Tag: Foreign Office

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 28 August 2025.

Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Haiti.

Thank you, President. I thank the Secretary-General, Executive Director Russell and Mr Roosevelt for briefing us today.

And I welcome the participation of the representatives of Haiti, the Dominican Republic and Barbados in our meeting.

I will make three points.

First, the United Kingdom remains deeply concerned about the escalating humanitarian crisis in Haiti.

As we have heard today, this crisis is driven by gang violence and instability that devastates communities and undermines efforts to restore democratic governance.

We are particularly concerned by the impacts on children, who are among the most vulnerable victims of this crisis.

One in eight children in Haiti have been displaced. Armed gangs are systematically recruiting minors, fuelling a surge in exploitation, sexual violence and abuse.

These atrocities spread fear and inflict lasting trauma on Haiti’s young people.

The United Kingdom remains firmly committed to supporting efforts to tackle insecurity in Haiti, and we unequivocally condemn the use of sexual and gender-based violence as a tool of control and terror.

Second, we commend Kenya’s leadership of the Multinational Security Support Mission.

And we express our strong support for the vital work of international partners, including BINUH, in helping the Haitian authority deliver change for the Haitian people.

As part of this commitment, the UK has provided $6.7 million to fund OHCHR’s work with the MSS to help ensure compliance with international standards on human rights, conduct and discipline.

In parallel, we continue to take action against those responsible for human rights violations, including through the implementation of targeted sanctions.

Third, re-establishing security is essential to Haiti’s long-term stability and to alleviating suffering.

In this context, we welcome the Secretary General’s recommendations for enhanced security assistance for Haiti.

President, we stand ready to work with the US, Panama and all Council members to mobilise that support to the Haitian people, and help Haiti’s children enjoy a future free from violence, fear and hunger.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 28 August 2025.

Joint statement by the Foreign Ministers of France, Germany and the UK on the initiation of the snapback process.

We, the Foreign Ministers of France, Germany and the United Kingdom, share the fundamental objective that Iran shall never seek, acquire or develop a nuclear weapon. We negotiated the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPoA) with the conviction that it would decisively contribute to ensuring the exclusively peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear programme. The United Nations Security Council unanimously endorsed the JCPoA in resolution 2231 of 20th July 2015. It was a major achievement for non-proliferation, as such strengthening international peace and security.

Following the United States’ withdrawal from the JCPoA on 8th May 2018, and in spite of Iran ceasing the implementation of its commitments under the JCPoA beginning in May 2019, France, Germany and the United Kingdom (the “E3”) remained committed participants to the deal.

Since 2019, Iran has exceeded JCPoA limits on enriched uranium, heavy water, and centrifuges, restricted the IAEA’s ability to conduct JCPoA verification and monitoring activities, and has abandoned the implementation and the ratification process of the Additional Protocol to its Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement. These actions contravene Iran’s commitments set out in the JCPoA and have serious implications on the capacity of Iran to progress toward developing a nuclear weapon.

This was more than five years ago. Since then, we have made all possible efforts to resolve the impasse. We consistently undertook intensive diplomatic efforts to deescalate tensions and to bring Iran and the United States to the negotiating table for a comprehensive negotiated solution. We acted in good faith to preserve the JCPoA, in the sincere hope of finding a way to resolve the impasse through constructive diplomatic dialogue, while preserving the agreement and remaining within its framework.

This included the use of the JCPoA’s Dispute Resolution Mechanism, initiated on 14 January 2020 and confirmed by the JCPoA Coordinator, pursuant to paragraph 36 of the JCPoA.  The E3 also engaged in good faith in negotiations conducted from 6th April 2021 until 28th February 2022 to re-establish Iran’s full compliance with the JCPoA and allow for a return of the United States to the deal. The JCPoA Coordinator tabled viable proposals in March and again in August 2022. Iran refused both packages while continuing to raise unacceptable demands beyond the scope of the JCPoA. Despite this, we have continued to engage Iran as part of our efforts to find a peaceful resolution of this issue through diplomacy, as set out in our letter to the United Nations Secretary General of 8th August 2025.

