Tag: Foreign Office

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

Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the UN Security Council meeting on Yemen.

Thank you, President, and let me start by thanking Special Envoy Grundberg and Director Worsornu for their timely briefings.

We are very grateful to the Special Envoy for his timely visit to Yemen, including Aden and other cities, and also to other areas in the region. And we are cautiously encouraged to hear the support of parties for peace and very much welcome the flexibility set out in your approach.

We therefore encourage the Council to continue to provide unwavering support to the UN Special Envoy during this process. We should work together to safeguard the gains that have been made, and support further progress. And we emphasise the importance of the Yemeni parties continuing to engage constructively with the UN.

As Hans said, the Yemeni people deserve nothing less than recovery and sustainable peace in Yemen. There is no military solution to this conflict.

As Director Wosornu set out, the humanitarian situation is deteriorating, and the needs for this year remain high, with 18.2 million people in need of assistance, and with women and girls especially vulnerable. Yemen continues to be one of the most food insecure countries in the world.

As we heard, the UN Humanitarian Response Plan for 2024 is a stark reminder of the dire humanitarian situation in Yemen. The plan aims to reach 11.2 million Yemenis most in need.

The UK has committed over $110 million in humanitarian aid during this financial year and we echo Director Wosornu’s call to the international community to consider providing further funding towards the humanitarian response plan for Yemen.

President, despite repeated calls to de-escalate, the Houthis have continued illegal and destabilising attacks in the Red Sea, disrupting maritime shipping and freedom of navigation in the region, and risking further regional escalation.

The disruption to shipping in the Red Sea caused by Houthi attacks are, as we heard from Director Worsornu, driving up the costs of global shipping, including the costs of food supplies and humanitarian aid in the region. And these illegal and unjustified attacks risk exacerbating the humanitarian suffering in Yemen.

And that is why we have taken necessary, proportionate, and legal action in self-defence, alongside the United States with support from Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Denmark, the Netherlands and New Zealand against targets tied to the Houthis attacks.

In closing, President, let me underscore our commitment to the peace process in Yemen, and to the Special Envoy’s personal efforts to bring sustainable peace to the people of Yemen.

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

UK military advisor, Nicholas Aucott, says that Russia abandons the position of a responsible global power by breaking sanctions it previously supported, turning to Iran and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea for military support.

Thank you, Mr Chair. Towards the end of last year, I referenced the Russian Delegation’s statement on the eve of war. ‘The idea of there being plans for a “Russian invasion” of Ukraine was hatched inside the US Department of State’. Within 24 hours, Russia had illegally invaded its neighbour, Ukraine. In this moment, Russia demonstrated its willingness to misinform the members of this Forum, and to violate the Organisation’s aims of ‘creating greater openness, transparency and co-operation’.

In the intervening two years, we have listened repeatedly to a litany of further misinformation as Russia has sought to justify its violation of the prohibition on the use of force at Article 2(4) of the UN Charter, resulting in the deaths of thousands of Ukrainian civilians.

For Russia, the consequence of its unprovoked war of aggression is a diminishment in international standing. Since the start of the full-scale invasion, not one other member of this Forum has spoken in support of Russia’s actions – while Russia’s influence and gravitas has eroded across multinational fora.

Russia abandons the position of a responsible global power by opting to break sanctions that it itself ascribed to, turning to Iran and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea for military support. Russia now abuses the consensus principle, or simply issues threats of manipulation such as we heard when it stated it would, ‘train the current Chair and future Chairs until we have appropriate outcomes, so get ready for next week’.

Mr Chair, as Russia continues in this egregious behaviour, the United Kingdom will continue to stand firm in support of Ukraine as it defends its people, its territory and the principles of sovereignty and self-determination. As Putin’s three-day war closes in on the two-year point, Ukraine continues to inflict significant damage on Russia in a conflict of Russia’s own making.

The shooting down of an SU-34 FULLBACK combat aircraft over East Luhansk on 30 January brings the number of Russian fixed wing combat aircraft losses to over 80. And, on 1 February, the loss of a Russian missile corvette, the TARANTUL-III Class IVANOVETS, provided further evidence of the continued vulnerability of Russian warships operating in the Black Sea.

