Tag: Foreign Office

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 8 August 2025.

A statement from the UK alongside other G7 RRM member states (Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United States, and the European Union) as well as G7 RRM associate members (Australia, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Sweden).

Today, members of the G7 RRM (Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the European Union) as well as G7 RRM associate members (Australia, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Sweden) issued the following statement:

The G7 RRM notes recent statements made by the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, the European Union, Australia, and New Zealand condemning the July 25, 2025 decision by the Hong Kong Police Authorities. The authorities issued arrest warrants and bounties on individuals outside Hong Kong’s borders, including in G7 RRM countries, for exercising their freedom of expression. This form of transnational repression undermines national security, state sovereignty, human rights, and the safety of communities.

Building on the recent G7 Leaders’ Statement on Transnational Repression, G7 RRM members and associate members are committed to strengthening our efforts to safeguard our sovereignty, to keep our communities safe, and to defend individuals from the overreach of governments trying to silence, intimidate, harass, harm or coerce them within our borders.

We encourage individuals to report suspicious activities and any incidents of intimidation, harassment, coercion, or threats to their law enforcement authorities in accordance with domestic laws and regulations.

Since its inception, the G7 RRM has aimed to counter foreign interference. It includes G7 members, and Australia, New Zealand, NATO, the Netherlands, and Sweden as associate members. The G7 RRM and likeminded global partners stand together in countering these ongoing malign activities.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 8 August 2025.

Statements delivered by Kumar Iyer, the UK’s Permanent Representative to the WTO and UN, 22 – 23 July 2025 at the World Trade Organization in Geneva.

Item 4 – Incorporation of the Investment Facilitation for Development Agreement into Annex 4 of the WTO Agreement – Draft Decision (WT/GC/W/927/Rev.2)

Thank you Chair, it is a real pleasure to be here today at the WTO General Council meeting. It is my first full working day at the WTO and I have been in Geneva less than 48 hours, but I really look forward to working with all the Members here across the next four years and I very much look forward to working with you, the DG, and the whole team here.

It is a particular pleasure to make my first intervention on this topic. The IFDA shows the potential of the WTO at its best. Advantages of this agreement are well rehearsed and well known to all the Members here: it increases business confidence, reduces complexity, increases growth, increasing jobs and, most importantly, those jobs and growth will be concentrated in the developing world.

This is absolutely vital to closing the gap – the $4 trillion needed in investment to meet the SDGs – at a point in time when Governments around the world do not have the money to spend themselves. It is particularly important that we enable our private sectors to help fill that gap and make that investment across the world.

As I prepared for this role I spoke to a number of businesses and politicians in the UK and around the world and I explained to them the IFDA as an example of what we can achieve. I would explain that 127 members are already in agreement and then they would ask me ‘“so what is holding 127 members back?”’ and I’m afraid my answer to that was less convincing. I think, simply put, the UK feels this deal is ready, this agreement is ready to be made, we think it should be incorporated by MC14 and you can count on the United Kingdom’s unwavering commitment to make that happen.

Thank you.

Item 5 – Report by the Chairperson of the Trade Negotiations Committee and Report by the Director–General

This topic goes to the core of why we are here.

I am not going to be presumptive enough to make recommendations on what we should be changing on my first day – I’ll wait till tomorrow for that – but I will talk about why I wanted to do the job. It is not just because this organisation is really important and its outcomes are really important, but it is because of the risks posed to this organisation, the rules and standards that it sets.

This will lead to less efficient businesses, a less resilient and more volatile global economy and, if you want a fairness argument, in a world without those common rules and standards: might will make right.

If that is too abstract for us, then, without the WTO I don’t think we would have achieved the level of development goals. I don’t think today we would have an iPhone and, as I was picking up my clothes this morning, I don’t think I could afford my clothing. I was very proud that I had a Hackett suit, a Charles Tyrwhitt shirt and a German street tailor made my shoes.

I looked at the supply chain and it went through no fewer than five countries: it went through India, Bangladesh, China, Italy and the US – and I thought I was buying British-branded clothing.

None of this would be possible without the WTO. That is what our publics care about, that is what our politicians care about. Whether it is clothing, technology, food, infrastructure that is cheaper, quicker, faster; if we care about those things then we really do need to act at MC14. We can choose to miss that opportunity – and if we do choose to miss it – we shouldn’t complain about being poorer for it.

