parties to engage in political dialogue. Whilst negotiations continue, the ceasefire must be respected. We call on all parties to the conflict, including non-state actors, to commit to de-escalation.

Second, the United Kingdom is grateful for SRSG Keita’s reflections on the human rights situation in the DRC. Widespread human rights violations and abuses and shrinking civic space are concerning.

We encourage the government of DRC to ensure the investigation into the incident at Makala prison is comprehensive and that those responsible are held accountable.

Despite the ceasefire, the humanitarian situation in eastern DRC remains dire. All parties must respect international humanitarian law and allow for unhindered humanitarian access.

The U.K. condemns the actions of all armed groups that cause terrible civilian suffering. Increased attacks by the Islamic State-affiliated ADF are particularly concerning, as are reports of continued M23 territorial expansion.

The significant challenges faced by the civilian population are now compounded by outbreaks of Mpox. Children account for 60 per cent of cases and 80 percent of deaths. The U.K. is finalising a further package of support for the Mpox response, and we encourage others to provide support.

Women and girls in DRC are particularly vulnerable and face some of the highest rates of sexual violence globally. Strengthening survivors’ access to justice and holding perpetrators to account is vital.

President, as we approach MONUSCO’s mandate renewal, the U.K. encourages the mission to learn lessons from its withdrawal from South Kivu. The protection of civilians must remain a priority.

Lastly, and crucially, the U.K. also calls on all parties to ensure MONUSCO has the access and freedom of movement required to deliver its mandate. Obstructing, or worse yet, targeting, peacekeeping missions is unacceptable. Council members must all send that clear message to the parties on this point.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 30 September 2024.

The UK and G7 Foreign Ministers stand firmly with Ukraine as we mark two years since Russia’s illegal annexation of portions of Ukraine’s Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions.

As we mark two years since Russia’s illegal annexation of portions of Ukraine’s Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions, we the G7 Foreign Ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, and the High Representative of the European Union, stand firmly with Ukraine and its territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence.

We will never accept these or other violations of international law committed by Russia against Ukraine and its people and we will continue to condemn in the strongest possible terms Russia’s illegal aggression, its human rights violations and abuses in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine and the ongoing brutal attacks destroying civilian, critical and urban infrastructure.

We call on all members of the international community to do the same and to urge Russia, a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, to abide by the UN Charter and the basic principles that underpin the international order.

Our political, military, financial, economic and humanitarian support for Ukraine and its legitimate defence against Russia’s full-scale invasion remains steadfast, as is our commitment to raise the costs of Russia’s illegal war. Together, these measures will help set the proper conditions for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace rooted in the principles of the UN Charter. We will continue to engage the broader international community to that end, aiming to restore full respect for the rules-based international order.

This war of aggression can end now if Russia withdraws its forces immediately, completely, and unconditionally from all Ukrainian territory to its internationally recognised borders, withdraws its claims of annexation of the Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions, as well as the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol, and respects Ukraine’s sovereign rights as an independent nation.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 30 September 2024.

UK Statement for the Universal Periodic Review Adoption of Chile as delivered at the 57th Human Rights Council in Geneva.

Thank you, Mr President,

The UK welcomes Chile’s commitment to the values and principles we uphold together here in the Human Rights Council and elsewhere through its proactive consideration of the UPR recommendations.

We are pleased to see Chile continue with the implementation of the recommendations of the Joint Follow-Up Mechanism working with the Inter-American Commission for Human Rights, to further strengthen the oversight and accountability of policing.

We also acknowledge Chilean commitment to gender equality and equity, and hope this leads to further progress in strengthening sexual and reproductive rights in Chile.

We look forward to the Chilean government making further progress to protect the well-being of the LGBT+ community, working together with Chile’s vibrant and diverse civil society.

Chile frequently speaks out to demand the protection and promotion of democracy, equality and human rights for all, globally. We are therefore pleased the Chilean government is matching that rigour and energy in its efforts to strengthen its own human rights safeguards domestically. This demonstrates that Chile is taking steps to ensure its words are matched by its actions and should serve as a model internationally.

Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 30 September 2024.

Mobilisation of climate finance set to be boosted across East Africa through new UK-backed company as investors put pen to paper to begin operations.

• Investors back Dhamana Guarantee Company’s work to transform East Africa’s financial landscape.
• Tackling climate change given another boost in Kenya as, for second time in a week, a UK-Government backed investor in green finance solutions puts pen to paper.

Monday 30 September 2024 – Dhamana Guarantee Company Ltd (Dhamana) has reached a major milestone, marked at an event in Nairobi today.

