Tag: Foreign Office

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

Statement by Archie Young, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict.

In conflict and crises around the world, humanitarian and UN personnel are often the first to arrive and the last to leave, risking their lives to save others. 

2024 was the deadliest year on record, with 383 aid workers killed. 

In 2025, over 320 were killed. And, already, in 2026, the devastation continues with aid workers killed across the Middle East, the DRC, and Sudan. 

This cannot continue.

The United Kingdom was proud to co-sponsor Resolution 2730 in May 2024. 

We hoped it would mark a turning point. 

Instead, threats to humanitarian personnel have intensified. 

We must act urgently.

Resolution 2730 must be implemented fully, without delay. 

In all humanitarian crises, local personnel bear the greatest risk. 

In Yemen, local humanitarian personnel remain arbitrarily detained. 

We reiterate calls for their immediate and unconditional release. 

In Sudan, local aid workers continue to sustain the response amid relentless insecurity, obstruction, and violence. 

And in Gaza, the overwhelming majority of the more than 589 aid workers killed since 7 October 2023 were local staff, including 391 UNRWA staff. 

Behind every aid worker killed is a family and a community left grieving.

President, implementation of resolution 2730 requires sustained investment in practical protection to keep humanitarian workers safe. 

This includes civil-military coordination, robust security and duty of care, and consistent support to frontline agencies. 

The UK supports global platforms such as INSO, the Global Interagency Security Forum and the Aid Worker Security Database, alongside our support to frontline agencies, and we urge others to do the same. 

We must also address emerging risks. 

The growing use of Uncrewed Aerial Systems by those not acting within the confines of international humanitarian law is making fragile environments even more dangerous. 

This has had fatal consequences in the DRC, Sudan, and Ukraine. 

Disinformation further erodes trust and shrinks humanitarian space. 

We must call out disinformation and counter false narratives that endanger those delivering lifesaving assistance.

Finally, International humanitarian law must be upheld by all parties to armed conflict. 

The UK is proud to co-chair a workstream under the ICRC’s Global International Humanitarian Law Initiative and to have co-launched, with Australia, the Political Declaration on the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel. 

We call for full compliance with IHL and for transparent, timely investigations when aid workers are harmed. 

Two years since the World Central Kitchen strike in Gaza, in which three British nationals were killed, we are still waiting for Israel to conclude and publish its findings into this attack. 

Israel has a responsibility to provide answers as to how and why this happened. 

President, we must honour the dedication of those on the front lines by showing the same level of commitment in our actions. 

Resolution 2730 must be more than a paper promise; it must be a practical priority and implemented fully by all.

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

The FCDO has released a statement following ballistic missile launches by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) on 8 April.

An FCDO spokesperson said:

DPRK’s ballistic missile launches on 8 April are another breach of UN Security Council resolutions (UNSCRs), destabilising regional peace and security.

The UK continues to urge DPRK to stop provocations, to engage in meaningful diplomacy and return to dialogue.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 7 April 2026.

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

No country should be allowed to hold the world’s economy hostage.

Yet that is exactly what Iran is doing, by denying the right of transit passage, a key navigational right under international law, as reflected in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Today, Russia and China chose to shield their ally, Iran, rather than join international efforts to open the Strait and avert risks to the global economy.

We reject the claims made by Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi last week that the efforts by the Council to open the Strait will ‘complicate the situation’. 

It is Iran’s actions that have closed the Strait. 

This has already had dire consequences, and the longer this stranglehold continues, the worse the situation will get. 

In the last 24 hours, we have heard only nine vessels passed through the Strait of Hormuz, an international shipping route that would normally see up to 150 vessels a day.

 The World Food Programme has estimated that this hostile act could push 45 million more people into extreme hunger by June.

We supported Bahrain’s initiative, and it is deeply regrettable that this resolution did not pass.

The United Kingdom is already supporting our allies in the Gulf to defend themselves, in accordance with the existing and inherent right to individual and collective self-defence.

We all want to see the de-escalation of tensions in the Strait, and we welcome current diplomatic efforts underway and stress the importance of respect for international law, including the international law of the sea as reflected in the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.

As my Foreign Secretary said last week, when the UK convened over 40 countries in support of the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, we are determined to see every possible diplomatic, economic, and coordinated measure to get the straits reopened. 

We will not cease in these efforts.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 7 April 2026.

Mr Matt Baugh OBE has been appointed British High Commissioner to the Republic of Kenya in succession to Mr Neil Wigan OBE, who has taken up another Diplomatic Service appointment. Mr Baugh will take up his appointment during April 2026. 

