Tag: Foreign Office

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 24 July 2024.

International Development Minister Anneliese Dodds is in Rio de Janeiro for the G20 Development Ministers’ Meeting.

• minister to set out how she will modernise the UK’s approach to international development
• the UK’s intention to join the Brazilian President’s Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty also set to be announced

The UK’s Minister for International Development Anneliese Dodds is in Rio de Janeiro representing the UK at the G20 Development Ministers’ Meeting – on the first visit by a member of the new government to South America.

The government wants to modernise the UK’s approach to international development – with a focus on genuine respect and partnerships with other countries.

In meetings with Brazil and other key Global South partners, Minister Dodds is raising shared challenges and common interests, such as tackling global poverty, instability, and the climate and nature crisis, accelerating reform of the global financial system and unlocking economic development and growth.

Today Minister Dodds will also confirm the UK’s intention to join the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty, an initiative created by Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

Minister for International Development, Women and Equalities, Anneliese Dodds said:

The new UK government’s mission is to create a world free from poverty on a liveable planet. To tackle global crises and deliver sustainable growth, we need to draw on the strength which comes from equal partnerships.

We want to build relationships based on genuine respect, such as Brazil’s Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty with its focus on action, sharing solutions, exchanging expertise and unlocking much-needed finance.

Poverty and a lack of opportunities are drivers of vulnerability, conflicts and uncontrolled migration, a vicious cycle which breeds more poverty and hunger. We cannot change the past, but we can change the future. That change starts now.

The Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty builds on Brazil’s internationally renowned successes in tackling poverty and inequality through support to family farms, and through programmes like the Bolsa Família, which uses cash-based transfers to improve access to food, the health of mothers and children, and school attendance. It has benefited more than 55 million people in total so far.

The UK has contributed its own expertise to the work of the Global Alliance Taskforce and will offer further support to add momentum – including our readiness to join the Board of Champions and bringing in the UK’s global network of development, academic and civil society organisations.

During the 2-day visit, the minister has also visited a quilombo, a community set up by an Afro-Brazilian community which plays a key role in environmental preservation, reaffirming that gender and racial equality will be a domestic and international priority for the new UK government.

Background

• the Brazilian presidency of the G20 officially started on 1 December 2023, with President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva as chair. The theme of the Brazilian presidency is ‘Building a Just World and a Sustainable Planet’. The presidency will culminate in the G20 Leaders’ Summit, which will take place in Rio de Janeiro later this year, on 18 to 19 November 2024

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 24 July 2024.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy makes his first visit to New Delhi to push the UK growth agenda.

• UK growth at the top of the agenda for the Foreign Secretary’s first visit to New Delhi
• David Lammy will highlight the importance of new partnership with India that focuses on economic, domestic and global security
• he will hold high level meetings with the Indian government as well as climate and business leaders

Economic, domestic and global security will be at the heart the Foreign Secretary’s first visit to India as he travels to New Delhi today (24 July) to unlock the full potential of the UK-India partnership.

On the visit, the Foreign Secretary will push for a reset of the UK-India partnership including through reinforcing the UK’s commitment to securing a Free Trade Agreement that will benefit both economies.

He will tell his Indian counterpart that he wants to drive forward greater growth for both countries.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy said:

India is the emerging superpower of the 21st century, the largest country in the world with 1.4 billion people and one of the fastest growing economies in the world.

Our Free Trade Agreement negotiations is the floor not the ceiling of our ambitions to unlock our shared potential and deliver growth, from Bengaluru to Birmingham. We have shared interests on the green transition, new technologies, economic security and global security.

I am travelling to India in my first month as Foreign Secretary because resetting our relationship with the Global South is a key part of how this government will reconnect Britain for our security and prosperity at home.

David Lammy will galvanise support for accelerated action on the climate crisis with India as an indispensable partner – driving forward the clean energy transition and creating opportunities for British and Indian businesses. He will discuss partnering on Indian-led global initiatives to build clean power access, climate resilience in the Global South and small island states.

The Foreign Secretary will underscore the importance of the ‘living bridge’ between the UK and India. It represents the 1.7 million people with Indian heritage that have made their home in the UK and make an exceptional contribution to British life.