Chair, you will have the UK’s support to try and make MC14 one that should focus on reform.

Thank you.

Item 12 – Member Conversations on Current Economic Issues – Request from Canada

Thank you Chair.

We would like to add that we really support Canada’s work on this initiative. It is really important that we find open and honest ways of talking about the various elephants that we bring to the room. It is a very big room but it feels after the last day and half that we might soon run out of space if we don’t deal with some of them.

DG, you are right to redirect us in your last intervention to engage on the reform agenda when we talk about the problems that we have with the current rule book. The EU Ambassador rightly pointed to forums for diagnosis and solution, and we see this initiative by Canada as being one such forum in the process and journey to MC14. We particularly welcome its open and inclusive nature, the website for transparency, and the mix of developed and developing countries. We understand that the EU and Mexico will host the next session on 24th September and we invite all Members to join.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 8 August 2025.

Northern Ireland’s historic Hillsborough Castle will provide the backdrop for a foreign ministers’ meeting on the Western Balkans later this year.

Northern Ireland’s historic Hillsborough Castle will provide the backdrop for a foreign ministers’ meeting on the Western Balkans later this year. The Government is putting lasting reconciliation between neighbours in the Western Balkans region at the heart of discussions as the region faces growing threats from instability, corruption and criminal gangs that compromise UK security and growth.

Foreign Secretary, David Lammy will welcome over 15 European Ministers to Belfast from 8 October, to lead talks to promote peace, stability and cooperation in the Western Balkans, strengthen Europe’s collective security and combat organised crime and people smuggling gangs.

The County Down location played host to vital moments in UK and Irish politics, including intense negotiations which salvaged peace talks from the brink of collapse, resolving decades of division between Northern Ireland communities and forging the way for the Belfast Good Friday Agreement, signed in 1998 under the last Labour government.

With unresolved disputes and increasing ethnic tensions in the Western Balkans challenging European aspirations and leaving the region vulnerable to malign influence, the Foreign Secretary will draw on experiences of the peace process and the practical examples of the inter-community cohesion present in Northern Ireland today.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy said:

“Hillsborough Castle is a poignant reminder of the power of diplomacy to transform conflict and division into long-term peace and cooperation.

“By harnessing Northern Ireland’s experience, we hope to support partners in the Western Balkans to overcome the challenges of the past through meaningful reconciliation and help build a safe and prosperous future.

“As part of the Plan for Change, this government is committed to strengthening partnerships with Europe, ensuring strong foundations of economic stability, secure borders and national security.”

Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Hilary Benn said:

“Northern Ireland’s experience of securing peace through the Good Friday Agreement after decades of conflict has set a powerful example of reconciliation to the world.

“This provides a legacy of hope as well as practical experience which I believe will prove invaluable to our Western Balkans partners as they travel a similar path to peace and prosperity.

“As a long-standing forum for peace-building and politics, it is fitting that Hillsborough Castle has been chosen to host this significant international event.”

Laura McCorry, Head of Hillsborough Castle said:

“For centuries, Hillsborough Castle has been a place where people come together to shape a shared future.

“The castle stands as a living testament to the power of dialogue and reconciliation in a place where peace has been hard won.

“We hope it will provide an inspiring setting for the meeting and look forward to hosting the Ministers this autumn.”

The UK has a longstanding role and an important legacy in promoting security in the region including in Kosovo, where it has maintained a presence through NATO’s KFOR mission since 1999.

Since the election last year, the UK has stepped up engagement with Western Balkans countries to deliver on the Plan for Change, including smashing people smuggling networks exploiting the region as a gateway to Europe. In 2024 alone, more than 55,000 people were trafficked to other countries along routes through the Western Balkans. This government is taking practical steps to make change, including a joint agreement on organised immigration crime signed with Serbia during the Foreign Secretary’s visit to the region in April, when he also visited Kosovo. In May, he visited Bosnia and Herzegovina amid political instability in the country, part of the UK’s increased activity and engagement in the Western Balkans. This year, the Prime Minister has also expanded the Joint Migration Task Force with Albania and Kosovo to include North Macedonia. The task force brings together specialists from the countries involved to design and execute operations to detect, deter and manage illegal migration.

Last month, the Government launched the world’s first sanctions regime targeting irregular migration and trafficking criminals – including those from the Western Balkans – going directly after the vile networks profiting from human misery.