Investors in the new company put pen to paper at a signing ceremony, which will allow the company to kick-start operations.

Dhamana aims to mobilise private sector finance to support the development of sustainable businesses. It will do so by issuing guarantees to commercially viable projects, businesses, and institutions that tackle the climate crisis and make progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The design and creation of the company was supported by the UK-Government backed investor the Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG) through InfraCo Africa. With its anchor investment, PIDG kick-started Dhamana, attracting further equity investment from the African Development Bank (AfDB) and CPF Group, with support provided by Cardano Development and FSD Africa.

Dhamana is a new limited liability company based in Kenya with a mandate to deliver for the East African region – including Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Rwanda. It will provide credit guarantees on debt capital market instruments, to boost the credit rating of such instruments and crowd in investment from pension funds, insurance companies and sovereign wealth funds to support sustainable infrastructure and business development in East Africa.

Dhamana will target businesses that add value to people’s lives, improving the day-to-day life of Kenyans and of people across the region. The increase in affordable finance for Kenyan businesses will mean projects will require less capital to get off the ground, make money, and generate growth. Dhamana will also enable investors to diversify their portfolios, acting as a catalyst to transform East Africa’s financing landscape.

This is the second time in a week that an investor in climate solutions backed by the UK Government has achieved a milestone. Last week, MOBILIST signed a partnership with the Nairobi Securities Exchange which aims to drive the listing of new investment products in the Kenyan market and increase the amount of private sector capital available for development and climate projects in Kenya and drive growth.

Dhamana CEO, Christopher Olobo, said:

With the support of our investors and supporters, we have worked to develop Dhamana as an important catalyst for long-term sustainable finance in the region. Dhamana’s local currency guarantees will connect pools of untapped capital with East Africa’s real economy, making a tangible difference to people’s lives and offering local investors the opportunity to invest in Paris-aligned initiatives.

Deputy High Commissioner and Development Director, British High Commission Nairobi, Leigh Stubblefield, said:

For the second time in a week I am proud to say that the UK has supported a climate finance solution in Kenya – an example of our long-term commitment to long-term investment and growth. This is a great pan-Africa partnership that will improve the lives of East Africans for the better, and as the saying goes, we go far when we go together.

Representing PIDG, InfraCo Africa CEO, Gilles Vaes, added:

Building on the success of other PIDG-supported credit enhancement facilities in Nigeria and Pakistan, Dhamana will demonstrate the value of such a facility in the East African market, opening up opportunities for investors and clients alike. Crucially, Dhamana will engage new partners and investors in our efforts to urgently address the climate crisis and accelerate delivery of the UN sustainable development goals.

In his remarks at the launch event, Solomon Quaynor, African Development Bank Vice President for Private Sector, Infrastructure & Industrialisation, said:

The African Development Bank’s equity investment in Dhamana reinforces the catalytic role and potential of credit enhancement companies in leveraging opportunities for infrastructure financing in local currency and supporting debt capital markets deepening in our regional member countries. We intend to replicate this business model in appropriate markets across Africa with partners such as the Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG) and others. The first example of this type of credit enhancement company was InfraCredit in Nigeria which has had demonstrated success, and now Dhamana in East Africa. The investment in Dhamana aligns with the Bank’s priority to mobilise financing through innovative vehicles from African institutional funds including pension funds, sovereign wealth funds and insurance companies for infrastructure development in Africa.

On his part, Dr. Hosea Kili, OGW – CPF Group Managing Director/CEO – said:

We are proud to be part of this transformative initiative through Dhamana Guarantee Company. We believe in the power of innovative financial solutions to drive sustainable growth. By leveraging local currency guarantees, Dhamana will unlock critical capital for critical infrastructure projects, advancing economic development. This partnership aligns with our commitment to investing in initiatives that improve the lives of people’s lives and our economy while contributing to a more sustainable future.

Joost Zuidberg, CEO of Cardano Development concluded:

Dhamana’s true strength lies in its capacity to attract significant investments from East Africa’s institutional capital, laying a strong foundation for future scaling up according to its sizeable potential and thus meaningfully contribute to sustained economic growth in the region. Part of our core work is to incubate guarantee solutions for emerging and frontier markets, and we are thrilled to formalise this partnership today, as we collectively provide Dhamana with the crucial support and capital needed to fulfil this vital objective.

Notes to Editors

The UK-Kenya Strategic Partnership

The UK-Kenya strategic partnership joint statement can be found here.