Curriculum vitae  

Full name:  John William Matthew Baugh   

Year	Role
2026	Pre-posting training (incl. Swahili language training)
2024 to 2025	FCDO, Director, Migration & Conflict
2022 to 2024	FCDO, Director, Euro-Atlantic Security
2020 to 2022	Brussels, Ambassador to EU Political & Security Committee later Director, Political & Security, UKMis EU
2019	Pre-posting training (incl. French language training)
2016 to 2019	DExEU, Director, Strategy & Principal Private Secretary to the Secretary of State
2013 to 2016	FCO, Deputy Director, Africa
2010 to 2013	Mogadishu, Her Majesty’s Ambassador
2009	UK Higher Command and Staff Course
2008 to 2009	DFID, Principal Private Secretary to the Secretary of State
2006 to 2007	DFID, Deputy Director, Iraq Department
2004 to 2006	DFID-FCO-MOD, Head, Joint Post-Conflict Reconstruction Unit
2002 to 2004	Khartoum, DFID Country Representative
2000 to 2002	DFID, Head of Global Emergencies
2001 to 2002	DFID, Head of Afghanistan Crisis unit
1999 to 2001	DFID, Head of Kosovo Crisis unit
1998	Joined DFID Fast Stream
1997	Joined MOD Fast Stream

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 6 April 2026.

The UK Trade Envoy to Bangladesh Rt. Hon. the Baroness Winterton of Doncaster, DBE is visiting Dhaka this week to reinforce and expand the longstanding and mutually beneficial UK–Bangladesh trade and economic partnership.

Her third visit to Bangladesh comes at a pivotal time following the formation of Bangladesh’s new elected government in February. It underscores the UK’s commitment to deepening cooperation in trade, economic development, higher education, aviation and defence. 

During her visit, Baroness Winterton will hold meetings with senior ministers and other government and military officials, to discuss shared priorities for mutually beneficial growth and reiterate the UK’s commitment as a reliable and long-term economic partner for Bangladesh. 

The Trade Envoy will also meet with business leaders including representatives from UK companies operating in Bangladesh, to explore avenues for increasing bilateral trade and investment and strengthening commercial ties. 

In addition, Baroness Winterton will visit Bangladeshi businesses that export to the UK using the UK’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS). DCTS is one of the world’s most generous trade preference schemes. It is designed to support developing countries such as Bangladesh by: 

• Providing duty-free market access for a wide range of products 
• Simplifying rules of origin to make it easier for exporters to qualify 
• Encouraging diversification of exports beyond garments 
• Boosting long‑term, sustainable economic development through job creation 

Bangladesh is the biggest beneficiary of duty-free access in the DCTS, supplying high quality goods to British consumers at competitive prices and supporting jobs in Bangladesh. 

Trade Envoy Baroness Winterton said: “The UK and Bangladesh share a strong, historic partnership, and our countries continue to benefit from expanding trade and investment ties. 

“I look forward to engaging with government leaders, businesses, and entrepreneurs to identify new opportunities that support economic growth and prosperity for both nations.” 

British High Commissioner Sarah Cooke said: 

“Shared growth and prosperity are at the heart of the UK–Bangladesh relationship, and Baroness Winterton’s third visit in a year reflects just how seriously we take that commitment. This visit will further solidify our partnership as Bangladesh enters an exciting new chapter.” 

The UK remains one of Bangladesh’s largest export markets and a leading development and investment partner. This visit reaffirms the UK’s commitment to supporting Bangladesh’s transition toward a more diversified, resilient, and high‑value economy.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 2 April 2026.

Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Chargé d’Affaires to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Cooperation between the UN and the League of Arab States.

The United Kingdom welcomes this discussion on cooperation between the United Nations and the League of Arab States. It is a moment of acute regional tension. 

The League of Arab States remains a vital partner in advancing dialogue, de-escalation, and regional stability, and we commend its continued efforts to promote peaceful solutions.

Iran’s actions have driven dangerous escalation across the Gulf, with direct consequences for regional stability and global security, and increasing humanitarian costs across the region.

Iran’s attempts to obstruct the Strait of Hormuz are imposing growing economic costs, not only on the Gulf but on countries across the globe.

It is right that the international community does all it can to support a return to stability as our partners in the region continue to defend their sovereignty and their economies.

The UK is doing so through defensive operations to protect our partners and rallying 37 countries in a collective call to condemn Iran’s actions and to work together to reopen the Strait.

Today, the UK convened over forty international partners to begin work on a viable plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

We welcome the Council’s efforts, including through resolution 2817, to forge a united response to uphold regional and maritime security and to call on Iran to immediately cease its egregious actions. 

President, while attention is focused on ending the regional escalation, it is also important that we do not lose sight of the wider humanitarian and political and security challenges across the region, including in Lebanon, Palestine, Yemen, and Sudan.

The work of the League of Arab States is essential to providing longer-term solutions which can pave the way for lasting regional stability.

The United Kingdom will continue to champion coordination between the League and the United Nations, which can make a significant contribution to tackling regional, security, and development challenges.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 2 April 2026.

Statement on the Foreign Secretary-led talks with international partners on the Strait of Hormuz.

Today the Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom, Yvette Cooper, convened a meeting of over 40 countries from every continent of the world, as well as key international organisations including the International Maritime Organisation and the European Union.

