Tag: Foreign Office

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 14 August 2024.

Mr Nick Low has been appointed British High Commissioner to the Republic of Maldives in succession to Ms Caron Röhsler. Mr Low will take up his appointment during January 2025.

Curriculum Vitae

Full name: Nicholas David Low

Year	Role
2023 to present	FCDO, Counsellor, India & Indian Ocean Directorate
2020 to present	Visiting Fellow at China & Emerging Economies Centre, University of Northampton
2019 to 2023	Kolkata, Deputy High Commissioner
2015 to 2019	Beijing, Head of China Regional Network & Sustainable Urbanisation
2014 to 2015	FCO, Acting Head of Crisis Management Department
2010 to 2014	Dhaka, Deputy High Commissioner
2007 to 2010	FCO, Head of Nuclear Issues, Counter Proliferation Department
2004 to 2006	Algiers, Deputy Head of Mission
2004	French language training
1999 to 2003	Brasilia, Head of Trade, Investment, Trade Policy & Economics
1999	Portuguese language training
1995 to 1999	Santiago, Second Secretary (Politics & Development)
1994 to 1995	Spanish language training
1994	Rabat, Secondment to Court of HRH Crown Prince Sidi Mohammed
1993 to 1994	FCO, Security Policy Department
1993	Joined FCO
1982 to 1993	Metropolitan Police Service, serving in London Boroughs of Greenwich, Camden, Brent and Tower Hamlets (Uniform and CID)
1980 to 1981	National Health Service, Guy’s Hospital London

The article written by David Lammy, the Foreign Secretary, for Asharq Al-Awsat and issued as a press release on 14 August 2024.

For months, the Middle East has been teetering on the brink of full-scale conflict. None of us can know precisely how close we are to falling into the abyss of all-out war. But everyone recognises that this is a critical moment for the stability of the entire region. And that the risk of things spiralling out of control has been growing sharply.

The new British Government is doing all it can to push for de-escalation. At the end of my first full week in office, I travelled to Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Ramallah, meeting Israeli and Palestinian leaders and communities. British Defence Secretary, John Healey, and I made a joint visit to Qatar and Lebanon.

Our message to counterparts in the region and beyond has been simple. A widening of the conflict is in nobody’s interest – least of all civilians on all sides. Britain is committed to getting behind a diplomatic solution so that together, we can ease the current tensions.

This week, there has been a renewed push for precisely such a diplomatic solution, starting with a ceasefire and hostage release deal in Gaza. Such a deal is absolutely critical. Britain and our European partners welcome the efforts by Qatar, Egypt and the United States: there is no more time to lose. The fighting must stop – now. All the hostages still cruelly detained by Hamas must be released – now. Urgent delivery of unfettered aid into Gaza needs to start – now.

All sides must seize this opportunity to open a pathway towards a lasting solution. That requires restraint. Iran and Iranian-aligned groups must refrain from attacks that would jeopardize this. We cannot risk further delay.

Of course, a ceasefire is just a first step on the path to long-term peace. The UK will play a full diplomatic role in seizing the opportunity for momentum towards a two-state solution, creating safety, security and dignity for Israelis and Palestinians alike.

At the same time, we must support a sovereign Lebanon with strong state institutions. The Lebanese Armed Forces and Internal Security Forces have a critical role to play in Lebanon’s future, and we continue to back them with training and equipment. Investing in Lebanese institutions like these will maintain the country’s stability and reduce the threat of terrorism in Lebanon and the wider region.

And we urge Israel and Lebanon to engage with the US-led discussions to reach a political settlement and resolve their disagreements diplomatically. UN Security Council Resolution 1701 remains the basis for a long-term solution. It calls for the disarmament of all armed groups in Lebanon. For no foreign forces in Lebanon without its government’s consent. And for no armed forces other than UN and Lebanese government troops south of the Litani river near the border with Israel.

While diplomatic efforts intensify, the UK continues to offer extensive humanitarian support. Our new government has restarted funding for UNRWA, the UN agency whose life-saving aid is most critical for Palestinians in Gaza and the wider region. We have announced new funding for UK-Med field hospitals in Gaza and UNICEF’s efforts to give food, water and essential services to vulnerable Palestinian families.

And I will continue to speak out over actions which make a diplomatic solution more difficult. The deaths of civilians at Madjal Shams were appalling – Hizballah and Hamas must both cease their rocket strikes, which only make a ceasefire less likely. And Israel must comply with international humanitarian law – the loss of life at the al-Tabeen school was also a tragedy.

The Israeli government should retract and condemn Minister Smotrich’s recent remarks – international law is clear that the deliberate starvation of civilians is a war crime. An Israeli government minister praying at the holy sites at Al-Aqsa Mosque Compound was also inflammatory – we oppose unilateral action in Jerusalem absent a final status settlement.

At a time of such serious tension, our guiding star is diplomacy. Only with diplomacy can we end the current destructive cycle of retaliatory violence. Only with diplomacy can we deliver long-term peace and security for all.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 12 August 2024.

