Tag: Foreign Office

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 3 September 2024.

In these Commonwealth Services we remember all those of the Commonwealth of Nations who gave their lives at sea, on land and in the air in two world wars. We also remember the brave people of the Polish Armed Forces who fought and died here on their soil and abroad alongside their comrades from the Commonwealth.

Dates of the services:

*Lidzbark Warmiński – Commonwealth War Cemetery; Tuesday 5 November 2024, 10:40am

*Malbork – Commonwealth War Cemetery; Wednesday 6 November 2024, 10:40am

*Kraków – Commonwealth War Cemetery (Rakowicki Cemetery); Friday, 8 November 2024, 10:40am

*Warsaw – RAF Liberator Memorial Stone in Skaryszewski Park; Sunday, 10 November 2024, 10:40am

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 3 September 2024.

High-Level Informal Presidential Discussion on new technologies, Artificial Intelligence and the digital divide. Delivered by the UK’s Permanent Representative to the WTO and UN, Simon Manley.

Mr President,

Thank you for convening today’s session, thank you to our panellists for their insights but also their challenges.

As we’ve heard, new and emerging technologies, such as AI, don’t just have the potential to transform our societies. They are already doing so. Whilst they can facilitate the promotion and protection of Human Rights, they also pose risks.

We are at a critical juncture as we grapple to regulate effectively a technology that develops exponentially. We are proud to have played our role in enabling that discussion, not least through the inaugural AI Safety Summit last year and passed our mantle onto Korea and now France. We are committed to the development of safe, ethical AI in which to use Doreen Bogdan-Martin’s excellent phrase, human rights are the bedrock of our digital future.

We must avoid deepening the digital divide as this technology develops. By working together, we can achieve a digital transformation that is inclusive, sustainable, protects human rights and harnesses tech to get the SDGs back on track.

Finally, Mr President, we look forward to the conclusion of the Global Digital Compact in which human rights are central to the development and use of tech and enhances OHCHR’s capacity to provide an advisory service on Human Rights for governments and partners alike.

Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 3 September 2024.

Pakistani students from every corner of the country have been given British High Commissioner Jane Marriott’s top tips for living in the UK, ahead of a year studying at British universities.

This year marks the 65th anniversary of the Commonwealth Scholarship programme, and 46 Chevening and 47 Commonwealth scholarships have been awarded to Pakistanis. These long-standing programmes have developed a network of over 1,500 Commonwealth and nearly 2,000 Chevening alumni in Pakistan, who regularly meet to discuss live issues.

Scholars come from diverse backgrounds, representing the rich cultural tapestry of Pakistan. This year’s cohort come from Punjab, Sindh, Baluchistan, Pakistan Administered Kashmir, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, and the Federal Capital Territory. Over 60% of this year’s Chevening scholars are women. The British High Commission strongly encourages people from all backgrounds and across Pakistan to apply.

British High Commissioner, Jane Marriott CMG OBE, said:

“The Chevening programme helps develop a new generation of Pakistani leaders and changemakers. Many of our alumni have gone one to achieve extraordinary things back home. Not only do they get the benefit of studying at some of the best universities in the world, they also get to experience the best of living in the UK. From climate studies to football coaching, I am looking forward to seeing what they achieve, and encourage all those interested to apply early.”

Fareeha Gull Hashmi, Assistant Manager of Oral History Project Citizens Archive of Pakistan and upcoming Chevening scholar, said:

“I am thrilled to be joining the University of Essex for my MA in Heritage and Museum Studies. This programme is exactly what I was looking for to help me on my journey to improve heritage and cultural preservation in Pakistan. I can’t wait for my journey to begin.”

The cohort includes those on a scholarship in Football Science, with the support of Swindon Town Football Club. For the first time, this year’s cohort also saw an additional scholarship for Heritage and Museum Studies with the support of Essex University. This scholarship will cover tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs. This, and a University of Essex Scholarship for Climate Studies, are again available in this year’s application cycle, as are additional scholarships from the University of Birmingham.

