Tag: Foreign Office

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

At the OSCE Forum for Security Cooperation (FSC), Ambassador Neil Holland calls on Russia to end its war, withdraw all its forces from all of Ukraine and to re-engage in dialogue and risk-reduction.

Thank you, Mr Chair, dear Mario. I want to start by thanking you and your team for your stewardship of this Forum over the past trimester and for ensuring that this Forum has remained relevant and able to fulfil its mandate.

We fully support your efforts to keep this Forum focused on Russia’s unprovoked, full-scale and illegal invasion of Ukraine. The invasion is in its third year and continues to violate the UN Charter and the Helsinki Final Act’s core principles, including those on sovereignty, territorial integrity and the non-use of force. Under your stewardship, we have shown that these principles and this Forum continue to matter and that we will keep on defending both.

Mr Chair, we welcomed the focus of your Security Dialogues on different aspect of the war on Ukraine, particularly Humanitarian Mine Action and Women, Peace, and Security. It remains essential that we continue to champion women’s full, equal, meaningful, and safe participation in political and peace processes.

Since 24 February 2022, the Ukrainian people have continued to defend their homeland. As my Prime Minister said this month, we will support Ukraine with whatever it takes, for as long as it takes to uphold our shared values and our shared security.

Mr Chair, Russia’s invasion of another participating State has undermined the principles of this organisation and of international humanitarian law. Perhaps that is why Russia continues to do everything it can to avoid a discussion on these issues in this Forum. For a third trimester in a row, Russia blocked consensus on holding a formal FSC Security Dialogue. It has blocked standard sessions of the Forum too, while demanding exceptional treatment. Yet, it has been unable to articulate any issues with the mandated Agenda, let alone offer an alternative.

The Rules of Procedure remain clear. Under these, the Chair is mandated to ‘ensure the good order and smooth running of meetings’. The Rules remain clear that it is the Chair’s prerogative to set the agenda. And to select and invite guest speakers.

There remains another path. Russia claims that it wants peace. Peace is in its gift. If that wish for peace is genuine, it can end this war and withdraw all of its forces to outside of Ukraine’s internationally recognised borders. It should do this. Russia claims that it is serious about dialogue and risk reduction. If that is true, it must re-engage with an FSC that meets, as mandated, weekly.

I wish to conclude by thanking Cyprus as it leaves the FSC Troika, and to welcome Spain. The incoming Chair, Denmark, can count on the UK’s full and continued support next trimester – including in its prerogative as FSC Chair. Thank you.

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

Foreign Secretary announces UK-India Technology Security Initiative in New Delhi.

• new UK-India Technology Security Initiative agreed delivering crucial collaboration on telecoms security and unlocking investment across emerging technologies
• the new initiative will refresh and deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, focusing on boosting economic growth in both countries
• UK and India agree to closer collaboration on tackling climate change, accelerating our green energy partnership on off-shore wind and green hydrogen, and unlocking green growth opportunities

The Foreign Secretary has today announced the UK-India Technology Security Initiative during his first visit to India in his role where he met senior Indian Government officials including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as part of the government’s reset with the Global South.

The Initiative has been spearheaded and agreed by the National Security Advisors (NSAs) following negotiations between both countries to expand collaboration in critical and emerging technologies across priority sectors. It will set out a bold new approach for how the UK and India work together on the defining technologies of this decade – telecoms, critical minerals, AI, quantum, health/bio tech, advanced materials and semiconductors.

This first of its kind agreement – delivered by the Foreign Secretary on behalf of the Prime Minister – builds on a series of partnerships between the British and Indian government, industry and academia. The respective National Security Advisers will take this agreement forward to ensure the collective potential of UK-Indian critical technologies is harnessed.

The announcement is part of a wider package of announcements the Foreign Secretary agreed following bilateral meetings in New Delhi with Indian Prime Minister Modi and Minister for External Affairs Dr Jaishankar to refresh the UK-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. This will drive forward a bilateral partnership that is framed on boosting economic growth, deepening co-operation across key issues including trade, technology, education, culture and climate.

A new £7-million funding call for Future Telecoms research was also announced by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and India’s Department of Science and Technology, under the India-UK science, technology, and innovation partnership.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy said:

This government will put growth at the heart of our foreign policy. That’s why 3 weeks into the job, I am in Delhi announcing a new Technology Security Initiative to deliver on the promise of the UK-India relationship.

This will mean real action together on the challenges of the future from AI to critical minerals. Together we can unlock mutual growth, boost innovation, jobs and investment.

We are also accelerating our joint work on the climate crisis – ensuring brighter, safer futures for Brits and Indians. This government is reconnecting Britain for our security and prosperity at home.

Secretary of State for Science Peter Kyle said:

The UK and India are recognised the world over as powerhouses for science, innovation and technology – and this new agreement will deliver growth and untold benefits for citizens across both nations.

From telecoms and semiconductors to biotechnology and AI, these generation-defining technologies will unlock countless new opportunities and innovations, so we can deliver for working people here and in India as we deepen our long-standing partnership.

The Foreign Secretary agreed with the Minister for External Affairs to deepen partnership on climate, including to mobilise finance and unlock new clean growth opportunities.

This includes strengthening our investment partnership, to unlock the potential of pioneering Indian enterprises working on climate and technology. These initiatives are specifically focussed on delivering green development while empowering women.

As well as work on off-shore-wind and green hydrogen, the UK and India agreed to deepen our partnership on forests and on building resilient cities of the future.

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.