Tag: Foreign Office

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 15 January 2024.

Speaking at Lancaster House today, the Defence Secretary set out his vision for deterring threats, leading among allies, and defending the UK.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 13 January 2024. The article was first published by the Daily Telegraph and then issued as a press release by the Foreign Office.

Freedom of navigation really matters. It was right that the UK acted to keep a vital sea lane open.

There’s no more important a decision a prime minister can make than to send British forces into action. I never thought I would be part of another Cabinet discussing this, still less watch another prime minister weighing up such a decision.

But that is where I was last week. And I could see what a careful, thorough and strong approach Rishi Sunak was taking.

Had every alternative been tried?  Was there a realistic plan that would work? Was every target thoroughly examined?

Every relevant consideration was carefully weighed. Every minister forensically quizzed that their department had done all the necessary work.

But in the end, the Cabinet agreed we had no choice but to act.

Why?

The freedom of navigation really matters. Since November 19, there have been 26 attacks on shipping in the Red Sea. Not acting would be accepting that illegal and unacceptable Houthi attacks could virtually shut a vital sea lane with relative impunity.

We have to recognise the connection between events overseas and our lives at home. Experience in recent years makes it absolutely clear: the actions of malign actors abroad matter to us at home.

The Red Sea is one of the major arteries of international trade: some 15% of the world’s shipping passes through the narrow strait dividing Africa from Asia. If the Houthis deny this passage to ships, vital supply chains are threatened and prices will go up in Britain and across the globe.

As a direct result of their attacks, the International Chamber of Shipping says 20% of the world’s container ships are already using the much longer route around the southern tip of Africa instead.

But why us?

The global coalition to protect shipping in the Red Sea has been growing. And we have been involved from the start, with the Royal Navy taking an active part in Operation Prosperity Guardian to help keep this vital sea lane open. But the attacks have continued.

The Prime Minister carefully considered a request from the US to assist with limited and targeted military action. After examining all the arguments, including legal advice, and after consulting Cabinet colleagues and our military and intelligence experts, he confirmed that we should take part.

He’s right. Fundamentally, when we agree with our allies on the need to act and have the capabilities to help, it is right that we should do so.

Ours is one of the most open economies. We are a trading nation. Keeping sea lanes open is a vital national interest.

As prime minister, I was involved in the long-running campaign to stamp out attacks by Somali pirates in this same stretch of water. It was right to take action against those trying to hijack ships then. It is right to take action against those who attack them today.

As with Somali pirates, we have not acted alone. In total, 6 countries were involved in these strikes, including Britain and America. And many more countries have joined us in protecting commercial vessels in the Red Sea and speaking out against Houthi actions.

But why now?

We have not rushed into these strikes. As well as assembling and deploying a naval task force, we have given warning after warning. A coalition of 44 countries spoke out before Christmas. The United Nations Security Council has demanded the attacks should cease.

I spoke directly to the Foreign Minister of Iran, the Houthis’ major ally. We left them in no doubt. Attacks against merchant and commercial shipping are completely unacceptable. They had to stop. And if they did not, we would have to take action.

The Houthis chose to escalate. The number of attacks accelerated – and the severity of those attacks increased.

On 9 January, they launched 21 drones and missiles at a British ship, HMS Diamond, and those of our US allies, in one of their biggest attacks to date.

Military action should always be a last resort. And it certainly was in this case. For almost 2 months, we endured these attacks without responding directly against the places and people from which they came. This did not prevent targeting of our forces, did not deter attacks on traders in the Red Sea, and, therefore did not effectively defend the principle of freedom of navigation.

What’s next?

Our strikes were necessary, proportionate and lawful. The Royal Air Force took particular care to avoid civilian casualties – in sharp contrast to how Houthi drones have threatened the lives of civilians of all nationalities working in the shipping industry.

The Houthi contention that this is all about Israel and Gaza is nonsense. They’ve attacked ships from countries all over the world, heading to destinations right across the globe.

Our joint action will have gone some way to degrade Houthi capabilities built up with Iranian backing. We targeted sites from which we know their attacks were launched. We will carefully assess the impact of what has been done.

But more importantly, we have sent an unambiguous message: what the Houthis are doing is wrong, and we are determined to put a stop to it. We will work with allies. We will always defend the freedom of navigation. And, crucially, we will be prepared to back words with actions.

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

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

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

British High Commission staff in Ottawa relocated to their new office at 140 Sussex Drive last week.