This month, the British High Commission launched Chevening Connect in Karachi, a new debate series bringing together industry experts and Chevening alumni. The first debate, on tackling climate, looked at the technical, economic and political leadership needed to support Pakistan with adaptation and resilience.

Notes to editors

• Applications for Chevening Scholarships to study in the UK from 2025-26 will close on 5 November. Applications for the South Asia Journalism Programme, a two-month journalism fellowship with the University of Westminster, are open and will close on 10 October. Applications for the Oxford Centre of Islamic Studies fellowship, a five-month fellowship, are open and will close on 5 November 2024. To find out more about eligibility and to apply, visit Chevening
• Applications for the Commonwealth Scholarships for 2025-26 will open later this year. For more information, visit the CSC website at Homepage – Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (fcdo.gov.uk)

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 3 September 2024.

During a visit to the region, including Czech Republic and Slovenia, Minister Doughty attended the GLOBSEC forum in Prague and the Bled Strategic Forum in Slovenia.

• Minister for Europe Stephen Doughty returns from Central Europe today, following first visit to the region since the election
• visit focused on countering Russian hybrid threats and defending European security
• UK reset with Europe also top of the agenda as minister met counterparts from across the region

Security challenges facing Europe were at the top of the agenda during the first visit by Minister for Europe Stephen Doughty to Central Europe, concluding today (3 September).

During a dual-leg visit to the region including stints in both the Czech Republic and Slovenia, the minister attended the GLOBSEC forum in Prague followed by the Bled Strategic Forum at Lake Bled in Slovenia.

European security was front and centre of those conversations, as threats including disinformation, cyber-attacks, organised immigration crime and Putin’s illegal war in Ukraine continue to transpire across the continent.

The visit comes as the UK continues work to reset the country’s relationship with Europe, an ambition grounded in a new spirit of co-operation intended to strengthen ties, tackle barriers to trade and collaborate in the face of shared global challenges from climate change to illegal migration.

That reset was emphasised by the Prime Minister during a visit to Germany and France last week, and by the Foreign Secretary during his travels to Germany, Poland and Sweden in recent weeks. It has also been the focus of discussions by the European Union Relations Minister Nick Thomas-Symonds in Brussels.

Minister Doughty spoke at the GLOBSEC Forum, the premier Central and Eastern European security forum held in Prague this year, alongside counterparts from the Czech Republic, Lithuania and Moldova.

At a panel event on countering Russian hybrid threats, the minister emphasised work being done by the UK and partners to degrade Russia’s network of spies and take action against Putin’s destabilising activity. This includes the largest and most severe package of sanctions ever imposed on Russia, and joint efforts in countering Russian disinformation intended to negatively influence elections across Europe.

The minister then travelled to Slovenia for the Bled Strategic Forum, where he made clear that the UK will continue to support Slovenia in tackling the shared challenges of illegal migration and criminal gangs. The UK and Slovenia’s continued co-operation in this field follows discussions at this year’s European Political Community Summit in July, where the Prime Minister met Slovenian Prime Minister Robert Golob, releasing a joint statement committing to further cooperation on tackling organised immigration crime.

He also focused attention on promoting stability in the Western Balkans, amid increasing tensions and attempted interference from malign actors in the region.

Speaking at a panel event at the Bled Strategic Forum, Minister Doughty said:

As a new government to the UK, we are absolutely clear we are committed to multilateral systems, we’re committed to the rule of law, we’re committed to NATO.

We’re committed to Ukraine; we’re committed to standing up to Russia; to Iran … and we’re committed to working with our allies whether that’s in the EU, whether that’s outside the EU in Europe; whether that’s across the transatlantic relationship or whether that’s around the World.

Not only on those security challenges, but also on climate change, on growth and prosperity for people, on tackling poverty, on equal rights, on gender equality.

During the visit, the minister also met Czech and Slovenian counterparts – Czech Deputy Foreign Minister Jan Marian, and Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky, as well as Slovenian Foreign Minister Marko Stucin – to emphasise plans to pursue a positive, forward-looking relationship with allies across the region as part of the wider UK-Europe reset.