In a visit to India’s third largest technology company, the Foreign Secretary will meet business leaders to highlight how the UK and India are working together on shared ambitions such as cutting-edge science to encourage innovation, boost trade, and improve the livelihoods of working people in both countries.

The Foreign Secretary will also hold high-level talks with members from the Indian government including Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, India’s External Affairs Minister. He will reiterate the extraordinary contribution of British Indians, saying that they enrich the UK’s social and economic landscape and are the epitome of modern Britain.

He will say that we must harness this and unlock the potential of the new UK-India partnership, so we can deliver prosperity not just for the people of India and the UK but for the rest of the world.

The Foreign Secretary will travel on from India to the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ meeting in Laos where he will advance UK economic partnerships and unveil new cooperation on climate and health.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 24 July 2024.

Ahead of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, a new display has been unveiled in Parliament Square to honour the lives lost from the Ukrainian sporting community.

• a powerful display honouring the Ukrainian athletes who have been killed since Russia’s full-scale invasion has been unveiled today in Parliament Square
• more than 487 Ukrainian athletes have been killed, with the lives of former and aspiring Olympians, as well as the next generation of sporting talent, cut short
• display comes ahead of the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games later this week

Ahead of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, a display has been unveiled in Parliament Square to honour the lives lost from within the Ukrainian sporting community and to highlight the devastating consequences of the war in Ukraine.

Since Russia’s barbaric full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the conflict has claimed the lives of thousands of innocent Ukrainians, including 487 athletes. More than 4,000 athletes are still actively supporting the war effort.

Unveiled today in Parliament Square, the new 3D display brings to life the harrowing ‘487’ figure – though the true number is likely to be even higher. Surrounding the display, sporting equipment representing the disciplines of some of the 487 fallen athletes offers a stark reminder of the war’s devastating toll.

With only 140 athletes from Ukraine competing at this year’s Olympic Games in Paris, this marks the smallest representation ever in Ukraine’s summer Olympic history.

Among the athletes killed by Russian forces are Oleksandr Pielieshenko, who competed in weightlifting at the Rio 2016 Olympics and died defending his country in May this year. Other casualties include promising young athletes like 11-year-old rhythmic gymnast Kateryna Diachenko, whose life was cut short by a Russian attack on her hometown of Mariupol at the onset of the war on 12 March 2022.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy said:

As the world gathers this summer to celebrate the very best of sporting talent, we must pause to remember the hundreds of Ukrainian athletes who are no longer with us or can no longer take part due to the war.

We are drawing attention to the harrowing real life stories behind the 487 statistic to pay tribute to the fallen athletes as a timely reminder of this government’s iron-clad support for Ukraine and its people. We must support Ukraine’s fight for freedom.

The defence of Europe begins in Ukraine and the outcome is down to our collective will. Now is the time to double down on our support so Ukraine not only wins the war, but can forge the bright and ambitious future that Ukrainians deserve.

Heorhii Tykhyi, Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, said:

Every Ukrainian athlete at the Olympics represents the Ukrainian will to win, Volia. By acting swiftly and with united efforts, the prospect of a world where Ukrainian athletes and citizens are free from the threats posed by Russia will be a reality.

The display comes just days after the Prime Minister hosted President Zelenskyy at Downing Street last week after the European Political Community summit. President Zelenskyy also met the Defence and Business Secretaries where they discussed the need for more cooperation and the need to boost industrial production for Ukraine.

The UK’s commitment to support Ukraine to resist Russian aggression is iron-clad. The Prime Minister announced his commitment to £3 billion a year of military support for Ukraine for as long as it takes. In total, the UK has committed almost £12.7 billion in military, humanitarian, and economic support for Ukraine since February 2022.

Current and former Olympic athletes and coaches worldwide have also united in solidarity with Ukraine in light of the 487 figure, sharing their hopes for Ukraine to receive the support it needs to win.

This includes Sasha Cohen, former Ukrainian-American Olympic figure skater, Oksana Masters, Ukrainian-American Paralympic athlete, German Biathlete Jens Steinigen and coach Wolfgang Pichler, and former Ukrainian Olympic wrestler Oksana Rakhra.

