Tag: Foreign Office

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 3 November 2025.

A bridge in the Kyiv region that was destroyed following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 reopened following a UK-backed reconstruction.

• Bridge near Vyshhorod, north of Kyiv, reopens to traffic following its destruction during the invasion in 2022 
• UK Export Finance (UKEF) provides £26.3m loan guarantee for the Ukrainian Government, directly involving British companies in the reconstruction of Ukraine.  
• Underlines UK’s commitment to rebuilding Ukraine under the 100-Year Partnership.

A vital bridge in the Kyiv region that was destroyed following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 reopened today following a UK-backed reconstruction project.  

Vyshhorod Bridge is of particular importance to civilians and businesses in the region. It provides a vital transport link for thousands of residents living in a remote area into Ukraine’s capital, and allows Heavy Goods Vehicles to more easily travel towards Kyiv.  

The UK allocated a £26.3 million loan guarantee via UKEF, enabling the Ukrainian government to secure financing for the project privately from Citibank. The initiative also enabled UK manufacturers to contribute essential materials and expertise. British companies are supplying steel components, critical materials and design services to the project’s main contractors.  

Charlotte Surun, Deputy Head of Mission at the British Embassy, said: 

The reconstruction of the Vyshhorod Bridge is proof of the UK-Ukraine 100 Year Partnership in action. Steel made in the UK is rebuilding vital Ukrainian infrastructure, making a real impact on the lives of people here.  

Now local residents can cross the river and travel into Kyiv more easily and businesses have a more efficient route for transporting goods around the region.  

The UK has supported Ukraine since day one of the invasion and we will continue backing projects that help Ukraine rebuild and recover. 

The bridge was destroyed by the Ukrainian Armed Forces in February 2022 to disrupt the advance of Russian troops towards Kyiv – a fate shared by many bridges and roads around Kyiv at that time. Until now, local residents had to use a temporary crossing which could not handle heavy traffic across the river. 

Following the Russian army’s withdrawal, Vyshhorod Bridge became one of the six bridges in the Kyiv region being reconstructed under a pilot project supported by the British government. 

Scottish company Cairnhill played a key role in the construction of Vyshhorod Bridge, supplying approximately 400 tonnes of steel for core structures from its facility in Coatbridge, Lanarkshire. 

Vyshhorod Bridge is the fourth bridge completed under the project, while the reconstruction of two more is still underway.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 3 November 2025.

Statement by the UK’s Ambassador for Human Rights to the UN, Eleanor Sanders, at Belarus’ Universal Periodic Review at the Human Rights Council in Geneva.

The United Kingdom remains deeply concerned by the continued erosion of human rights in Belarus. Since the 2020 presidential elections, we have observed widespread repression of civil society, independent media, and political opposition. The use of arbitrary detention, politically motivated prosecutions, and restrictions on freedom of expression and peaceful assembly must end.

We recommend:

1. Establish an official moratorium on executions, in line with international human rights standards and the global trend toward abolition.
2. Release all political prisoners and halt the use of arbitrary detention and politically motivated charges.
3. Revise restrictive laws such as the 1997 Mass Events Act and the Law on Associations, which impose burdensome requirements for public gatherings and civil society registration, to align with international human rights standards.

The UK calls on Belarus to engage constructively with civil society and international partners to restore and uphold fundamental freedoms, including freedom of expression, assembly, and association.

Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 27 October 2025.

The UK national statement was given at a signing ceremony for the UN Convention against Cybercrime in Hanoi on 25 and 26 October 2025.

Thank you, Your Excellency, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

 We thank Vietnam for their hospitality and for hosting us here in Hà Nội.

The agreement by consensus, of the text of the of the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime, just under a year ago, signalled a landmark moment for international cooperation on this critical and complex issue.

I am proud that the United Kingdom has signed the Convention here in Hà Nội, in line with our international efforts to combat cybercrime.

Cybercrime poses a serious and growing threat to every part of society, from private citizens to public institutions. It often targets our most vulnerable.