The United Kingdom will continue supporting Ukraine for as long as Russia insists on persisting with this imperial conquest. Through the UK-Ukraine Agreement on Security Cooperation, the Maritime Capability Coalition or a host of other initiatives, which now amount to almost £12Bn in support for Ukraine, the United Kingdom and our allies will remain resolute.

Russia must acknowledge the impact of its egregious actions and take the necessary steps to end its war of choice by withdrawing all its troop from Ukraine’s internationally recognised borders and working towards a sustainable and just peace. Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 13 February 2024.

Statement by Ambassador Tom Woodroffe at the first session of the Preparatory Committee of the Third Conference for Landlocked Developing Countries.

Thank you, Chair, Excellencies, Colleagues,

The Third Conference for Landlocked Developing Countries is an opportunity for action – innovative solutions, meaningful partnership and increased investment.

The UK very much welcomes the focus on partnerships, which is also at the heart of the UK’s Development White Paper launched by the PM at the end of last year.

We are keen to learn how to make the most of our partnerships to deliver for LLDCs, like our British Investment Partnerships that continues to increase investment in climate-resilient infrastructure and just energy transition in many of those countries.

And the UK ’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme, which came into force last year and is already cutting tariffs, removing conditions and simplifying trading rules for over 65 developing countries including LDCs and LLDCs.

So we very much look forward to working together to build on the Vienna Programme for Action, and agree a development partnership framework that delivers real commitments and real progress for the LLDCs. The zero draft is a comprehensive start, and I’d like to thank the LLDC Group for their time in drafting it. The UK looks forward to constructively engaging in the negotiations on the text and participating in the Conference in June.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 13 February 2024.

Foreign Secretary David Cameron visits Bulgaria and Poland to shore up support for Ukraine and promote action to tackle illegal migration.

• Foreign Secretary David Cameron will travel to Bulgaria and Poland this week before meeting counterparts at the Munich Security Conference.
• demonstrating support to key NATO allies, his trip will build on work to increase defence production and bolster support to Ukraine
• he will promote action to tackle illegal migration with the UK supporting Bulgaria to stop illegal migrants using the country as a transit route to the UK, with £1.2 million of support

Almost 2 years on from Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, the Foreign Secretary will visit Bulgaria and Poland before travelling to the Munich Security Conference. The trip will underline the UK’s commitment to international security and demonstrate how the UK is increasing operational cooperation for countries around Europe grappling with the huge challenge of illegal migration.

Ukraine will be on the agenda throughout the visit, with the Foreign Secretary focused on work with partners, including Bulgaria and Poland, to ensure Ukraine has the support it needs. Discussions will include how to strengthen Ukraine in the war now, ensure Ukraine wins if Putin prolongs hostilities and to lay the foundation of Ukraine’s long-term future.

The Foreign Secretary will also discuss how the UK is stepping up its support for the key NATO allies, including to build resilience, end dependence on Russian energy and tackle cyber threats and disinformation during talks with his counterparts. Later in the week, the Foreign Secretary will attend the Munich Security Conference, urging allies to boost defence production for Ukraine.

During the visit, the Foreign Secretary is expected to say:

Putin believes he can get away with aggression. That he can wait out the West.

We have the resources, the economic might and the expertise. We need to show that we have the will to see this through.

We must stand up for freedom and match our words with action. On sanctions. On support for Ukraine. On defence production.

And we must show unity – we must all stand with Ukraine and let them – and Russia – know that they have our support for the long haul.

The Foreign Secretary will also see first-hand joint work taking place on illegal migration in Bulgaria. This will include visiting Border Force officials in Sofia to understand how UK-Bulgaria cooperation is disrupting the supply of small boats and other parts destined for illegal channel crossings, breaking the business model of people-smuggling gangs.

As a key country on the route of criminals transporting small boats equipment across Europe, the UK is providing £1.2 million of training and capacity support to Bulgaria, including border surveillance drones, vehicle search training, search dog training equipment and thermal imaging devices.

This funding expands the work the UK and Bulgaria are doing to tackle organised immigration crime through increasing intelligence sharing and practical support. Up to 50% of all those using the Balkans as a migration route into Europe are believed to come through Bulgaria, which has become the main transit route for dangerous equipment used to facilitate small boat crossings in the Channel.