Sasha Cohen, former Ukrainian-American figure skater, said:

I’ve always believed in the power of sport to unite and inspire. But today, I’m not just speaking as an athlete. I’m speaking as the daughter of a Ukrainian immigrant, my mother, Galina. I’ve grown up with stories of Ukraine, our culture, our people, and their resilience.

Today, I stand in awe of the Ukrainian athletes participating in the Olympics and think of those who we are missing and have been lost to the war. Their courage, strength and determination embodies the spirit of my mother’s homeland and I stand with them in solidarity.

Together, we can show the world the power of unity in sport.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 23 July 2024.

Statement by UK Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the UN Security Council meeting on Yemen.

First, we call on the Houthis to stop their escalatory behaviour that threatens the prospect of stability in Yemen and the region. We, once again, condemn the Houthi attack on Tel Aviv which saw an Israeli civilian killed and 10 other civilians wounded. We are deeply concerned about the risk and the consequences of escalation in the region and we call for all parties to exercise restraint.

We also remain deeply concerned by the Houthis’ detention of United Nations personnel, as well as the staff and former staff of non-governmental organisations and diplomatic missions. We echo the calls from Special Envoy Grundburg and Acting Under-Secretary-General Msuya on the Houthis to immediately and unconditionally release those held. As well as the personal distress for the individuals and their families, these detentions have also severely impeded the delivery of vital aid to those most in need and further constrained the humanitarian community working across Yemen. All humanitarian, UN, and diplomatic staff should be free to operate safely and securely throughout Yemen.

Second, the UK has been clear, that the continued flouting of the arms embargo under UNSCR 2216 is unacceptable and serves only to fuel further regional tensions. The increasing reports of ships entering Hodeidah without reporting to UNVIM for inspection is deeply worrying because the inspection of vessels is fundamental to stopping illicit arms entering Houthi controlled areas, while also ensuring the import of commercial goods. We must continue to provide unwavering support to UNVIM and ensure it has the necessary funding to stop the smuggling of illicit arms.

Finally,  we welcome the commitment of the parties to de-escalate economic tensions and to start convening meetings to discuss all economic and humanitarian issues based on the roadmap. The UK reaffirms that the only way to peace in Yemen is through dialogue and engagement with the Special Envoy. It is important that we remain unified in support of his efforts to secure an inclusive and sustainable peace in Yemen. We continue to urge all parties to de-escalate tensions and preserve space for negotiations.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 22 July 2024.

Statement by UK Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the UN Security Council meeting on the situation in the Middle East.

The UK is deeply alarmed by the Houthi attack on Tel Aviv which saw an Israeli civilian killed in his home and 10 other civilians wounded. My Foreign Secretary condemned this reckless escalation in his statement to the UK Parliament last week. We call for urgent de-escalation.

Since October 7th, the Houthis have launched UAVs and missiles towards Israel, in dangerous and illegal attacks. These actions risk a further deterioration in the stability and security of the region and we call upon the Security Council to condemn the Houthi attacks against Israel in addition to their wider destabilising activity in the Red Sea. This includes launching over 305 attacks against international shipping, impacting over 100 ships and killing innocent crew. We call for the immediate and unconditional release of the Galaxy Leader and its crew illegally detained by the Houthis since November 2023.

In addition, we must not lose sight of the fact that Houthi actions, enabled by support from Iran, are part of a wider Iranian strategy to destabilise the region with its malign influence and use of proxies. We call upon Iran to cease its nefarious support to armed groups and terrorist organisations in the Middle East which only serve to increase the suffering of ordinary people.

Finally, while we can confirm that there was no UK involvement in the Israeli strikes against the Houthis on 20 July, the UK remains resolute in its support to Israel’s right to self-defence in line with international law and international humanitarian law. The Houthis seek to use the situation in Gaza as justification for their reckless behaviour. Let me be clear, there is no justification for these attacks and more broadly there can be no military solution to the conflict in the Middle East. Yemenis are once again paying the price for the destructive actions of the Houthis and further escalation will only worsen an already dire humanitarian situation.