In July 2025, the E3 have put on the table an offer for the extension of resolution 2231 and its snapback mechanism. The requirements set by the E3 in exchange for this extension – including the resumption of negotiations, Iran’s compliance with its IAEA obligations, and steps to address our concerns regarding the high enriched uranium stockpile – have not yet been satisfactorily met by Iran. The combination of such Iranian steps and a time-limited extension would have provided a credible path towards reaching a political agreement to replace the JCPoA and address our longstanding concerns regarding Iran’s nuclear programme.

Today, Iran’s non-compliance with the JCPoA is clear and deliberate, and sites of major proliferation concern in Iran are outside of IAEA monitoring. Iran has no civilian justification for its high enriched uranium stockpile – now over 9 Significant Quantities – which is also unaccounted for by the IAEA. Its nuclear programme therefore remains a clear threat to international peace and security.

As a result of Iran’s actions, and in accordance with paragraph 11 of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2231 (2015), France, Germany and the United Kingdom have today decided to notify the Security Council that we believe Iran is in significant non-performance of its commitments under the JCPoA, thereby engaging the “snapback” mechanism.

This notification initiates the snapback process defined in Resolution 2231. It opens a 30-day period before the possible reestablishment of previously terminated United Nations Security Council resolutions. We underline that these resolutions and the measures they contain – sanctions and other restrictive measures – are not new. On the contrary, these resolutions were previously agreed by the Security Council and lifted in light of Iran’s commitments under the JCPoA. However, Iran has chosen not to abide by those commitments. In accordance with Resolution 2231, we will continue to strive to diplomatically resolve the issue of Iran’s significant non-performance. We will use the 30-day period to continue to engage with Iran on our extension offer, or on any serious diplomatic efforts to restore Iran’s compliance with its commitments.

We recall that if the UNSC does not adopt within 30 days a resolution to continue the lifting of UNSC resolutions on Iran, six Security Council resolutions, including on sanctions, will be restored.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 28 August 2025.

Chosen for their leadership potential and commitment to driving positive change, they join a cohort of nearly 2,000 Chevening alumni and 1,500 Commonwealth alumni, working across all sectors including education, governance, health, and climate action.

This year, 32 Chevening Scholars will begin their academic journeys pursuing fully funded master’s degrees in the UK. The cohort includes over 60% women, and representation from nearly all of Pakistan’s provinces. This year’s cohort includes a scholar funded by Mansion house to study MSc Business Analytics from University College London.

In addition, 48 Commonwealth Scholars have been selected to study at leading UK institutions. This includes shared scholarships, master’s programmes, and PhD programmes, fully funded by the UK through the Commonwealth Scholarship. The British High Commission Islamabad marked the start of the scholars’ journey through a reception, celebrating their achievement.

British High Commissioner, Jane Marriott CMG, OBE said:

These scholars are embarking on a journey of a lifetime. They will have access to the best minds and opportunities. What’s more, when they return, they will join a powerful global network of accomplished Chevening and Commonwealth alumni who are creating real change worldwide.

Rida Tariq, an incoming Chevening Scholar, shared her motivation:

For me Chevening is not just a scholarship, it’s a platform for collaboration and a chance to connect with a global community of leaders dedicated to making a real difference. I am eager to learn from diverse perspectives, build lasting relationships, and gain the knowledge and skills needed to bring meaningful change in Pakistan.

Future leaders can now apply for Chevening scholarships to study a one-year Masters degree in the UK, and Chevening fellowships including the 2-month long South Asia Journalism Programme (SAJP) and 5-month long Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies fellowship (OCIS). Applications will close on October 7, 2025. Applications for Commonwealth Scholarships will open later this year.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 26 August 2025.

Chargé d’Affaires James Ford congratulates Armenia and Azerbaijan on the recent progress made towards a peace agreement, and confirms UK support for the adoption of a Permanent Council Decision on the closure of the OSCE Minsk structures.