The Foreign Minister meeting forms part of the UK’s chairing of the Berlin Process in 2025: the key international forum instigated by Germany which brings together all six Western Balkans countries alongside partner European nations to drive regional and economic cooperation in the Western Balkans.

Also in October, the Home Secretary will host a migration-focused Interior Minister meeting, and the Prime Minister will host a Leaders’ Summit in London.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 7 August 2025.

The British Ambassador to Guatemala, Juliana Correa, participated in a workshop with representatives of government and private sector to stress the need to achieve an ambitious COP30.

During the meeting, Ambassador Correa highlighted the United Kingdom’s commitment to global climate action and the fundamental role of the private sector in the transition to sustainable economies.

She highlighted British initiatives such as climate financing through capital markets, UK’s support for funds to mitigate the impact of climate change, the commitments to decarbonize the UK’s electricity grid and submit an NDC aligned with the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C.

The meeting reaffirmed the United Kingdom’s willingness to collaborate with Guatemala on the climate agenda, especially in the context of COP30. The active participation of the Guatemalan business sector was recognized as key to advancing climate adaptation, mitigation, and financing measures.

The event was attended by the Vice Minister of Environment, Edwin Castellanos; the Director General for Multilateral and Economic Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Ana Isabel Carrillo; and organized by the Guatemala’s Climate Change Special Envoy, Ambassador Rita Mishaan, in coordination with Green Development Guatemala.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 7 August 2025.

Statement by Caroline Quinn, UK Deputy Political Coordinator, at the UN Security Council meeting on West Africa and the Sahel.

Firstly, the United Kingdom condemns terrorist attacks in the region, including the increased use of IEDs, and the use of blockades to disrupt trade and isolate communities.

Regional unity is critical for addressing the growing security challenges and tackling transnational threats.

The UK encourages all parties to remain committed to prioritising security, growth and prosperity across the region.

We stress the need for careful consideration of external security partners, not all of whom share these goals.

We welcome the agreements between ECOWAS and the AES, which protect the strong tradition of West African cooperation and will bring benefits to citizens of the region, including freedom of movement and ease of trade.

We urge the countries of the region to extend this constructive approach to cooperation on counter terrorism and security.

Second, President, we note mixed progress on democratic processes.

The UK is concerned by recent developments in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, including the suspension of political parties, increasing restrictions on civic space and the extension of transition timelines.

We call upon the authorities in these countries to return to the principles of inclusive and accountable governance, which are crucial to long-term stability and prosperity.

Looking ahead to the Presidential elections in Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea and Guinea-Bissau this year, the UK stands ready to engage in support of ensuring these are peaceful, credible processes, and aligned with their respective constitutions.

We also welcome progress in promoting youth and women’s participation in governance.

Investment in education and employment is critical to reducing vulnerability to radicalisation and irregular migration and supporting inclusive and sustainable peace.

And as we heard from Ms Bahous so powerfully, investing in girls’ education, in particular, is key to ensuring women and girls can enjoy their rights and realise their full potential.

Third, President, we remain concerned by the deteriorating humanitarian situation across the region.

Conflict, displacement and restrictions on humanitarian access continue to undermine the delivery of life-saving assistance.

And we urge all parties to ensure rapid and unimpeded humanitarian access.

To conclude, President, the region’s complex challenges require collective action.

The UK supports efforts to strengthen regional dialogue and remains committed to inclusive regional cooperation.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 7 August 2025.

Lebanon’s inclusion in the ‘Dragon Group’ meetings underscores its strategic importance & longstanding partnership with the UK in promoting regional stability.

The Commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), General Rodolph Haykal attended the UK-hosted “Dragon Group” between 4-5 August, accompanied by UK Defence Attaché to Lebanon Lt Col Charlie Smith, reinforcing the strong military partnership between Lebanon and the UK.

The Dragon Group is a UK-led initiative launched in 2018 aboard HMS Dragon to bring together Chiefs of Defence from across the Middle Eastern region. Initially comprising nine nations, the group has evolved to reflect the region’s broader security landscape. Lebanon’s inclusion this year underscores its strategic importance and longstanding partnership with the UK in promoting regional stability.

The ninth meeting took place in Edinburgh, Scotland, to coincide with the world-famous Military Tattoo.

During his visit, General Haykal met with the UK Chief of Defence Staff Admiral Sir Tony Radakin and Chiefs of Defence from across the Middle East. Discussions focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation, regional security, and continued UK support for the LAF as the sole legitimate defender of Lebanon.