About Dhamana

Dhamana Guarantee Company (Dhamana): Dhamana is working to catalyse the development of domestic capital markets in East Africa. It does this by connecting significant under-utilised sources of domestic institutional capital with the real economy, such as new green infrastructure, and providers of credit to  businesses. This increases access and the affordability of local capital, providing new low-risk opportunities for local investors. Dhamana will also serve to provide a portfolio of businesses with access to the local currency capital needed to deliver bankable projects, meeting the high demand for new affordable housing, transportation, water, and energy infrastructure, and promoting long term economic development. www.dhamana.com

About PIDG

The Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG) is an innovative infrastructure project developer and investor which mobilises private investment in sustainable and inclusive infrastructure in sub-Saharan Africa and south and south-east Asia. PIDG investments promote socio-economic development within a just transition to net zero emissions, combat poverty and contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). PIDG delivers its ambition in line with its values of pioneering, partnership, safety, inclusivity, and urgency. PIDG offers Technical Assistance for upstream, early-stage activities and concessional capital; its project development arm – which includes InfraCo Africa and InfraCo Asia – invests in early-stage project development and project and corporate equity. PIDG credit solutions include EAIF (the Emerging Africa Infrastructure Fund), one of the first and more successful blended debt funds in low-income markets; GuarantCo, its guarantee arm that provides credit enhancement and local currency solutions to de-risk projects; and a growing portfolio of local credit enhancement facilities, which unlocks domestic institutional capital for infrastructure financing. Since 2002, PIDG has supported 233 infrastructure projects to financial close, which provided an estimated 228 million people with access to new or improved infrastructure. PIDG is funded by the governments of the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Australia, Sweden, Global Affairs Canada, Germany, and the IFC. www.pidg.org

About the African Development Bank (AfDB)

The African Development Bank (AfDB) is Africa’s premier development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). On the ground in 34 African countries with an external office in Japan, the AfDB contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its 54 regional member states. www.afdb.org

About the CPF Group

The CPF Group offers a comprehensive range of services through its various subsidiaries including  CPF Financial Services which administers both private and public pension funds; notably – the Public Service Superannuation Scheme (PSSS); The Local Authorities Pensions Trust (LAPTRUST); the Taifa Pension Fund; the County Pension Fund and CPF Individual Pension Plan. The funds under our administration have a total membership of just over 500,000 members.

Other subsidiaries include Laser Infrastructure & Technology Solutions (LITES); Laser Property Services; Rukisha Advances payment platform; CPF Asset Managers; CPF Capital & Advisory; and Laser Insurance Brokers (LIB).  The Group offers a wide range of services in ICT & renewable energy solutions, Property Services, Insurance Brokerage, Smart Money platform, fund management, Transaction Advisory, Trust fund services, training & consultancy, and Corporate Trustee Services. Derived from uncompromised commitment to fulfilling lives, the CPF Group prioritises new models and approaches in engineering turnkey solutions for clients across the region. www.cpfgroup.or.ke

About Cardano Development

Cardano Development (CD), established in 2007, incubates new companies, and creates and manages fund managers. Through careful risk-management analysis in data poor settings, CD identifies scalable solutions that can help to make frontier financial markets more inclusive, investible, and sustainable to unlock lasting economic value. CD creates scalable solutions for currency, credit, and liquidity risks in these markets. With over USD 6 billion assets and USD 3.1 billion capital under management, CD supports scale-up ventures (TCX, GuarantCo, Frontclear, BIX Capital, ILX Fund, AGRI3 Fund), and a number of new start-ups, with ongoing management support services and corporate governance oversight. www.cardanodevelopment.com.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 30 September 2024.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy announces that the UK has chartered a flight to help British citizens seeking to leave Lebanon.

• the UK has chartered a flight to help meet any additional demand British nationals and their dependants wanting to leave Lebanon
• the flight is scheduled to leave Beirut on Wednesday 2 October. Any further flights in the coming days will depend on demand and the security situation on the ground
• vulnerable British nationals will be prioritised for this flight

The UK government has chartered a commercial flight out of Lebanon to help British nationals wanting to leave following escalating violence in the region, the Foreign Secretary announced on Monday (30 September).

British nationals and their spouse or partner, and children under the age of 18 are eligible. All passengers must hold a valid travel document. Dependants who are not British nationals will require valid visas/permission to enter or remain that was granted for more than 6 months.

The government has worked with partners in recent weeks to increase capacity on commercial flights to enable British nationals to leave, and has now chartered a flight to provide additional capacity.

The flight is due to leave Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport on Wednesday (2 October). Those who have registered their presence with the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) will be sent details on how to request a seat.