The United Kingdom congratulates Armenia and Azerbaijan on the recent progress made in their peace process, including during the summit held in Washington on 8 August. The meeting between President Aliyev and Prime Minister Pashinyan, culminating in the signing of a Joint Declaration, marks a significant milestone in the pursuit of lasting peace in the South Caucasus. We also congratulate the US for its leadership and commitment in helping to facilitate this breakthrough.

The UK commends the governments of Armenia and Azerbaijan for their courage and commitment to reconciliation, and we thank the staff in the OSCE structures for their decades of dedicated mediation and support. The UK encourages both sides to work constructively towards the full signature of a peace agreement and to remain steadfast in their commitment to long-term peace and stability.

We also encourage continued collaboration between Armenia, Azerbaijan and the OSCE in areas of mutual interest, including confidence-building, regional stability, and human rights. The UK stands ready to support future efforts that promote peace, prosperity and cooperation in the region.

The UK therefore fully supports the Permanent Council Decision recommending the adoption of a Ministerial Council Decision on the closure of the OSCE Minsk structures, including the financial resources and procedures set out by the Finnish Chairpersonship-in-Office in response to the Joint Appeal by the Foreign Ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan circulated on 11 August.

Thank you, Madam Chair.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 25 August 2025.

G7 Chair’s statement on the Independence Day of Ukraine, following a G7 Foreign Ministers’ virtual meeting with Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Sybiha.

“On the Independence Day of Ukraine, G7 Foreign Ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States of America, and the High Representative of the European Union, met virtually with Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Sybiha.

“Participants welcomed ongoing diplomatic efforts by the United States, under the leadership of President Trump, which create an opportunity for a peaceful and lasting end to the war. Together, they applauded Ukraine’s continued commitment to a full and unconditional ceasefire and to engage in Leader-level discussions.

“They welcomed the willingness of Europe, Canada, and other partners to provide Ukraine with robust and credible security guarantees in coordination with the United States.

“Participants reiterated respect for Ukraine’s sovereignty. Participants also discussed Ukraine’s territorial integrity, political independence, and the return of prisoners of war, illegally detained civilians, and abducted and deported children. The importance of continuing to work through the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children, co-chaired by Canada and Ukraine, was further underscored.

“Participants spoke to their intent to continue to apply economic and financial pressure on Moscow, absent an agreement ending this terrible war.

“Participants expressed their support for continued dialogue and meaningful, substantive and good faith negotiations between the Leaders of Russia and Ukraine, noting that peace can only take root when both sides reach a just, fair and sustainable solution.

“Participants congratulated Ukraine on its independence and expressed solidarity with the Ukrainian people.”

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 25 August 2025.

The UK pays tribute to the courage and resilience of the Ukrainian people and reaffirms its unwavering support as they mark the 34th anniversary of their independence.

Thank you, Madam Chair.

Yesterday, Ukraine celebrated its Independence Day – the day in 1991 when the country declared independence from the former USSR.  The Ukrainian people overwhelmingly backed this decision, with 92% voting in favour of independence.  That choice was recognised by the international community, including the Russian Federation, and Ukraine took its rightful place as a sovereign nation among equals.

34 years later, the Ukrainian people once again find themselves in a struggle for freedom.  Since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, Ukrainians have fought heroically for their homeland and their right to exist.  Russia’s war of aggression is not simply about territory, it’s about Ukraine’s existence as an independent, sovereign nation and people.  President Putin’s objective, from the beginning, appears to be the end of Ukraine as a separate, independent entity.

So, while yesterday’s anniversary was a celebration of national sovereignty, identity and culture, it was also a solemn reminder of the price Ukrainians continue to pay to defend them.  Their fight is not for some abstract ideals that matter only to Russia and Ukraine.  These are the principles that form the foundations of Euro-Atlantic security, including sovereign equality and territorial integrity.  They are enshrined in the Helsinki Final Act and matter to us all.  Three weeks ago, we all gathered in Helsinki to mark the 50th anniversary of the Act’s adoption, but it is Ukrainians who are defending them every day on the front lines.

This is why Ukraine’s future and the way that Russia’s illegal war comes to an end is important for us all. We must secure a just and lasting peace that ensures the Ukrainian people never have to live in fear of attack again.  Future anniversaries should not be interrupted by air raid sirens and drone strikes.