This visit underscores the UK’s commitment to Lebanon’s stability and sovereignty. Since 2009, the UK has provided over £161 million in support to Lebanon’s security institutions, including £106 million in direct assistance to the LAF through training, equipment, and infrastructure.

Charge D’Affaires Victoria Dunne said:

The visit of the Lebanese Army Commander General Haykal to the UK reflects the strength of our defence partnership and the UK’s ongoing support for the Lebanese Armed Forces. We stand with Lebanon in its efforts to maintain peace, security, and sovereignty.

UK Defence Attaché Lt. Col. Charlie Smith said:

The Lebanese Armed Forces plays a vital role in Lebanon’s and the region’s stability. I am grateful for General Haykal’s valuable contribution to this meeting of the Dragon Group. We are proud to work alongside the LAF supporting with training, kit and equipment. Our bilateral military cooperation remains strong and we reaffirm our commitment to their mission and capabilities.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 7 August 2025.

Andrew Wood has been appointed UK Permanent Representative to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in Paris.

Mr Andrew Wood has been appointed UK Permanent Representative to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in Paris, in succession to Ms Natacha Alexander.  Mr Wood will take up his appointment during September 2025.

Curriculum vitae

Full name: Andrew David Wood

Year	Role
2024 to 2025	Head of the Office for Value for Money
2019 to 2024	Brussels, Economic Counsellor at UK Mission to EU
2017 to 2019	HM Treasury, Deputy Director, Strategy and Planning
2016 to 2017	UK Financial Investments, Chief of Staff
2014 to 2016	HM Treasury, Senior Policy Advisor, Financial Stability
2012 to 2014	Barclays Bank, Regulatory Manager
2009 to 2012	HM Treasury, Senior Policy Advisor, Financial Stability
2008 to 2009	Department of Energy and Climate Change, Senior Policy Advisor, Climate Change Technologies
2006 to 2008	HM Treasury, Policy Analyst, Energy and Climate Change
2005 to 2006	HM Treasury, Assistant Economist, Alcohol and Tobacco Tax
2005	Joined HM Treasury

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 6 August 2025.

Statement by Caroline Quinn, UK Deputy Political Coordinator, at the UN Security Council meeting on the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

President, allow me to make three brief points.

Firstly, resolution 1540 (2004) is a cornerstone of the international non-proliferation architecture.

Since its adoption, however, the threat posed by weapons of mass destruction has not diminished. Instead, new challenges have emerged.

Against this backdrop, the United Kingdom reiterates its call for all States to implement their obligations under this resolution in full.

Secondly, the United Kingdom remains committed to assisting States in improving their national implementation, including through offering legal and regulatory expertise to help strengthen controls over chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear materials.

In parallel, however, and underpinning the full implementation of resolution 1540, is the need for the 1540 Committee and Group of Experts to be able to function properly.

Therefore, we call on all members to engage constructively to agree a robust and forward-looking Programme of Work.

This will help enable the committee to take forward resolution 1540’s ambitions, in a full and in timely manner.

Thirdly and finally, President, we also note with concern that unwarranted objections from some committee members have prevented the Group of Experts from attending outreach events to focus on specific thematic and regional issues related to implementation.

Such activity is critical for the Group of Experts to execute its functions, including to provide insight and technical support to Member States in their implementation of 1540.

The UK, therefore, calls for the immediate reversal of any such action which might hinder this committee’s vital work.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 6 August 2025.

HMS Prince of Wales, flagship of the UK Carrier Strike Group (CSG), will make a port call to Tokyo from late August to early September as part of Operation HIGHMAST, the Royal Navy’s eight-month deployment to the Indo-Pacific region, including Japan.

The deployment reinforces the UK’s commitment to the Indo-Pacific as outlined in the government’s Plan for Change, supporting the mission to keep Britain secure at home and strong abroad while fostering the international partnerships essential for economic growth and national security.

The visit of CSG to Japan , symbolises the close alignment of strategic interests and values shared between the UK and Japan, and  representing an opportunity to deepen UK-Japan defence cooperation, enhance interoperability through joint activities, and engage in dialogue on regional challenges.

The deployment also embodies the deepening partnership between the UK and Japan, demonstrating the unprecedented cooperation established through our enhanced global strategic partnership, including the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA), and the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP).