A diplomatic solution in the region is the only way forward. We strongly support the ongoing efforts of Egypt, Qatar and the US to bring about a ceasefire in Gaza, get the hostages out and humanitarian aid in. The deal, as endorsed by this Council in resolution 2735, is the best chance to secure lasting peace. Innocent Palestinians continue to face unfathomable human suffering in Gaza, with a devastating impact on women and children. At least 120 hostages remain in horrific conditions. We urge both sides to show flexibility in negotiations and to recommit themselves to a renewed peace process resulting in a two-state solution. President, I reiterate the UK’s call for de-escalation and for meaningful progress to bring about lasting peace and security for the region.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 22 July 2024.

Statement by Deputy Political Coordinator Laura Dix at the UN Security Council meeting on Syria.

First, as you’ve made clear, the humanitarian situation across Syria remains dire, borne out of over a decade of conflict and the actions of the regime. This includes its recent decision to blockade aid into Rukban camp, which has led to severe food scarcity. We call on the regime to permit commercial access into Rukban camp and to ensure all routes for humanitarian access – including into North West Syria – are sustained and predictable. Short-term, last-minute decisions are not appropriate as the UN continues to make clear. Access should be granted for as long as humanitarian needs demand it.

Second, in light of the UN sanctions report published last week, I wanted to underscore that our sanctions against the Assad regime have a clear purpose: they are designed to hold to account those responsible for committing abhorrent atrocities over the last 14 years, including perpetrators of serious human rights violations and chemical weapons use. We have taken clear steps to ensure that sanctions and any tools aimed at holding the Assad regime accountable do not impact the wider Syrian population or the delivery of humanitarian support. We resolutely support those affected by the ongoing devastating conflict.

Third, the only route out of this crisis is via a comprehensive and sustainable political settlement. This month’s parliamentary elections in Syria were held with the aim of sustaining Assad’s dictatorship and giving a semblance of popular legitimacy to his unreformed and undemocratic regime. In response, we have seen protesters inside Syria boycott the elections and demand a fairer and more transparent process. Legitimate elections in Syria can only be a product of a genuine political process in line with UNSCR 2254, which allows for the participation of all eligible Syrians, including members of the diaspora.

President, I end by recalling that it is in Assad’s power to end this intolerable conflict and to take responsibility for the human rights violations and abuses that Syrians have endured. It is time to deliver on the legitimate demands of the Syrian people and to make a genuine commitment to peace in line with resolution 2254.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 22 July 2024.

FCDO Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State Catherine West gave a statement on the current situation in Bangladesh.

Catherine West, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), said:

The UK is deeply concerned by the violence we have seen in Bangladesh in recent days, with reports of hundreds killed and thousands injured. The loss of life is unacceptable. Peaceful protestors must not be subject to violence.

The rights to protest, to peacefully assemble and to express different political views are rights which the UK holds dear and must be protected.

Access to the internet and communications services must be restored quickly so people in Bangladesh can be reconnected with their families and friends in the UK and across the globe.

We urge an end to the violence and loss of life and call on all sides to find ways to restore calm across Bangladesh, including by establishing a pathway for constructive political dialogue in the interests of the people of Bangladesh.

Our thoughts are with everyone affected. The people-to-people connections between our two countries are strong, with a strong Bangladeshi community in the UK contributing enormously.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 19 July 2024.

Statement by UK Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the UN Security Council meeting on cooperation between the UN and regional organisations.

I will make three points. First, the UK supports regional organisations playing a role in upholding peace and security in their regions. This includes regional peacekeeping partnerships that reflect the UN’s common values and principles, including respect for human rights. For example, the EU’s Operation Althea and the OSCE’s operation in Bosnia has helped facilitate the implementation of the Dayton Peace Agreement. The OSCE is undertaking important work on a wide array of security issues in Central Asia and the South Caucasus.

Second, to carry out this role effectively, regional organisations need to be responsive to the needs of their members, and act in line with the UN Charter. To the extent that the these organizations are willing to do this, they can play a constructive role in their regions. All States have a sovereign right to choose their own security partnerships, including military alliances. Participation cannot be coerced. “Collective security” does not mean a sphere of influence, and “cooperation” does not require subjugation of sovereignty. Russia’s aggression against Georgia in 2008, and against Ukraine in 2014 and 2022, undermines the role of regional organisations in the neighbourhood, particularly the CSTO. Georgia and Ukraine withdrew from CIS due to this violation of their sovereignty.