• Staff moved into the newly built office at 140 Sussex Drive last week
• The building reaffirms the UK’s commitment to environmental sustainability with LEED classification credentials built into the construction
• Algonquin Anishinaabe Elder, Claudette Commanda officially opened the building with a blessing ceremony, alongside British High Commissioner to Canada, Susannah Goshko.

British High Commission staff in Ottawa relocated to their new office at 140 Sussex Drive last week. The new High Commission is located within the Earnscliffe National Historic Site which has been the official residence for British High Commissioners for over 90 years.

At a ceremony held today, British High Commissioner Susannah Goshko was joined by Claudette Commanda, an Algonquin Anishinaabe Elder from the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation  who performed a blessing ceremony to officially open the new office.

The new High Commission is on track to be the greenest building in the UK’s diplomatic network, targeting LEED Gold Status (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification. It is testament to the UK delivering on its Net Zero transition goal of 2050, with the environment a key element of Britain’s domestic and foreign policy.

The new location on Sussex Drive opposite Global Affairs Canada is a physical demonstration of the close relationship between the UK and Canada, and our commitment to working together on some of the most pressing global issues of today.

Susannah Goshko, British High Commissioner to Canada said;

Our new High Commission, located within the historic grounds of Earnscliffe, not only reinforces our shared history with Canada but also represents a significant investment in the modern UK-Canada bilateral relationship.

The greenest building in our diplomatic network, it is a great demonstration of our shared commitment to environmental sustainability.

The High Commission team and I look forward to welcoming visitors into our new space and to delivering for the UK-Canada relationship.

UK Minister for the Americas, Caribbean and the Overseas Territories David Rutley said:

The UK and Canada are the closest of partners and friends, working shoulder to shoulder on the most pressing global challenges, from tackling climate change to challenging hostile state activity.

Our new High Commission building sits on a historic site opposite Global Affairs Canada, reinforcing this close bond between our countries and is set to be the greenest building within our diplomatic network.

Green credentials of the new building include diverting 98% of construction waste away from landfill, and incorporating wood salvaged from the Ottawa River and stone from the original residence coach house into the new design. The office aims to be economically sustainable by operating at a lower cost thanks to its energy efficiency rating which is currently on track to perform at 18% above the baseline average.

Water consumption will also be reduced thanks to environmental features being incorporated into the landscape design, including native and drought resistant vegetation that mitigates the need for irrigation. Low flow plumbing fixtures throughout the building also aim to reduce annual water consumption by between 25% – 30% above the baseline average.

Modern construction material will create a healthier and more conducive work environment for High Commission staff, this includes high-albedo roofing materials that will mitigate urban heat-island effects and low VOC (volatile organic compounds) furnishings that provide a healthier environment for staff and visitors.

The British High Commission at 80 Elgin Street was constructed in 1962 and served as the first official offices for the UK High Commission in Canada for over 60 years. In 2022 it was purchased by the National Capital Commission following a decision to construct a new High Commission in the grounds of Earnscliffe as the previous office no longer met the modern needs of our team in Ottawa.

NOTES TO EDITORS:

• LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is the world’s most widely used green building rating system. LEED certification provides a framework for healthy, highly efficient, and cost-saving green buildings, which offer environmental, social and governance benefits. LEED certification is a globally recognized symbol of sustainability achievement.
• Full LEED certification will be given at a later date in 2024.
• Construction of the new High Commission has diverted 98% of total construction waste from the landfill, exceeding the baseline target of 75%.
• Energy performance LEED credit requires a minimum of 5% improvement over the baseline. The office is modelled to achieve 18% improvement over the baseline.
• The original offices at 80 Elgin Street were sold to the National Capital Commission in 2021.

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

Joint statement issued by Foreign Ministers on the DPRK’s export and Russia’s procurement of ballistic missiles, which have been used against Ukraine.

The following is a statement from the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Albania, Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Federated States of Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, the Netherlands, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Palau, Paraguay, Poland, Portugal, the Republic of Korea, Romania, San Marino, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, the High Representative of the European Union, and the Secretary of State of the United States of America.

We condemn in the strongest possible terms the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s (DPRK) export and Russia’s procurement of DPRK ballistic missiles, as well as Russia’s use of these missiles against Ukraine on December 30, 2023, and January 2, 2024. The transfer of these weapons increases the suffering of the Ukrainian people, supports Russia’s war of aggression, and undermines the global non-proliferation regime. Russia’s use of DPRK ballistic missiles in Ukraine also provides valuable technical and military insights to the DPRK. We are deeply concerned about the security implications that this cooperation has in Europe, on the Korean Peninsula, across the Indo-Pacific region, and around the world.