The visit also builds upon progress made at Blenheim Palace during the European Political Community in July, where European nations underscored the strength of international support for Ukraine, and joint commitment to regional security.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 2 September 2024.

The government has taken the decision that the UK will suspend arms export licences to Israel for use in military operations in Gaza, following a review of Israel’s compliance with international humanitarian law.

• government announces immediate suspension of around 30 licences for items used in the current conflict in Gaza which go to the IDF, from a total of approximately 350 licences to Israel
• UK assessment concludes there is a clear risk certain military exports to Israel might be used in violations of International Humanitarian Law
• Foreign Secretary underlines our support for Israeli security
• sanctions announced against 3 individuals within the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Quds Force and an IRGC unit for threatening the stability of the Middle East

The government has taken the decision that the UK will suspend arms export licences to Israel for use in military operations in Gaza, following a review of Israel’s compliance with international humanitarian law.

The UK’s robust export licensing criteria states that the government will not issue export licences if the items might be used to commit or facilitate serious violations of International Humanitarian Law.

The suspension will not change the UK’s steadfast support for Israel’s security, and the decision will be kept under review.

On day one in office, the Foreign Secretary commissioned a thorough review into Israel’s compliance with International Humanitarian Law, and has travelled to Israel twice since being appointed to the role to understand the situation on the ground.

These assessments have led to serious concerns about aspects of Israel’s compliance, and the government has concluded there is a clear risk that items exported to Israel under these 30 licences might be used in serious violations of IHL and is therefore suspending certain exports immediately from today.

It comes after repeated calls by UK ministers for Israel to do more to ensure lifesaving food and medical supplies reach civilians in Gaza, and for improved treatment and access to detainees.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy said:

Facing a conflict such as this, it is this government’s legal duty to review export licences.

It is with regret that I inform the House today, the assessment I have received finds that for certain UK arms exports to Israel there exists a clear risk that they might be used to commit or facilitate a serious violation of International Humanitarian Law.

Therefore today we are announcing the suspension of around 30 export licences to Israel as required under the Export Controls frameworks.

The UK continues to support Israel’s right to self-defence in accordance with international law.

Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

Our world renowned defence industry operates under one of the most robust export licence regimes in the world, and we have a duty to uphold both our domestic and international legal obligations.

That is why after assessing the latest available advice, I have taken the difficult decision to suspend certain arms licences for exports from the UK to Israel. By suspending these licences, I am fulfilling our commitment to avoiding the risk that UK exports could be used in IHL violations in the Gaza conflict. There will remain however an important commitment to maintaining the F-35 programme which is integral to international security.

The suspension will apply to around 30 items used in the current conflict in Gaza which go to the IDF, from a total of 350 licences to Israel. The list of suspended items includes important components which go into military aircraft, including fighter aircraft, helicopters and drones as well as items which facilitate ground targeting, that would be used in Gaza.

There are a number of export licences which we have assessed are not for military use in the current conflict in Gaza and therefore do not require suspension.

These include items that are not being used by the IDF in the current conflict (such as trainer aircraft or other naval equipment), and other, non-military items.  Export licences cover a range of products including things such as food-testing chemicals, telecoms and data equipment.

UK components for the multi-national F-35 joint strike fighter programme will be excluded from this decision, except where going directly to Israel.

Any suspension of those pooled parts is not possible without having a significant effect on the global F35 fleet with serious implications for international peace and security.

Today the Foreign Secretary has also announced sanctions against 3 individuals within the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Quds Force and an IRGC unit for threatening the stability of the Middle East.

These targets seek to destabilise the region by sponsoring and providing weapons to Iranian proxy groups and partners across the region such as Lebanese-Hizbollah.

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

32 of Malaysia’s brightest have been awarded the prestigious Chevening scholarship to pursue their postgraduate studies in the UK for the 2024/25 academic year.