If you’re a British national in Lebanon and have not already registered your presence there, you should do so immediately.

Vulnerable British nationals and their spouse or partner, and children under the age of 18, will be prioritised for this flight. This includes those with greatest need, including those with medical conditions, over-65s and children. British nationals should not make their way to the airport unless they have a confirmed seat on the plane.

Any non-British dependants boarding the flight will require a visa, granted for at least 6 months, to enter the UK, in line with usual immigration rules and entry process.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy said:

The situation in Lebanon is volatile and has potential to deteriorate quickly.

The safety of British nationals in Lebanon continues to be our utmost priority.

That’s why the UK government is chartering a flight to help those wanting to leave. It is vital that you leave now as further evacuation may not be guaranteed.

UK government officials have been working non-stop in London, Beirut and the wider region to provide support to British nationals to continue contingency planning for a range of scenarios in the region.  An FCDO Rapid Deployment Team has also arrived in Lebanon to bolster the support offered by British Embassy officials.

The safety of British nationals in Lebanon, Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPTs) continues to be the UK government’s utmost priority and the FCDO urges everyone to continue to follow the relevant travel advice, exercise caution, and monitor media in Lebanon for developments.

The UK has been calling for a ceasefire between Lebanese Hizballah and Israel for over a week and that further escalation must be avoided. A ceasefire would provide the space necessary to find a political solution in line with Resolution 1701.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 30 September 2024.

Address by Minister for the Middle East in Washington DC to mark the 10th anniversary of the Global Coalition against Daesh.

• Minister for the Middle East Hamish Falconer will address the Global Coalition against Daesh meeting hosted by Secretary of State Antony Blinken
• the meeting in Washington DC comes after a US-Iraqi joint announcement on the transition of the Coalition military mission into a new security arrangement under Iraqi leadership
• the minister will meet with a number of Global Coalition countries, including the US and Iraq, to discuss the importance of supporting Iraq in defeating Daesh

To mark the 10th anniversary of the Global Coalition against Daesh, the Minister for the Middle East Hamish Falconer is in Washington DC today to attend its annual ministerial-level meeting.

At the meeting he will reflect on the huge progress achieved by the Coalition towards eradicating Daesh in Iraq and Syria over the past decade and look ahead to further government support.

Recent UK action has included support of the Iraqi Security Forces to prevent the resurgence of Daesh networks, funding stabilisation in communities formerly occupied by Daesh, and working to discredit its propaganda in multiple languages through the Counter-Daesh Communications Cell.

The global meeting will see ministers and representatives from the 87 partners of the Global Coalition gather to discuss the continuing threat from Daesh and to commemorate efforts to counter Daesh and stabilise liberated areas in Iraq and Syria.

The meeting comes shortly after the announcement that the Coalition’s military operation in Iraq will transition into a range of new security arrangements. The UK and the Global Coalition forces have helped Iraq to prevent the resurgence of Daesh.

Since 2014, the UK has trained over 120,000 security forces through Operation SHADER and contributed over £500 million in humanitarian and stabilisation assistance to affected communities and internally displaced persons in Iraq and Syria.

In response to the humanitarian crisis in Syria, the UK has provided over £4.3 billion in aid to support millions of people in Syria and across the region by improving humanitarian conditions for those in dire need and supporting early recovery and resilience, such as through agricultural and livelihoods opportunities.

Hamish Falconer will reaffirm the UK’s commitment to tackle the continuing threat posed by Daesh and to help people and communities affected by their appalling activities rebuild their lives.

Minister for the Middle East Hamish Falconer said:

In the decade since the UK helped form the Coalition we have made enormous progress together, including defeating Daesh territorially. However, Daesh is a threat that continues to destroy lives, in the Middle East and beyond. We now renew our commitment promoting security and stability in areas targeted by the terrorists, and to ensuring they can never resurge.

I am proud of the UK’s continuing role in the Coalition, from supporting security partners in Iraq and Syria, to rebuilding communities affected by terrorism, to leading international efforts against Daesh’s appalling propaganda.

The minister will meet the Iraqi Foreign Minister, Fuad Hussein, to discuss how the 2 countries can develop their security partnership and the role the UK plays in developing Iraq’s counter propaganda abilities.

He will highlight the invaluable work of the Communications Cell, hosted by the UK, whose targeted campaigns have diminished support for terrorism. Through work to undermine Daesh propaganda in the Middle East, Afghanistan and parts of Africa, the UK’s Counter-Daesh Communications Cell has reached audiences in the tens of millions, contributing to a sustained reduction in support for the terrorist group, and increased public trust in legitimate authorities and security forces.