Third, the UK warmly welcomes the Central Asian region’s strong engagement with the UN, underlined by the Secretary-General’s regional tour this month, and the work of UN bodies such as UNDP and UNOCT in the region. We look forward to next week’s consultations on UNRCCA, which makes a valuable contribution to security in the region, including counter-terrorism, and women, peace and security. The UK also values our own relations with the Central Asian states. Earlier this year, we launched a regional climate programme that will help improve Central Asia’s climate resilience by strengthening regional cooperation on water and energy. And we look forward to COP 29 in Azerbaijan. There are no binary choices in partnerships – the UK is ready to work with regional partners across the globe to build stability and security, promote growth and tackle global challenges.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 19 July 2024.

Justin Addison, UK Delegation to the OSCE, tells the OSCE’s Economic and Environmental Committee (EEC) that Russia is prioritising its own aims above global food security.

Mr Chair,

The UK delegation would like to thank the Austrian chair of the EEC for convening this session to discuss food security. As you rightly said at the start, conflict situations in regions key to global food trade can severely impact food security.

Ukrainian grain exports are crucial in ensuring global food security and the resilience of global grain markets. Before Russia’s illegal full-scale invasion, Ukraine accounted for around 10% of global wheat exports and 12% of corn and barley exports.

Russia has cynically attempted to prevent Ukraine from exporting its grain, prioritising its own aims above global food security. In 2023, it deliberately obstructed and then withdrew from the Black Sea Grain Initiative, after which it deliberately attacked Ukraine’s grain storage and export infrastructure.

However, these attempts have failed. Ukraine’s military successes have now pushed back Russia’s Black Sea Fleet, enabling it to resume exports from its Black Sea ports. Since last summer, Ukraine has exported 36 million tonnes of agricultural produce and 17 million tonnes of other cargo through the Black Sea. Through all routes, Ukraine has now exported all its harvest from 2023.

There is ample evidence that Russia is also systematically acquiring grain from occupied Ukrainian territory and selling it on, with farmers forced to sell their produce to occupation authorities. This is grain which Ukraine should rightfully be supplying to world markets, instead of either being transferred to Russia for consumption or sold abroad, passed off as Russian grain.

All buyers of Russian grain, including those represented in this committee, should consider these facts when making purchasing decisions.

Russia often likes to claim that Western sanctions are hindering its agricultural exports. We have always been clear that the target of our sanctions is Russia’s war machine and not its food and fertiliser sectors. The UN and other partners have taken significant steps to ensure that Russian food is able to access world markets.

Mr Chair, food security is another casualty of Russia’s unnecessary and unprovoked war, and Ukraine’s response is another example of their resistance in the face of such aggression. Ukraine’s ability to export and trade freely, efficiently and economically is vitally important in stabilising global food prices and preventing global food shortages.

This aim will only be achieved when President Putin decides to end this senseless war and fully withdraws from Ukrainian territory.

Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 19 July 2024.

• Foreign Secretary David Lammy has announced that the UK will restart funding to UNRWA in order to get aid as quickly as possible to those who need it in Gaza
• in statement to MPs, Lammy said UK aid funding to Gaza is a “moral necessity in the face of such a catastrophe”
• the Foreign Secretary also reiterated calls for an immediate ceasefire to secure the release of hostages and end the suffering in Gaza, following his visit to the region earlier this week

The Foreign Secretary has announced that the UK will lift the pause on funding to the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), the key aid delivery body operating in Gaza.

In his first statement to MPs, the Foreign Secretary outlined that the UK will release £21 million to support its lifesaving work in Gaza and the provision of basic services in the region.

This funding will go towards UNRWA’s flash appeal for Gaza and the West Bank, which focuses its resources on emergency food, shelter and other support for 3 million people, as well as its wider work supporting 6 million Palestinian refugees across the region.

The Foreign Secretary said to Parliament:

Humanitarian aid is a moral necessity in the face of such a catastrophe and it is aid agencies who ensure UK support reaches civilians on the ground.