In Bulgaria, Foreign Secretary David Cameron is expected to say:

We need to work side-by-side on the challenges that endanger our security and prosperity, such as tackling the scourge of people-smuggling gangs and illegal migration – only by collective resolve can these threats be overcome.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 13 February 2024.

Business and Trade Secretary visits Nigeria to sign a landmark UK-Nigeria economic partnership.

• Kemi Badenoch to sign first-of-its-kind trade and investment partnership
• Partnership will build on strong UK-Nigeria trading relationship worth £7 billion and unlock new opportunities in sectors such as legal, financial services and energy
• Visit comes as UK energy firm Konexa sign deal to support Nigeria’s transition to sustainable energy

The UK will today [Tuesday 13 February] sign a partnership with Nigeria to boost trade and investment and unlock new opportunities for UK and Nigerian businesses.

The Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP) is the first the UK has signed with an African country and is designed to grow the UK and Nigeria’s already thriving trading relationship, which totalled £7 billion in the year to September 2023.

The partnership will create opportunities across a breadth of sectors crucial to both economies, such as financial and legal services.

It will see the UK and Nigeria’s shared aspiration to facilitate each other’s lawyers practising foreign and international law in each other’s jurisdictions – a step which could significantly enhance legal services collaboration and exports. It will also pave the way for further collaboration in the film and media industry and encourage world-leading UK education providers to offer high quality education in Nigeria.

Nigeria is the biggest economy in Africa and one of the world’s fastest growing economies – predicted to be in the top 20 by GDP by 2035. It is also predicted by the UN to nearly double its population to over 370 million people by 2050

Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch said:

This partnership with Nigeria – the UK’s first with an African country – will allow us to work together and seize the opportunities that lie ahead.

Nigeria has one of the fastest growing economies in the world. UK businesses have already seen huge success here and I look forward to seeing how we continue to grow this relationship.

Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch will sign the ETIP alongside Nigerian Trade Minister Doris Nkiruka Uzoka-Anite in Abuja on Tuesday 13 February.

While in Nigeria she is also visiting the site of a new Charterhouse school, the first UK independent school in West Africa, and meeting with the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Nigerian Finance Minister to unblock trade barriers facing UK businesses.

Nigerian Minister for Trade Doris Nkiruka Uzoka-Anite said:

 The UK is one of our long-standing strategic partners with whom we share strong ties, and it gladdens me that this relationship is set to deepen as we sign the Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership.

This partnership will see Nigeria-UK relations move beyond one of shared history and strong ties to one of shared economic prosperity. From increasing market access and supporting our vibrant businesses, to creating more jobs and accelerate greater investments in sectors of mutual interests.

TheCityUK International Managing Director Nicola Watkinson said:

Nigeria is an important growth market for the UK-based financial and related professional services industry and TheCityUK welcomes the signing of the new ETIP. We look forward to continuing our engagement through the working groups to increase market access and remove regulatory frictions.

While in Nigeria, Business and Trade Secretary will also witness the signing of a landmark energy agreement between UK based energy firm Konexa and Nigerian power generation company North South Power (NSP).

The agreement will enable Konexa to supply Nigerian Breweries PLC with 100% renewable power, promote sustainable development and clean energy adoption, and lead to infrastructure investments of over £14 million.

Konexa CEO Pradeep Pursnani said:

 This is a very important milestone for Konexa, North South Power, Nigerian Breweries, and all our investment partners. Over the last few years, Konexa has been working on a disruptive model that matches customer energy demand with renewable energy supply.

We are looking forward to investing more than £120m in renewable energy generation, transmission, distribution, and battery storage solutions to help our customers transition away from the use of fossil fuel.

Significant progress has been made in resolving trade between the UK and Nigeria in the education and financial sectors, which has created a more favourable trading environment for UK businesses.

A recent resolution helped to remove restrictions to Transnational Education investment in Nigeria worth around worth around £55 million over 5 years, meaning leading UK education providers, like Charterhouse, can establish campuses in Nigeria.

The financial services sector is also a key area of collaboration. Achieving a remittance resolution has helped to streamline multiple foreign exchange windows into a single import and export window, making it easier for UK businesses to trade with Nigeria.