In addition to the existing number of Chevening scholarship awards, the United Kingdom (UK) government has also now launched a Chevening ASEAN Scholarship Programme. Every ASEAN member country and Timor-Leste will receive one additional Chevening scholarship award for the 2025/26 academic year.

David Wallace, Acting British High Commissioner to Malaysia, hosted a pre-departure briefing and reception for the scholars this evening. He said:

The Chevening Scholarship programme is a testament to the UK government’s commitment to nurturing Malaysia’s leaders of tomorrow. It provides an opportunity to experience a world-class education in the UK as well as gaining invaluable exposure and experiences along the way.

ASEAN is an important partner to the UK. In 2022, the UK became a Dialogue Partner to ASEAN, the first new dialogue partner in 25 years. The Chevening ASEAN Scholarship Programme will enable more scholars from South East Asia (including Malaysia) to study in the UK. It also augurs well with Malaysia’s chairmanship of ASEAN in 2025.

The Chevening award is the UK Government’s global scholarship programme that is funded and administered by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). This is complemented by generous sponsorships from Malaysian corporate partners namely CIMB Foundation, Yayasan Khazanah, PETRONAS and the Jeffrey Cheah Foundation. British universities also provide additional funding in support of the Chevening programme.

Chevening partners in Malaysia

Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr Jeffrey Cheah AO, Founder and Chairman of the Sunway Group said:

It has been a pleasure and privilege for the Jeffrey Cheah Foundation to have been the sponsor of a Chevening Scholarship since 2018. Each year I am thrilled by the quality of the applicants, and especially that of the candidates for our Scholarship; and we are delighted to be able to provide the opportunity over the years to well-deserving Malaysians to enhance their professional and leadership skills at a UK university and partake of the many interesting activities that are provided by the Chevening Secretariat in London.

Ahmad Shahriman Mohd Shariff, Chief Executive Officer of CIMB Foundation said:

CIMB Foundation is pleased to continue our collaboration with the UK for the Chevening Scholarship programme, a platform which provides life-changing opportunities for exceptional individuals to transform their lives through the power of education and networking. Aligned with our core impact area of Education, we firmly believe that the Chevening Scholarship plays an instrumental role in shaping the next generation of Malaysian leaders. The scholarship provides the recipients an edge through wide exposure and knowledge transfer, enhancing their value to the nation in returning to create positive and lasting change in their respective areas of specialisation.

Intan Zalila, Chief Programme Officer of Yayasan Khazanah said:

Our partnership with Chevening allows us to connect with a diverse pool of talented individuals who are poised to make significant contributions to society. We look forward to the continued success of our partnership with Chevening, as we work together to empower future leaders and make a lasting impact!

Ruslan Islahudin, Vice President & Group Chief Human Resource Officer of PETRONAS said:

Our alliance with the Chevening Scholarship reflects our commitment to empowering future leaders who are not only equipped with a world-class education but are also dedicated to driving sustainable solutions to global challenges in navigating a just energy transition. We are optimistic that these scholars will significantly contribute to the aspiration of shaping a more sustainable future by bringing innovative ideas and responsible business practices to the forefront here in Malaysia.

The Malaysian scholars

The current batch of scholars will be heading to the UK as early as September this year to pursue a wide range of postgraduate programmes at top UK universities, including subjects such as Early Years Education, Creative Writing Poetry, Global Health Policy, Cyber Defence and Information Assurance as well as Competition Law.

Scholar Muhammad Farhan Shahmi bin Abdullah who will be attending University of Cambridge to study Sociology (The Sociology of Media and Culture) said:

Misinformation and hate speech are ever-evolving threats in Malaysia, and preparing our youth to tackle them is crucial. I am driven to study Sociology at Cambridge to enrich myself with knowledge and skills in building effective, yet inclusive solutions to this conundrum. Certainly, interventions in sociology consider broader factors like culture and social dynamics, thus viewing social issues like misinformation and hate speech through a holistic lens. With the knowledge gained and network fostered from the Chevening experience, I aim to ultimately advocate for media literacy’s inclusion in the national school curriculum, making it a fundamental skill for all Malaysians.