Strategic partnership in action

As each other’s closest security partners in Europe and Asia respectively, the UK and Japan share fundamental values and face common challenges. The CSG visit to Japan, and in particular the port visit to Tokyo by HMS Prince of Wales, marks a significant milestone in the multi-layered cooperation spanning politics, defence, economy, and culture that defines the modern UK-Japan relationship.

British Ambassador to Japan Julia Longbottom said:

The visit of HMS Prince of Wales to Tokyo underlines the UK’s strong commitment to a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific, while showcasing the remarkable depth of our partnership with Japan. Together, as trusted allies, we are strengthening cooperation across defence, economy, and culture. This visit demonstrates our joint determination to safeguard regional stability, and our shared ambition to deliver innovation, prosperity, and a sustainable future for the next generation.

Multi-day programme of engagement

The Tokyo port visit will feature a programme of events taking place over multiple days, designed to strengthen bilateral cooperation and regional partnerships. Key events will include the prestigious Pacific Future Forum, bringing together defence, security and industry leaders from across the region to discuss shared security challenges, from future technology to economic security.

A Defence & Security Industry Day will showcase British defence capabilities and innovation, providing opportunities for UK companies to demonstrate world-leading technologies and explore new partnerships with Japanese counterparts across advanced sectors including space, cyber and emerging technologies.

Global deployment of unprecedented scale

Operation HIGHMAST represents the most ambitious UK naval deployment in a generation, involving nearly 4,000 British personnel across the Royal Navy (2,500), Royal Air Force (592), and British Army (900). The eight-month deployment will cover over 26,000 nautical miles, visiting more than 40 countries and undertaking over 70 engagements, exercises and operations.

The deployment showcases true international partnership, with 12 nations supporting the CSG with ships or personnel. Norway is providing a warship for the entire duration of the deployment, whilst Canada, Spain, and New Zealand have also contributed vessels, demonstrating that the security of the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific regions is fundamentally indivisible.

Showcasing British innovation and creativity

HMS Prince of Wales exemplifies the UK’s world-leading naval engineering and integrated operational capabilities, demonstrating advanced military readiness and technological superiority. The carrier uniquely combines cutting-edge technology with traditional British maritime expertise, representing the very best of UK innovation.

With up to 24 F-35B Lightning II fighter jets embarked, in squadrons from both the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force, HMS Prince of Wales showcases the largest concentration of fifth-generation aircraft ever deployed by the Royal Navy. These advanced systems demonstrate UK defence innovation whilst laying the groundwork for future UK-Japan joint development projects, including the groundbreaking GCAP programme – a joint initiative between the UK, Japan and Italy to develop a next generation fighter jet.

The UK’s industrial strategy drives not just security but high-value job creation, innovation, and economic growth across both nations. UK-Japan defence industry cooperation continues to strengthen both countries’ competitiveness in aerospace, cyber, and technology, with applications for solving global challenges that matter to people in both countries.

Creative cooperation between our nations delivers mutual benefits, with the CSG visit expanding industrial and technological partnerships that will drive innovation for decades to come.

Guardians of maritime security and global challenges

The UK’s CSG deployment to Japan demonstrates concrete action toward realising a free and open Indo-Pacific and our unwavering commitment to regional stability. As maritime nations, the UK and Japan will continue to fulfil their vital responsibility as guardians of the maritime rules-based order, ensuring the freedom and safety of the seas for all nations.

The CSG’s presence reinforces both countries’ shared approaches to complex security challenges, including maritime security, cyber threats, and the safe development of emerging technologies. This collaborative approach addresses the security concerns that affect our people’s prosperity and future.

The UK Foreign and Defence Secretaries recently visited Australia to observe Exercise Talisman Sabre, the largest-ever military exercise Australia has hosted, involving the CSG and 3,000 UK personnel. As part of the exercise, the AUKUS nations successfully worked alongside Japan to strengthen collaboration on the defence use of robotics and autonomous technologies.

Boosting UK trade and economic growth

The deployment directly supports the government’s Plan for Change through economic growth opportunities. Port visits in Singapore, Indonesia, Japan, and the Republic of Korea will showcase British defence capabilities through trade demonstrations and fairs, supporting UK exports and international trade.