The UK’s vision is clear: by 2030, we aim to significantly reduce the risk posed by cybercrime to our citizens and national interests.

In a globalised and interconnected world, we cannot do it alone. Tackling cybercrime globally requires a joined-up response, that brings together governments, law enforcement, civil society organisations, the tech industry and private sector partners. Together they play a critical role in effectively addressing the complex, transnational, and rapidly evolving challenges posed by cybercrime, and are often at the frontline of detecting and responding to cyberattacks.

The UK stands ready to engage with States who respect the letter and the spirit of the Convention. Let us be clear, any attempt to misuse the Convention would undermine its viability. The human rights safeguards sit at the heart of this Convention and are vital for building trust and unlocking a greater level of international cooperation.

The UK will play close attention to the implementation of, and adherence to, the safeguards and we will not cooperate with any country that does not comply with the safeguards required by this Convention.

The UK has already seen the practical benefits of cooperation on this area under the Budapest Convention. The UN Convention against Cybercrime complements existing international instruments and includes much needed provisions on online fraud, a global scourge, which urgently needs our focus and attention.

The Global Fraud Summit hosted by UNODC and Interpol will add valuable momentum to States efforts to tackle online scams. We invite you all to join these discussions in Vienna in March 2026.

We also welcome the opportunity to work together to fight the heinous proliferation of child sexual abuse material online, and for the first time, this Convention facilitates international action to tackle the non-consensual dissemination of intimate images. This is a historic achievement and opportunity for the multilateral system to be a powerful force for the rights of our most vulnerable citizens.

But States cannot do this alone. The UK is indebted to civil society experts for their significant contributions including the Southwest Grid for Learning, who have joined us here in Hanoi.

We continue to harness and share the expertise of tried and tested methods to protect the most vulnerable, and the UK is heartened by the wide level of participation and the active discussions underway.

The UK stands ready to work with international partners to build resilience, share intelligence, and uphold a secure and open digital environment for all. We will support the effective establishment of the Conference of State Parties, working with Member States and expanding our close work with global stakeholders.

Cybercrime is a global challenge. We can only tackle these crimes if we work together. We look forward to making a start today. Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 17 October 2025.

UK Explanation of Vote delivered by Jennifer MacNaughtan, UK Minister Counsellor, following the UN Security Council vote on the Haiti sanctions regime.

I welcome the participation of the Permanent Representative of Haiti today.

The UK condemns, without reservation, the violence that continues to undermine efforts to restore democratic rule in Haiti. We remain committed to using UN sanctions to maintain pressure on those who seek to destabilise Haiti. We welcome this mandate renewal, and thank the United States and Panama for their efforts.

It is vital that the Council remains fully informed of the scale and nature of violence being perpetrated in Haiti, including the alarming reports of widespread sexual and gender-based violence. The targeting of women and girls in Haiti because of their gender is unacceptable. This includes forced marriage, harassment, assault, forced labour, and forms of trafficking, kidnapping and sexual violence.

Sanctions remain an essential tool to address insecurity in Haiti and to alleviate the suffering of the Haitian people. We will continue to work with all Council members to this end.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 17 October 2025.

Sonia Farrey has been appointed UK Permanent Representative to the International Atomic Energy Agency and Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organisation.

Ms Farrey will take up her appointment during January 2026.

Curriculum vitae

Year	Role
2022 to 2025	FCDO, Deputy Director, Gender and Children in Conflict Department
2020 to 2021	New York, Political Counsellor, UK Mission to the UN
2018 to 2019	UNICEF UK, Director of Advocacy / Head of Policy
2017 to 2018	Brussels, Head of the Counter-Terrorism and Counter-Extremism Network (CTEN) in Europe
2015 to 2016	FCO, Head of Department, Middle East Directorate
2013 to 2014	FCO, Deputy Head of Security Policy Department
2012 to 2013	FCO, Deputy Head of Somalia Unit
2010 to 2012	FCO, Middle East Directorate
2009 to 2010	FCO, Counter-Terrorism Department
2008 to 2009	Baghdad, Reconciliation Advisor
2007 to 2008	Baghdad, DFID Office
2006 to 2007	Khartoum, Second Secretary
2004 to 2006	Arabic language training
2001 to 2004	FCO, Middle East Directorate
2001	Joined FCO

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 17 October 2025.