Lydia Hong Wen Xin who will be attending Imperial College London to study Climate Change, Management and Finance said:

The field of climate change and finance is rapidly evolving, driven by urgent global demands to address climate risks and transition to sustainable energy systems. In Malaysia, recent initiatives like the target to achieve a 70% renewable energy mix by 2050 exemplify this momentum. Studying in the UK, with its environmental stewardship and cutting-edge research, offers an ideal platform to gain the expertise needed to contribute effectively to this global challenge. The holistic approach provided by my program enables me to communicate effectively across both business and scientific contexts.

Rajwin Kanagarajah who will be attending the University of Cambridge to study Population Health Sciences said:

One of the most pressing challenges in population health in Malaysia today is the growing burden of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and heart disease driven by lifestyle changes and an ageing population. This not only strains healthcare resources but also widens health disparities. Through this Chevening scholarship, I aim to gain expertise in public health policy, health economics and digital health solutions. Upon my return, I hope to contribute to Malaysia’s healthcare transformation by driving innovative, data-driven approaches in reducing disease burden, improving access to care and closing healthcare gaps on a national scale.

Syamim S. who will be attending the University of Kent to study Autism Studies said:

As an autistic person, equal opportunities are core to my Chevening journey. They allow persons with disabilities like myself equitable access to education. Personally, experiencing how such legislations may protect disabled persons is its own learning curve—one that I look forward to exploring further in the UK and adapting back home. I hope to build capacity within myself and my community through this academic and existential journey, moving Malaysia towards a better state of autistic and disability rights, benefiting everyone.

Malaysia is the second largest recipient of Chevening awards in ASEAN and there are already over 2,000 members of the Chevening alumni in Malaysia.

The UK government has recently reiterated that the UK welcomes international students. Malaysians who wish to get a scholarship to pursue a post-graduate degree in the UK can apply now until applications close on 5 November 2024. More information is available on www.chevening.org/malaysia.

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

Statement by Fergus Eckersley, Minister Counsellor, at the Security Council meeting on Ukraine.

Since calling this meeting, and accusing the West of escalation, Russia has bombarded Ukrainian cities across fifteen regions, more than half the country, using hundreds of drones, cruise missiles, hypersonic ballistic missiles, glide bombs, and more.

Some of these were procured from Iran and DPRK, in violation of UN Security Council Resolutions.

Moscow’s intent is to terrorise the civilian population in Ukraine into submission. The latest attacks have caused widespread blackouts, cutting off access for ordinary people to power, heating and water. Imagine that happening to your country.

Direct attacks on civilian infrastructure constitute a war crime. Ukraine has a right to defend itself, under Article 51 of the UN Charter, against Russia’s attacks.

This does not preclude its right to project force into Russian territory, so long as action complies with international law.

Russia cannot step up the war from its own soil, while increasing attacks on the civilian population, and expect Ukraine not to seek to remove the source of the threat.

We will continue to provide Ukraine with the capabilities it needs to defend its people.

Neither the UK nor our partners seek direct confrontation with Russia, nor a wider escalation of tensions.

Let me be clear. There is only one aggressor here.

It was Russia that willingly and deliberately tore into the security of Europe by illegally invading a sovereign country.

It was Russia that unilaterally sought to annex a neighbour’s land, against every principle the international system, and all of us, rely upon.

It was Russia that chose to use hypersonic missiles and other advanced weaponry against civilians and their infrastructure.

And it was Russia that chose, at the start of this war, that chose to illegally seize the largest nuclear power plant in Western Europe at Zaporizhizhia even recklessly installing military equipment in the turbine hall and on reactor roofs.

Russian disinformation and threats and false accusations will not deter the UK or our allies from our steadfast support for Ukraine, including providing it with the capabilities it needs to defend its people.

We remain committed to securing a just and lasting peace for Ukraine and for Europe, in line with the UN Charter.