Notes to editors

• UK exports to Nigeria were £4 billion in the 12 months to the end of September 2023, an increase of 3% in current prices from the 12 months to September 2022.
• Source for trade statistics: ONS UK total trade, all countries, July to September 2023
• In August 2023, the Foreign Secretary launched the Propcom+ programme, a UK government-led climate programme which aims to support more than 4 million people in Nigeria (50% of whom will be women) to adopt and scale sustainable agricultural practices that increase productivity and climate resilience while reducing emissions and protecting natural ecosystems.
• The UK already has an ambitious Developing Countries Trading Scheme, which has granted enhanced preferential access for almost 3,000 Nigerian products and continues to benefit UK consumers.
• Working groups and business dialogues will take place to ensure businesses on both sides benefit and have access to the opportunities this presents.
• Further details on the methodology for removing market access barriers such as restrictions to Transnational Education investment in Nigeria are published in a DBT Analytical Working Paper.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 13 February 2024.

Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the UN Security Council meeting on Climate, Food Security and Conflict.

Thank you President, and thank you for organising this debate and to our briefers for their briefings which have underlined the interdependence of climate, security, and peace.

Climate change, environmental degradation and biodiversity loss are exacerbating conflict, contributing to global food insecurity, and threatening international peace and security.

And as Executive Secretary Stiel said earlier, the less action that is taken to address climate change, the more conflicts this Council will find on its agenda.

And those who are impacted by conflict, or facing severe humanitarian needs, are often the least resourced to adapt to the climate and environment crises.

These linked challenges require a coordinated international response and I offer three approaches in this regard:

First, we take early action to prevent and resolve food security crises. This was a key theme of last year’s Global Food Security Summit, co-hosted by the UK, the UAE and Somalia, where the UK announced its new Resilience and Adaptation Fund to help climate adaptation and increase anticipatory approaches.

We should build, too, on the successes of COP28, and increase climate finance to fragile and conflict-affected states. The UK endorsed the Emirates Declaration on sustainable agriculture, resilient food systems and climate action and pledged $126 million to help vulnerable countries tackle climate change, including support for early warning systems and disaster risk finance.

Second, we invest in innovation to increase sustainable, climate-resilient food production. The benefits of scientific advances should also be accessible to all, especially to smallholder farmers whose plight the President highlighted earlier.

The UK is driving scientific advances in food and agriculture, including through the CGIAR agricultural research organisation and the Gilbert Initiative.

Finally, President, we should support humanitarian, development, peacebuilding and climate actors to take a holistic and integrated approach to resilience, development, security and climate change.

As the President said earlier, collectively we should ensure that current and projected climate impacts are fully integrated into conflict risk assessments. And we should target climate work in fragile and conflict-affected countries in a way that addresses the causes of crisis, while also ensuring climate finance is conflict-sensitive.

The UN system, including its cadre of Climate Security advisers, is well-positioned to coordinate climate, food security, and peace efforts. This Council can support this by encouraging a coherent, integrated response, including within Council mandates.

President, the number of participants in today’s debate underlines the concern among the UN membership at the threat these interlinked challenges pose to international peace and security. It is incumbent on this Council to respond to these challenges.

I thank you.

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

Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN Security Council meeting on Ukraine.

Thank you President, and I thank ASG Jenča for his briefing.

Colleagues, Russia has called this meeting in an attempt to distort history. Once again, the Russian delegation seeks to use this Council in a desperate effort to justify Russia’s unprovoked, unnecessary and illegal invasion of Ukraine.

The Russian Permanent Representative claimed that Putin’s war was necessary to prevent conflict and alleviate suffering in the Donbas. That it was Ukraine and its partners who were responsible for undermining the Minsk agreements.

Members of this Council know better. It was Russia’s aggression that killed the Minsk process. It was Putin who declared that the Minsk agreements no longer existed. And it was Russia that systematically failed to implement its obligations, freely signed up to, under the Minsk agreements, which the Council endorsed unanimously in resolution 2202.

Two years ago, we urged Russia in this chamber to act in the interests of peace and to give the Minsk agreements a chance.