The Indo-Pacific is a critical region for UK trade, with the region accounting for 17% of total UK trade – worth £286 billion in goods and services in the 12 months to September 2024. The deployment provides opportunities for UK companies to participate in trade events during port visits, delivering British jobs and growth whilst building on the strong foundation established through the bilateral UK-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), and the multilateral Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

Building a sustainable connection for the future

Alongside partnership between our governments and militaries, UK engagement with Japan spans civil society, business, culture, academia, and people-to-people links.. This comprehensive connection between our countries means that together, we can tackle the global challenges that both Japanese and British people care about, from environmental sustainability to technological security. The UK is committed to investing in this connection, and the many links between our countries that bring it to life, now and for future generations. The visit of CSG to Japan, and HMS Prince of Wales to Tokyo, will be an unforgettable moment in our partnership.

Further details of specific programmes and venues will be announced in due course.

Notes to editors:

• Operation HIGHMAST involves nearly 4,000 British personnel across the Royal Navy (2,500), Royal Air Force (592), and British Army (900)
• Exercise Talisman Sabre involved 3,000 UK personnel
• The deployment includes 12 international partners contributing ships or personnel, including Norway, Canada, Spain, and New Zealand
• The CSG will cover over 26,000 nautical miles and visit more than 40 countries over eight months
• This follows the successful 2021 deployment of HMS Queen Elizabeth, which travelled 26,000 nautical miles and engaged with 40 nations
• The deployment supports the government’s commitment to increase defence spending to 2.6% of GDP
• This follows the establishment of GCAP headquarters in Reading and continued progress on the trilateral fighter programme between the UK, Japan, and Italy
• Trade between the UK and Indo-Pacific region accounts for 17% of total UK trade, worth £286 billion annually
• Japan is the UK’s 15th largest trading partner. Total UK exports to Japan amounted to £14.7 billion in the four quarters to the end of Q3 2024, whilst UK imports from Japan totalled £12.4 billion over the same period.
• The strong economic partnership is further evidenced by Japan’s record £17.7 billion investment commitment into the UK during the Japan G7, spanning sectors including green energy, offshore wind, real estate and quantum technology. The UK was the number two destination for Japanese investment in 2023, highlighting the mutual confidence in our economic relationship.
• Access restrictions will be implemented at the port terminal during the port visit.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 5 August 2025.

Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on the Middle East.

I’d like to start by thanking ASG Jenča for your briefing. I also want to express my gratitude to Ilay David for his powerful advocacy in support of his brother and for the hostages in Gaza.

I want to reassure Mr David through the Israeli delegation that the UK stands with your family, and the families of all those who have suffered due to Hamas’ inhuman and cruel actions, including British citizen Ditza Or, whose son Avinatan remains in captivity.

This Council has called for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages in all four of its resolutions since October 7th, and I repeat that call today.

As my Foreign Secretary has said, the images of Evyatar and other emaciated hostages paraded in front of cameras for propaganda are depraved.

Hamas and its terrorist ideology can have no place in the future governance of Gaza and should never again threaten Israel’s security.

President, the ceasefire at the beginning of this year was a rare moment of hope, which allowed hostages to be released, and the UN to surge aid into Gaza.

Since the ceasefire ended, the suffering of the hostages and Palestinian civilians has plumbed new and shocking depths.

Israel’s aid restrictions have led to famine now unfolding in Gaza, as reported by the IPC.

Last week, I spoke with doctors who had served in Gaza.  They had seen children so malnourished that their wounds festered for months without healing.

They had seen baby formula confiscated by the IDF at the border, depriving newborns of the basic essentials for life.

I call on Israel now to act to alleviate this horrendous suffering.

We need to see restrictions on aid delivery lifted in line with the principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality and independence. And the UN must be able to operate safely and at scale.

We also call for all land routes to be opened for essential supplies, including food, baby formula, medicine, fuel and clean water.

We call for Israel to ensure the protection of civilians, medics and aid workers.  And we are appalled that another Palestinian Red Crescent worker was killed this week by an Israeli strike on its headquarters. Israel must investigate this and other similar incidents.

President, as I said, the ceasefire earlier this year showed what can be achieved when there is political will.

And last week’s Two State Solution Conference showed what can be achieved when the international community comes together.

We urge the parties to reinvigorate their efforts to secure a ceasefire deal and an end to the conflict.

As my Prime Minister set out last week, the UK is ready to play its full and historic part in achieving a plan which ends the bloodshed, brings the hostages home and lays the foundations for a Palestinian state.

Statehood is the inalienable right of the Palestinian people and is essential to the long-term security of Israel.