His Majesty King Charles III has approved the award of Honorary OBE to Mr. Atsushi Horiba in recognition of his services to the UK automotive sector.

As Chairman & Group CEO of HORIBA Group, headquartered in Japan, Mr. Horiba has contributed to the development of new technologies in critical sectors for the future of the UK automotive industry through the company’s measuring instruments and testing technologies. In his role, Mr. Horiba oversaw significant investments into HORIBA’s subsidiary HORIBA MIRA, in Nuneaton, West Midlands, enhancing its research and development facilities, delivering for its customers and partners, and supporting the UK government priorities of automotive electrification, next-generation mobility, and the decarbonisation of automobiles. HORIBA MIRA was recognized for its activities and received the King’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development in 2024.

Under Mr. Horiba’s leadership, HORIBA has also made significant contributions to education and skills development in the UK. In addition to nurturing young engineers at the MIRA Technology Institute established in HORIBA MIRA, providing apprenticeships and running schools outreach to inspire future students, the company provides funding to University College London to support researchers in obtaining doctoral degrees. Through this investment in the next generation, Mr. Horiba has not only contributed to the development of the UK economy, but has also played an important role in laying the foundations for a sustainable future for the UK and Japan.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 17 October 2025.

Following his appointment in December 2024 to succeed Dr Martin Longden CMG OBE as His Majesty’s Ambassador to the State of Libya, Mr Martin Reynolds CB CMG will now take up his new post during October 2025.

Curriculum Vitae           

Full name                                Martin Alexander Baillie Reynolds

Year	Role
2023 to 2025	Crisis response work and Arabic language training
2019 to 2022	No 10 Downing Street, Principal Private Secretary to the Prime Minister
2019	Tripoli, Her Majesty’s Ambassador
2014 to 2018	FCO, Principal Private Secretary to the Foreign Secretary
2011 to 2014	Pretoria, Deputy High Commissioner
2008 to 2011	Brussels, Counsellor – Trade, Development and Wider World
2006 to 2008	Brussels, First Secretary – Enlargement and Western Balkans
2003 to 2005	FCO, Head of EU Enlargement Team
2001 to 2003	FCO, Strategic Policy Adviser
1999 to 2001	Singapore, Second Secretary (Economic/Commercial/Inward Investment)
1997 to 1999	FCO, Overseas Territories Department
1997	Joined FCO

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 17 October 2025.

His Majesty King Charles III has approved the award of Honorary OBE to Mr Masayoshi Matsumoto, recognising of his contribution to UK-Japan trade and investment.

His Majesty King Charles III has approved the award of Honorary OBE (Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) to Mr Masayoshi Matsumoto, in recognition of his contribution to UK-Japan trade and investment.

As Chairman and CEO of Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd. (SEI), Mr Matsumoto has demonstrated visionary leadership in committing to major investment in the UK in support of the government’s clean energy agenda. In establishing SEI’s green field investment to create the UK’s first High-Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) subsea cable factory at the Port of Nigg in Scotland, he has sent a signal of confidence in the UK as a strategic partner for Japan in building a low-carbon future. The investment is also helping to transform the Cromarty Firth Green Freeport area into a hub for innovation and green jobs.

Under Mr Matsumoto’s leadership, SEI’s investment is helping deliver critical infrastructure for the UK’s offshore wind industry, underscoring the strong economic partnership between Japan and the UK, and highlighting the UK’s strengths as a destination for sustainable investment.

As Chairman of the Kansai Economic Federation (Kankeiren) and in his role as Commissioner General for Japan & Vice Chairman of the Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition, Mr Matsumoto has been a leading supporter of the UK’s proponent of the UK’s profile in one of Japan’s most economically dynamic regions.