Joint Statement from the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Italy on the Middle East.

We, the leaders of the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Italy discussed the situation in the Middle East. We expressed our full support for ongoing efforts to de-escalate tensions and reach a ceasefire and hostage release deal in Gaza. We endorsed the joint call from President Biden, President Sisi of Egypt, and Amir Tamim of Qatar to renew talks later this week with an aim to concluding the deal as soon as possible, and stressed there is no further time to lose. All parties must live up to their responsibilities.

In addition, unfettered delivery and distribution of aid is needed. We expressed our support for the defense of Israel against Iranian aggression and against attacks by Iran-backed terrorist groups. We called on Iran to stand down its ongoing threats of a military attack against Israel and discussed the serious consequences for regional security should such an attack take place.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 12 August 2024.

Joint Statement from the Leaders of France, Germany and the United Kingdom on the Middle East.

We, the leaders of France, Germany and the United Kingdom, welcome the tireless work of our partners in Qatar, Egypt and the United States towards an agreement on a ceasefire and the release of hostages. We endorse the joint statement of HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani, President Sisi and President Biden calling for the immediate resumption of negotiations. We agree that there can be no further delay. We have been working with all parties to prevent escalation and will spare no effort to reduce tensions and find a path to stability. The fighting must end now, and all hostages still detained by Hamas must be released. The people of Gaza need urgent and unfettered delivery and distribution of aid.

We are deeply concerned by the heightened tensions in the region, and united in our commitment to de-escalation and regional stability. In this context, and in particular, we call on Iran and its allies to refrain from attacks that would further escalate regional tensions and jeopardise the opportunity to agree a ceasefire and the release of hostages. They will bear responsibility for actions that jeopardise this opportunity for peace and stability. No country or nation stands to gain from a further escalation in the Middle East.

President Emmanuel Macron of France

Chancellor Olaf Scholz of Germany

Prime Minister Keir Starmer of the United Kingdom

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 12 August 2024.

Statement by Lord Collins of Highbury, Minister for Africa and the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on enhancing Africa’s effective representation in the UN Security Council.

It is a privilege to join you today as the United Kingdom’s new Minister for Africa and the United Nations.

I am grateful to President Bio for putting this vital issue on the agenda. It is important that we have this discussion today – we are running out of time.

The challenges we face today do not respect borders and they are sorely testing the international order the United Nations has championed.

The highest number of conflicts since the Second World War, a worsening climate crisis, widespread economic hardship and desperate humanitarian need. This is all fuelling a pervasive sense of insecurity and we must find truly global solutions to these problems.

Let me take this opportunity to underscore the United Kingdom’s belief that multilateral institutions remain indispensable here. But they are struggling under the strain of new global challenges.

For these institutions to represent the world of today, they must be as effective as they can be. So, we will work tirelessly with our allies and partners to strengthen them.
For this Council, that means expanding our membership in both categories, to include permanent African representation as a matter of urgency.

We have seen how much African members bring to this chamber through their experience and expertise, particularly as we’ve heard, in terms of responding to conflicts and promoting peace and security. As Ms Mbete said, they are vital agents for change and progress and they must be heard. The UK is proud to be working alongside our African partners on issues that are at the forefront of the Council’s agenda.

This includes on Sudan, where we seek a political solution to end the devastating manmade crisis which has now resulted in famine in the country. Or Somalia, where the Council is working closely with the African Union and Somali authorities to support security transition and counter Al Shabaab.

President, Your Excellency, your own country’s experience of transitioning from war to peace, in partnership with the UN, provides us with valuable lessons.
Of course, I recognise that the obstacles to reform are significant, but the United Kingdom is determined, absolutely determined, to overcome them.

Thank you, Mr President.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 12 August 2024.

The Prime Minister spoke to the President of Iran Masoud Pezeshkian this evening.

The Prime Minister said that he was deeply concerned by the situation in the region and called on all parties to de-escalate and avoid further regional confrontation.

There was a serious risk of miscalculation and now was the time for calm and careful consideration, the Prime Minister said.

He called on Iran to refrain from attacking Israel, adding that war was not in anyone’s interests.

The Prime Minister underlined his commitment to an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages and increasing humanitarian aid to Gaza. He added the focus should be on diplomatic negotiations, to achieve those outcomes.

The Prime Minister also raised the cases of foreign detainees in Iran, adding that it was vital that they received the necessary medical care.

The leaders agreed that a constructive dialogue between the UK and Iran was in both countries’ interests. The Prime Minister added that could only be furthered if Iran ceased its destabilising actions including threats against individuals in the UK and did not further aid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 9 August 2024.

UK statement following Israel’s decision to revoke the diplomatic status of 8 Norwegian diplomats.

An FCDO spokesperson said:

We are deeply concerned by Israel’s decision to revoke the diplomatic status of 8 Norwegian diplomats dealing with the Palestinian Authority. Norway has long played a unique and valued role in supporting peace for Israelis and Palestinians. We urge Israel to reconsider.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 9 August 2024.