Russia must return the Ukrainian children that it has illegally deported and those it has been forcing into military training to line up on the front line against their families and compatriots.  It must cease its systematic efforts to eradicate Ukrainian identity through brainwashing and corrupting the education of children.  It must stop the forced passportisation of Ukrainians, obliging them to become Russian nationals or risk being forced out of their homeland.  It must also release the 3 SMM staff that it has detained arbitrarily – Vadym Golda, Maxim Petrov and Dmytro Shabanov.

The United Kingdom welcomes President Trump’s efforts to end Russia’s war of aggression and achieve a just and lasting peace.  We are clear that Ukraine must have ironclad security guarantees to effectively defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity.  The Coalition of the Willing is ready to play an active role.  This is important progress and will be crucial in deterring President Putin from coming back for more.

As we have said before, we will judge President Putin by his actions, not his words.  We have yet to see concrete evidence that he is serious about ending this war.

Until peace is secured, the UK will keep tightening the screws on Russia’s war machine.  We will continue our military, humanitarian and diplomatic support.  And we will use every platform – including this one – to call out Russia’s violations of its commitments and reaffirm our steadfast support for Ukraine’s independence.

Madam Chair, allow me to conclude by congratulating the people of Ukraine on their Independence Day.  Their courage inspires us, and their resilience strengthens us. The United Kingdom stands with them today, tomorrow, and for as long as it takes.  Thank you.

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

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

I will make three points.

First, the United Kingdom welcomes the positive momentum towards peace generated by the work of EAC-SADC and the AU, the signing of the Peace Agreement between DRC and Rwanda in Washington, and the Declaration of Principles between DRC and M23 in Doha.

Second, the United Kingdom condemns the widespread killing of civilians by the Rwanda-backed M23 in Rutshuru territory as well as killings by ADF in Ituri province.

The scale of human rights abuses, including sexual violence, by armed groups in eastern DRC is deeply concerning.

We call on all parties to respect international humanitarian law and to protect civilians.

The parties must comply with the ceasefires to which they have committed.

Reported violations by both M23 and Wazalendo groups are deeply concerning, as is the rise in inflammatory rhetoric by both sides.

The UK urges the parties to show restraint, avoid further escalation, and engage constructively in the peace process.

Third, President, the United Kingdom remains concerned by restrictions imposed on MONUSCO’s freedom of movement by M23.

UN peacekeepers must be allowed to deliver the mandate agreed by this Council.

We welcome news that supplies of fuel and water are no longer being restricted.

We also welcome that some of MONUSCO’s necessary troop rotations have now taken place. This must be sustained.

To conclude, the United Kingdom strongly supports all efforts towards peace in Eastern DRC.

We commend the ongoing efforts of US, Qatari and AU mediators and facilitators.

We welcome the resumption of talks between DRC and M23.

The parties should now urgently and fully comply with the commitments they have made to a ceasefire and the protection of civilians.

The Security Council should remain seized of their progress.

The full implementation of these agreements is critical to delivering the sustainable peace and prosperity that the people of DRC deserve.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 21 August 2025.

Joint statement on behalf of 27 countries on foreign media access to Gaza.

Joint statement:

In light of the unfolding humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, we, the undersigned members of the Media Freedom Coalition, urge Israel to allow immediate independent foreign media access and afford protection for journalists operating in Gaza.

Journalists and media workers play an essential role in putting the spotlight on the devastating reality of war. Access to conflict zones is vital to carrying out this role effectively. We oppose all attempts to restrict press freedom and block entry to journalists during conflicts.

We also strongly condemn all violence directed against journalists and media workers, especially the extremely high number of fatalities, arrests and detentions. We call on the Israeli authorities and all other parties to make every effort to ensure that media workers in Gaza, Israel, the West Bank and East Jerusalem – local and foreign alike – can conduct their work freely and safely. Deliberate targeting of journalists is unacceptable. International humanitarian law offers protection to civilian journalists during armed conflict. We call for all attacks against media workers to be investigated and for those responsible to be prosecuted in compliance with national and international law.