This meeting showed clearly the determination of the international community to secure freedom of navigation and re-open the Strait of Hormuz. Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz is a direct threat to global prosperity.

The Strait is one of the world’s most critical maritime corridors. It is used to transport vital supplies and products such as fertilisers urgently needed to support farming in Africa. It is a primary route for global energy exports, delivering oil, refined petroleum and liquified natural gas to countries across the globe. These supplies help to power homes, facilitate air travel, and support international trade and food chains. Disruption to shipping through the Strait therefore has immediate and far-reaching consequences for global supplies, prices and economic stability, with severe humanitarian effects for communities the world over.

Iran is trying to hold the global economy hostage in the Strait of Hormuz. They must not prevail. To that effect, partners today called for the immediate and unconditional reopening of the Strait and respect for the fundamental principles of freedom of navigation and the law of the sea. We discussed a number of areas of possible collective, coordinated, action:

1. Increase international diplomatic pressure, including through the UN, to send clear and co-ordinated messages to Iran to permit unimpeded transit passage through the Strait of Hormuz and to comprehensively reject the imposition of tolls on vessels which seek to pass through.
2. Explore co-ordinated economic and political measures, such as sanctions, to bear down on Iran if the Strait remains closed.
3. Work together with the International Maritime Organisation to secure the release of thousands of ships and sailors trapped in the Strait and get shipping moving again.
4. Joint arrangements to support greater market and operational confidence. This includes working with shipping operators and industry bodies to ensure coherent and timely information sharing.

We agreed to take forward further discussions among experts and officials in participating countries to secure freedom of navigation. It is imperative that international law is respected and that Iran fully re-opens the Strait of Hormuz.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 2 April 2026.

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

The GCC is a vital partner for the UN. Its deep understanding of regional dynamics and political credibility make it well-positioned to support this Council’s work.

This meeting comes at a time of acute regional insecurity. 

The United Kingdom unequivocally and strongly condemns the egregious Iranian attacks against GCC and regional countries that target civilian areas, critical infrastructure, and vital economic assets. 

These strikes represent a direct threat to international peace and security. 

The UK stands in solidarity with all GCC States as they exercise their inherent right to defend their sovereignty and protect their citizens. 

We also reiterate our strong condemnation of Iran’s unacceptable attempts to close the Strait of Hormuz. 

We commend Bahrain’s leadership in driving Council action to address these threats, including through UNSCR 2817. 

The resolution is clear: such aggression is unacceptable and must cease immediately.

Earlier today, my Foreign Minister hosted a meeting with over 40 countries to discuss efforts to reopen and ensure safe passage through the Strait.

She expressed her support for Bahrain’s efforts to secure a further resolution on this issue.

President, we commend GCC states for their constructive diplomatic efforts, particularly their effective role in mediation processes and humanitarian support. 

We also welcome their leadership on cross‑cutting priorities, including Women, Peace and Security; Youth, Peace and Security; and work to address food, water, and environmental pressures that increasingly drive insecurity.

In Gaza and the West Bank, we now have a historic opportunity to end the cycle of violence and turn a page toward lasting peace by renewing our efforts to achieve a Two-State Solution. 

In this regard, we welcome the vital role the GCC states are playing in supporting efforts to implement UNSCR 2803, particularly by ensuring humanitarian aid reaches the most vulnerable and supporting plans for Gaza’s long-term reconstruction.

Finally, the UK was proud to work in collaboration with the UAE and other Gulf counterparts to establish the Tolerance, Peace and Security agenda in 2023 with the passing of UNSCR 2686. 

Around the world, persecution and intolerance is widespread and, on the rise, making our efforts to champion this agenda more important than ever. 

In conclusion, President, the United Kingdom remains steadfast in its commitment to working with the GCC, the United Nations, and all Council members to protect civilians, uphold international law, and advance peace, security, and stability.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 1 April 2026.

Minister for the Middle East statement marking two years since seven World Central Kitchen aid workers were killed in an Israeli strike, including three British citizens.

Minister for the Middle East Hamish Falconer said:

It has been two years since an Israeli strike on a World Central Kitchen convoy in Gaza killed seven aid workers delivering food to starving civilians. Among those killed were three British citizens.

For two years, the families of Armed Forces veterans John Chapman, James Henderson and James Kirby have sought answers. The UK government has pressed Israel at the highest level for answers. Israel has a responsibility to provide these.

I’ve heard first-hand the pain their families have endured. So today, I repeat the UK’s call for transparency and accountability for this appalling attack – we will continue to push for justice. No aid worker should be killed doing their job providing lifesaving care to civilians living in the most dire straits.

I pay tribute to the bravery of the World Central Kitchen staff, it is vital that we do everything we can to ensure humanitarian staff can carry out their work without fear. More than 500 aid workers have lost their lives in Gaza since October 2023. Before the ceasefire, it was the most dangerous place in the world to be an aid worker.

I urge Israel to swiftly conclude and publish their findings into this attack. The families of those killed must know why this happened. Lessons must be learnt. A tragedy like this must never happen again.