The United States of America, Canada, the United Kingdom and the European Union have released a joint statement on the 4th anniversary of the fraudulent presidential election in Belarus.

Joint statement from the Governments of the United States of America, Canada and the United Kingdom, and the European Union:

Four years on from the fraudulent 2020 presidential election and the appalling human rights crackdown in Belarus, the United States of America, Canada, the United Kingdom and the European Union stand in solidarity with the people of Belarus who, in spite of continued repression by the Lukashenko regime, have peacefully and courageously pressed for democratic change, respect for human rights, and the release of all political prisoners. We affirm that the sanctions we have recently announced represent a coordinated, multilateral effort to advance accountability for the Lukashenko regime.

We call on Belarusian authorities to immediately and unconditionally release the almost 1,400 political prisoners being held in Belarusian prisons. We will continue to consider our options, including additional sanctions, to hold accountable those who enable the Lukashenko regime’s suppression of democracy in Belarus. We will also continue to take meaningful steps to expose and cut off the flow of crucial support and components through Belarus that fuel Russia’s unprovoked war against Ukraine, while maintaining our support for the Belarusian people.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 9 August 2024.

• UK sanctions 4 individuals and 3 entities from Belarus in coordinated action with international partners, in response to human rights violations and ongoing facilitation of Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine
• today marks 4 years since the deeply flawed presidential election and start of the crackdown on civil society
• UK announces £2.5 million of planned funding to support the survival of Belarusian human rights and civil society causes in the face of continued political pressure

The UK has today (9 August) sanctioned a further 7 individuals and entities on the fourth anniversary of the deeply flawed 2020 presidential elections in Belarus in coordinated action with international partners, taking the total number of sanctions against Belarus to over 200.

The conduct of the election, which was widely condemned by the international community, sparked widespread peaceful protests across the country. These were met by a brutal campaign of repression and a purging of civil society, independent media and the democratic opposition at the hands of the Lukashenko regime, with political prisoners detained in penal colonies. Commanding officers of 4 of these penal colonies, who have contributed to human rights violations and the repression of civil society, have been hit with UK sanctions today.

Belarus has also provided instrumental support for Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine since it began in 2022. It has allowed the use of its territory and airspace to launch attacks and provided kit and logistical support, with three Belarusian entities in the defence and military industrial sector being added to the UK’s sanction list, preventing them from doing business with UK companies.

Following the designations, Foreign Secretary David Lammy said:

Four years on from the brutal scenes we witnessed in Belarus, Lukashenko’s relentless crackdown on civil society has shown no signs of abating: over 40,000 citizens arrested on trumped up political charges, civil society and independent media trampled and a regime with no regard for democracy or human rights.

We stand with the people of Belarus and their pursuit of freedom and democracy and call on the regime to release all political prisoners immediately and unconditionally.

The individuals and entities sanctioned today are:

All 4 individuals are, or have been, responsible for, engaging in, providing support for and promoting the commission of a serious human rights violation, repression of civil society and democratic opposition and actions and activities that undermine democracy and rule of law in Belarus.

Alongside sanctions, the UK is announcing planned funding of £2.5 million this financial year to supporting Belarusian human rights and civil society causes, including further funding to the International Accountability Platform Belarus – a coalition that collect, verify, and preserve evidence of gross human rights violations constituting crimes under international law allegedly committed by Belarusian authorities.

Since August 2020, the Belarusian authorities have made over 40,000 politically motivated arrests and pursued at least 12,000 politically motivated criminal cases. According to the Viasna Human Rights Centre, a Belarusian non-governmental organisation, 1389 political prisoners remain incarcerated in Belarus, including human rights defenders, journalists, members of the democratic opposition and trade unionists.

At least 6 political prisoners have died in detention since 2021, while many others remain held in appalling conditions, subject to violence, deprived of medical attention and starved of contact with the outside world.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 8 August 2024.

British High Commissioner to Malaysia Ailsa Terry CMG has been appointed the UK Prime Minister’s Private Secretary for Foreign Affairs – advising Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer on foreign policy issues, and working closely with the UK’s Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office in London.

This is the first time that a British High Commissioner to Malaysia has been nominated as the Private Secretary to the Prime Minister. Terry will officially take on her new role in No. 10 Downing Street early next month.

On her move, Terry says:

This is a huge privilege. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has set out ambitious plans for the country. I am honoured to be given this opportunity to serve in the Prime Minister’s Office.

Since I started as the British High Commissioner to Malaysia in August 2023, my team here and I have accomplished so much in strengthening the UK-Malaysia’s partnership in the areas of trade, technology, education, climate, defence and security. I have visited many states and my family and I have also made so many friends around Malaysia. We will miss the people, sights and sound, smell and flavours of Malaysia.

With effect from 29 August 2024, David Wallace will take over as Chargé d’Affaires. Wallace, who has been the Deputy High Commissioner since 2022, will ensure that the work of the High Commission continues as usual during this transition.