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

Statement from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) on the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) military operation in the Occupied West Bank.

A Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) spokesperson said:

The UK is deeply concerned by the ongoing IDF military operation in the occupied West Bank.

We recognise Israel’s need to defend itself against security threats, but we are deeply worried by the methods Israel has employed and by reports of civilian casualties and the destruction of civilian infrastructure.

The risk of instability is serious and the need for de-escalation urgent. We continue to call on Israeli authorities to exercise restraint, adhere to international law, and clamp down on the actions of those who seek to inflame tensions. The UK strongly condemns settler violence and inciteful remarks such as those made by Israel’s National Security Minister Ben-Gvir, which threaten the status-quo of the Holy Sites in Jerusalem.

It is in no one’s interest for further conflict and instability to spread in the West Bank.

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

A British Embassy official attended the launch of the plan to create a water law in Guatemala, which will start this year until 2025. This national commitment was announced on 29 August by the Executive and endorsed by Congress, civil society, and indigenous peoples.

A British Embassy spokesperson said:

We congratulate the Guatemalan Government for presenting the initiative to create a water law in Guatemala.

Guatemala now joins the path travelled by many countries to preserve their natural resources while addressing the impacts of climate change.

The UK continues to work with Guatemala on this and other environmental priorities, such as the protection of biodiversity and forests, and addressing global climate challenges.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 29 August 2024.

Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

The UK, alongside Switzerland, called this humanitarian meeting after yet another alarming warning from the UN.

The situation in Gaza is intolerable and worsens with each day that passes. Over 100 hostages remain trapped in Gaza, subject to unimaginable horror. We reiterate our call for Hamas to immediately release them, and for ICRC to be granted humanitarian access.

And Palestinian children, already suffering, are now facing the imminent threat of a major polio outbreak caused by the devastation of water and sanitation services, as well as widespread malnutrition and famine risk in Gaza.

A ten-month old baby has already been paralysed by this disease – the first such case for 25 years. This is a tragedy that could have been prevented.

As we’ve heard, the UN plans to deliver vaccines as soon as this weekend. We strongly welcome Israel’s agreement for pauses on military operations so that the WHO and health agencies can deliver a safe and effective campaign. We now need to see this in action and these pauses need to be long enough to deliver the 90% coverage required.

When the campaign starts and thousands of vulnerable and unaccompanied children gather at vaccination sites, they must all be protected.

Israel’s ramping up of short-notice evacuation orders, including in areas that should provide safe refuge, is causing more chaos, again leaving Palestinians with no safe place to turn.

The UN Department of Safety and Security this week warned us that the UN too are running out of safe places for its staff. They cannot deliver desperately needed aid when IDF mass evacuation orders force them to uproot their homes and offices with just a few hours’ notice.

Israel must minimise evacuation orders and provide sufficient notice of at least 48 hours.

And despite repeated calls by this Council for deconfliction and the protection of aid operations, we continue to see appalling and unacceptable attacks on UN and aid convoys. This conflict already represents the deadliest by far for humanitarian personnel.

Just this week, the UN confirmed the IDF opened fire on a World Food Programme truck which had been fully coordinated with Israel and had UN workers inside.

Israel must take immediate steps to protect aid workers. And if its personnel are responsible for incidents, hold them accountable. All parties must abide by their obligations under international humanitarian law.

Sadly, President, it is not only in Gaza where we are witnessing violence. We are deeply concerned by rising levels of violence in the West Bank. Over 130 Palestinians, including 26 children, have been killed this month alone. We join the Secretary General in calling for urgent de-escalation.

Colleagues, the only way to bring an end to this suffering is an immediate ceasefire. We fully support the ongoing efforts of the US, Egypt and Qatar to reach an agreement on this which will get all the hostages out and significantly more aid in. We call on both Israel and Hamas to urgently take the deal on the table.

We must then see irreversible steps towards a two-state solution, the best means of ensuring long term peace for Israelis and Palestinians alike.