The United Kingdom consistently called on all parties to implement their commitments under the Minsk agreements in full, right up until Putin signed a decree recognising Donetsk and Luhansk as so-called independent entities. Three days later, he invaded Ukraine.

Since then, millions of people across Luhansk, Donetsk and other temporarily Russian-controlled territories have suffered terribly because of Russia’s invasion. Russia’s actions have deprived them of humanitarian assistance, despite consistent calls by the General Assembly, that Russia allow humanitarians safe access to these areas.

President, the Russian Permanent Representative made various claims about the ICJ today. The courts found that Russia had violated international law in three ways. It discriminated against Ukrainians. It failed to investigate allegations of terrorist financing. It failed to comply with the court order not to aggravate the dispute with Ukraine. And of course, Russia has failed to comply with the provisional measures of March 2022 ordering Russia to leave Ukraine.

President, the truth is this war is entirely of Russia’s choosing. Putin’s decision to launch his illegal and barbaric invasion in February 2022 shows us clearly that he was never interested in peace.

We urge Russia once again to end its illegal invasion, withdraw from Ukraine and respect the principles of the UN Charter. Until then, the UK will continue to stand with Ukraine, to defend the Charter and to call out Russian disinformation.

Thank you.

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

Liz Ditchburn and Harold Freeman have been appointed as part-time commissioners for the Independent Commission for Aid Impact (ICAI) for 4 years, from 1 July 2024.

Liz is a highly experienced public sector leader in international, UK and devolved administrations. She is currently a trustee of Nesta, a non-executive director at Net Zero Technology Centre and an honorary professor at the Adam Smith Business School, University of Glasgow. She has previously held roles as the Director General for Economy for the Scottish Government and was the former Department for International Development’s Policy Director and its first value for money director.

Harold is a board-level professional specialising in economic development, public policy, and sustainable finance. He currently works as an independent advisor and is a member of the advisory council of trade credit agency UK Export Finance. He has previously held roles as a board director at the European Bank for Reconstruction & Development and led on sustainable lending as Head of International Debt & Capital Markets at HM Treasury.

These appointments are made in accordance with the Cabinet Office Code of Governance for Public Appointments. The regulation of public appointments against the requirements of this Code is carried out by the Commissioner for Public Appointments.

Liz Ditchburn and Harold Freeman will replace Sir Hugh Bayley and Tarek Rouchdy, whose appointments as ICAI commissioners end on 30 June.  A selection process to replace Dr Tamsyn Barton, the outgoing ICAI Chief Commissioner, is underway and an announcement will be made once this process is complete.

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

Middle East Minister Lord Ahmad embarks on Gulf tour to build momentum towards lasting peace and security in the region.

• Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon returns to the region to meet with key partners to seek long-term solutions to the situation in Israel and Gaza
• minister to discuss joint efforts to counter illegal Houthi attacks on international shipping in the Red Sea
• he will also celebrate strengthened bilateral ties with Gulf allies, following announcement Gulf nationals are now eligible to apply for the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme

The UK Minister for the Middle East will travel to the Middle East as the UK seeks to build momentum towards a sustainable, permanent ceasefire in Gaza and lasting stability and security in the region.

Lord Ahmad will arrive in Kuwait today (Monday) before travelling to Saudi Arabia.

The minister is expected to meet with key figures, including Saudi Arabia’s Vice Foreign Minister, the Secretary General of the Muslim World League as well as Kuwait’s Foreign Minister Ambassador Abdullah Al-Yahya.

The minister will discuss how to ease the desperate humanitarian situation in Gaza, including through an immediate humanitarian pause in fighting leading to a sustainable, permanent ceasefire.

He will also outline the UK’s efforts to counter Houthi attacks on international shipping in the Red Sea and make clear that illegal attacks by the Houthis are completely unacceptable.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon, Minister of State for Middle East, said:

We want to see an end to the fighting in Gaza as soon as possible, and it is clear that wider escalation and instability in the region is in nobody’s interests.

Our engagement with partners in the Middle East, including Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, is absolutely central to efforts towards achieving a sustainable, permanent ceasefire in Gaza and building wider regional security.

In Kuwait, Lord Ahmad will co-chair the twentieth UK-Kuwait Joint Steering Group alongside His Excellency Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs. Lord Ahmad is also due to meet with the Palestinian Ambassador.