UNRWA is absolutely central to these efforts. No other agency can get aid into Gaza at the scale needed.

I was appalled by the allegations that UNRWA staff were involved in the 7th October attacks. We are reassured that after Catherine Colonna’s independent review, UNRWA is ensuring they meet the highest standards of neutrality and strengthening its procedures, including on vetting.

UNRWA has acted. Partners like Japan, the EU and Norway have now acted. This government will act too.

The UK’s funding for UNRWA was paused in light of allegations by Israel that 12 staff were involved in the 7 October attack against Israel. Following an independent review by Catherine Colonna and the subsequent action plan UNRWA has provided setting out detailed management reforms, the government is confident that UNRWA is taking action to ensure it meets the highest standards of neutrality.

Today’s announcement brings the UK into line with partners such as Germany, the EU, Sweden, Japan, France and other donors.

UNRWA is the main provider of humanitarian relief within Gaza, and other UN and humanitarian actors depend on UNRWA’s distribution network to get aid to those who need it most. UNRWA has provided 1.15 million people facing devastating hunger in Gaza with food parcels.

The Foreign Secretary spoke with UN Secretary General Guterres last night to confirm the UK’s decision to restart funding and discuss the UN’s vital role in providing humanitarian assistance in Gaza.

International Development Minister Anneliese Dodds will meet UNRWA Commissioner General Lazzarini today to discuss how the funding will support UNRWA’s work and condemn the killing of almost 200 UNRWA workers in the conflict.

International Development Minister Anneliese Dodds said:

The situation in Gaza is intolerable and unacceptable and urgent action is needed to alleviate the suffering of civilians there.

UNRWA is the only agency that can deliver lifesaving humanitarian aid at the scale needed. But it can only operate effectively if it has access to the whole of Gaza and it is safe for UNRWA staff to work there.

That’s why we are calling for unfettered access for humanitarian organisations alongside an immediate ceasefire, the protection of civilians, the release of all hostages and a credible and irreversible pathway towards a two-state solution.

The Foreign Secretary also set out in Parliament today his wider plan to reach an end to the conflict in Gaza. He made clear the immediate priority is a ceasefire complied with by both sides, the release of all hostages and a surge of aid into Gaza.

The Foreign Secretary said to Parliament:

Britain wants to see an immediate ceasefire. The fighting must stop. The hostages must be released. Much, much more aid has got to enter Gaza…. This horror must end, now.

The Foreign Secretary raised the urgent need for the conflict to end during his meetings with Israeli and Palestinian leaders during his visit to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories on 14 to 15 July.

As part of the visit, the Foreign Secretary announced that the UK will provide another £5.5 million this year to UK-Med to fund their life-saving work in Gaza. This funding will be used to support the ongoing work of their field hospitals and the emergency department at Nasser Hospital.

In the long-term, the Foreign Secretary outlined that the UK is focused on creating a pathway towards a two-state solution which guarantees security and stability for Israelis and Palestinians.

He made clear that any long-term solution must include a crackdown on the rise in settler violence and settlement expansion and a reformed Palestinian Authority, given the powers and resources it needs to govern effectively.

Background

• the UK will provide £6 million to the Gaza flash appeal, through which UNRWA is specifically focusing its support to address the most urgent needs of more than 3 million people in Gaza and the West Bank
• a further £15 million with be disbursed to UNRWA’s programme budget to provide basic services in the Occupied Palestinian Territories and wider region
• last week, the UK signed a joint statement alongside more than 117 member states including the US, Germany, Jordan, Kuwait and Slovenia, making clear their shared commitment and support to the “vital and indispensable role” of UNRWA in providing life-saving aid to generations of Palestinian refugees
• the UK’s funding for UNRWA was paused in light of allegations by Israel that 12 staff were involved in the 7 October attack against Israel. The government is assured the UN agency is taking action to ensure it meets the highest standards of neutrality, after seeing the independent investigation by Catherine Colonna, and the subsequent action plan UNRWA has provided setting out detailed management reforms
• the UK’s position is now in line with partners such as Germany, EU, Sweden, Japan, France, Canada, The Netherlands, Australia, Italy, Austria, Finland, Iceland, Romania and Estonia