We reiterate calls for an immediate ceasefire, the unconditional release of the remaining hostages, unhindered flow of humanitarian aid and for a path towards a two-state solution, long-term peace and security.

This statement has been signed by:

• Australia, Austria, Belgium, Chile, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Sierra Leone, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and Ukraine
• For further information, please visit Home – Media Freedom Coalition

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 21 August 2025.

The facility upgraded through the UK’s Integrated Security Fund, will serve as a vital training facility for LAF troops deployed across South Lebanon.

British Ambassador to Lebanon Hamish Cowell inaugurated the newly upgraded Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) training facility in Zahrani, South Lebanon on Wednesday 20 August.

The LAF facility was developed and upgraded through the support of the UK Government’s Integrated Security Fund. It will serve as a vital training facility for LAF troops strengthening their readiness for deployment across South Lebanon. The UK is also providing 1,000 Personal Protection Equipment sets to protect LAF soldiers as they carry out critical duties.

Ambassador Cowell attended the inauguration ceremony with Head of the Second Intervention Regiment, British Defence Attaché Lt. Col Charles Smith, Deputy Head of the UK ISF James Barber and Head of Programme Sarah Kronfol.

Since 2024, the UK has committed over £17 million to support the expanded deployment of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), including in southern Lebanon, reinforcing their role as the sole legitimate military force of the Lebanese state and strengthening their resilience across the country.

This latest training facility builds on over a decade of UK support. Since 2013, the UK has worked closely with the LAF’s Land Border Regiments to bolster Lebanese state authority along the border with Syria, counter smuggling, and protect local communities.

After the ceremony, Ambassador Cowell said:

I am honoured to inaugurate the newly upgraded training facility in Zahrani – a testament to our enduring partnership and shared vision for a safer Lebanon. The role of the Lebanese Armed Forces is more vital than ever in safeguarding Lebanon and its people.

Our support is designed to strengthen LAF resilience, address critical infrastructure needs and enable their permanent, and sustainable presence in South Lebanon.

The UK is committed to supporting security and stability in Lebanon, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the LAF and the nation they protect.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 20 August 2025.

Statement by Jennifer MacNaughtan, UK Minister Counsellor, at the Security Council meeting on threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts.

As we have heard, Daesh and its affiliates continue to pose a serious and evolving threat to international peace and security.

I will make three points.

First, Daesh continues to spread terror across multiple regions.

Collective pressure is required to prevent them from regrouping to the levels we have seen previously.

In South Asia, counter terrorism efforts against ISKP led by Pakistan have been instrumental in diminishing the group’s capabilities.

In Iraq, the United Kingdom contributes to the Combined Joint Task Force’s Operation Inherent Resolve, which, in partnership with Iraq’s armed forces, has effectively suppressed Daesh and enhanced regional security.

In Syria, there is renewed hope for lasting peace and security, but the threat from Daesh remains.

We must ensure that Daesh cannot exploit the current political transition to regain a foothold in that country.

And across Africa, Daesh attacks have increased, and it has used its appalling violence as a source of propaganda.

We support African-led initiatives to combat this threat.

Second, Daesh continues to adapt, leveraging propaganda to radicalise and recruit its supporters.

It aims to expand its influence by manipulating narratives and exploiting societal divisions.

To counter this, we should invest in comprehensive strategies, addressing both upstream drivers of radicalisation and downstream manifestations of violence.

The United Kingdom’s Counter-Daesh Communications Cell has a strong track record in contesting Daesh’s narrative and degrading its ideological appeal.

Third, the United Kingdom welcomes the focus FATF has given to countering terrorist financing under the leadership of President de Anda.

FATF and its Global Network have helped Member States to achieve meaningful and sustained reforms through their robust monitoring and accountability process.

Their work assists our collective understanding and response to current and emerging terrorist financing risks.

Finally, the enduring threat posed by Daesh demands unified and sustained international pressure.

The United Kingdom remains committed to working with all partners to combat Daesh and its twisted ideology and to guard against the threat it poses to international peace and security.