In Saudi Arabia, Lord Ahmad will meet with the Vice Foreign Minister and the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.

This visit is the latest in a series of visits to the region by the minister, including Lebanon, Saudi Arabia and the UAE over the last fortnight. The Foreign Secretary has recently visited the region multiple times, including Oman and Saudi Arabia to build on the UK’s call for an immediate pause to get aid in and hostages out, then progress towards a sustainable, permanent ceasefire, without a return to destruction, fighting and loss of life.

The minister will also welcome the UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme which has opened for Gulf Cooperation Council and Jordanian nationals, making travel to the UK smoother and cheaper. The scheme will allow unlimited visits to the UK over 2 years.

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

The UK announces new sanctions against extremist Israeli settlers who have violently attacked Palestinians in the West Bank.

• new sanctions will target extremist Israeli settlers who have violently attacked Palestinians in the occupied West Bank
• sanctions will impose financial and travel restrictions, in a bid to tackle continued settler violence which threatens West Bank stability
• Foreign Secretary commits to “hold to account those who undermine prospects for peace”

The Foreign Secretary has announced sanctions on 4 extremist Israeli settlers who have committed human rights abuses against Palestinian communities in the West Bank.

There have been unprecedented levels of violence by extremist settlers in the West Bank over the past year. Some residents of illegal Israeli settlements and outposts have used harassment, intimidation and violence to put pressure on Palestinian communities to leave their land.

Two of the individuals designated today – Moshe Sharvit and Yinon Levy – have in recent months used physical aggression, threatened families at gunpoint, and destroyed property as part of a targeted and calculated effort to displace Palestinian communities. One illegal outpost, set up by Zvi Bar Yosef, has been described by local Palestinian residents as a “source of systematic intimidation and violence.”

Today’s measures put strict financial and travel restrictions on those who commit these acts. These sanctions follow the announcement by the Foreign Secretary in December that the UK plans to ban those responsible for settler violence from entering the UK to make sure our country cannot be a home for people who commit these unacceptable acts.

Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron said:

Today’s sanctions place restrictions on those involved in some of the most egregious abuses of human rights. We should be clear about what is happening here. Extremist Israeli settlers are threatening Palestinians, often at gunpoint, and forcing them off land that is rightfully theirs. This behaviour is illegal and unacceptable. Israel must also take stronger action and put a stop to settler violence. Too often, we see commitments made and undertakings given, but not followed through.

Extremist settlers, by targeting and attacking Palestinian civilians, are undermining security and stability for both Israelis and Palestinians.

Those now subject to a UK asset freeze, travel and visa ban include:

• Moshe Sharvit: an extremist settler who has threatened, harassed and assaulted Palestinian shepherds and their families in the Jordan Valley. In October 2023, one community of 20 families fled after Sharvit attacked the residents and told them they had 5 hours to leave
• Yinon Levy: leader of the ‘Meitarim Farm’ outpost, founded in 2021, whose settlers have used physical violence and the destruction of property to displace Palestinian communities including Zanuta in October 2023
• Zvi Bar Yosef: a settler leader who, since setting up the ‘Zvi’s Farm’ outpost in 2018, has used intimidation and violence against local Palestinians, including twice threatening at gunpoint young families having a picnic
• Ely Federman: involved in multiple incidents against Palestinian shepherds in the South Hebron Hills

Violence in the West Bank reached record levels in 2023 (United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs). Israel’s failure to act has led to an environment of near total impunity for settler extremists in the West Bank.

The UK government has continued to call for Israel to take action against those responsible for settler violence, release frozen funds to the Palestinian Authority and halt settlement expansion. The Prime Minister has raised this with Prime Minister Netanyahu on a number of occasions, and in December, the UK and 13 partners released a statement calling on Israel to take immediate and concrete steps to tackle record high settler violence in the occupied West Bank.

The measures taken today are part of wider UK efforts to support a more stable West Bank, which is vital for the peace and security of both Palestinians and Israelis. The UK will consider additional actions, including further sanctions, as necessary.

The UK continues to work with allies and partners, including across the region, to find a path towards a sustainable ceasefire and permanent peace.