Our governments stand together in resolute opposition to arms transfers between the DPRK and Russia. The transfer of ballistic missiles, along with any other arms and related materiel, from the DPRK to Russia flagrantly violates multiple United Nations Security Council resolutions (UNSCRs) – namely, resolution 1718 (2006), resolution 1874 (2009), and resolution 2270 (2016) – that Russia itself supported. We are closely monitoring what Russia provides to the DPRK in return for these weapons exports. We call on the DPRK and Russia to abide by relevant UNSCRs and to immediately cease all activities that violate them.

We urge all UN Member States, including all members of the United Nations Security Council, to join us in condemning Russia and the DPRK’s flagrant UNSCR violations. As Russia launches waves of missiles and drones against the Ukrainian people, we will continue to stand together in support of Ukraine. We further call on the DPRK to respond to the numerous and genuine offers to return to diplomacy, the only path to an enduring peace on the Korean Peninsula.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 11 January 2024.

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

Thank you, President.

Let me thank SRSG Ruiz Massieu for his briefing today. I’m grateful to Yolanda Perea for her powerful testimony, and commend the vital work of women peacebuilders and women’s rights organisations working for peace and justice in Colombia. I also welcome the participation of Foreign Minister Leyva in our meeting today.

As we mark the seventh anniversary of the 2016 Peace Agreement, the United Kingdom continues its unwavering support to the Colombian people along their path to peace.

We welcome the Government’s commitment to accelerate implementation of the ethnic chapter, including initiatives on access to land and reintegration.

We urge further steps to ensure 60% of the ethnic chapter is implemented by 2026 as agreed in the recent Government pact. Full implementation of the gender and ethnic provisions of the Peace Agreement is needed to address the drivers of inequality and to protect vulnerable groups including indigenous and Afro-Colombian communities most affected by the conflict.

We remain strongly concerned by violence against peace signatories, human rights defenders, communities, women and social leaders – this includes three reported killings of peace signatories and human rights defenders already in 2024. We strongly encourage the Government to step up efforts to protect these local leaders and participants in the peace process. Security guarantees are an essential component of the Peace Agreement underpinning progress in all other chapters, including reintegration.

The recently approved Comprehensive Reintegration Programme is a welcome step. We also reiterate our call for the appointment of a dedicated office within the Presidency to coordinate and advance implementation of the agreement.

President, we welcome the Government’s commitment to expanding peace through dialogue and we note the intention to extend the ceasefire with the ELN. The ELN’s commitment to abide by international humanitarian law, including refraining from kidnapping, must be reflected in a change of practice on the ground.

Finally, the United Kingdom remains committed to supporting broad and lasting sustainable peace in Colombia. We look forward to a visit by the Council next month to see first hand the progress made to date and learn how we can contribute to supporting Colombia on this journey.

I thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 11 January 2024.

British Minister Lord Richard Benyon will lead the United Kingdom’s delegation to the Presidential inauguration of His Excellency Bernardo Arévalo.

The delegation will participate in the inauguration ceremony and events, and meet with President Arévalo and his cabinet to reinforce the UK’s commitment to building a strong relationship with Guatemala.

Lord Benyon said:

It is an honour to represent the UK at the inauguration of President Arévalo, which represents an important victory for democratic values. The UK is committed to supporting the new administration in our shared objectives, including boosting trade, defending human rights and tackling climate change.

Lord Benyon is Minister of State at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). The UK’s Ambassador to Guatemala, Nick Whittingham, will join him in the delegation.

During his visit, Lord Benyon will also meet with civil society leaders, private sector representatives and members of congress.

As DEFRA Minister, Lord Benyon is working to tackle climate change at home and abroad. He will visit Petén to see the work of some of the Guatemalan projects funded by the UK’s £15m Biodiverse Landscapes Fund investment in Central America, and meet organisations working to protect biodiversity.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 11 January 2024.

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

Thank you, President. I’m grateful to SRSG Simão and Dr Théroux-Bénoni for their briefings this morning. Let me make four points on security, democracy, climate change, and humanitarian need.

First, as we’ve heard, security across the Sahel is deteriorating. The UK is particularly concerned about the situation in Mali, where UNOWAS has a crucial role to play after MINUSMA’s withdrawal. We encourage UNOWAS, through its good offices, to help bring all signatories to the 2015 Algiers Accords back to the negotiating table.

The UK welcomes ECOWAS contributions to regional security and supports the potential of the Accra Initiative. We also stand ready to support the region and the UN for the upcoming Africa Counter Terrorism Summit. We reiterate that the region’s security challenges are only exacerbated by the destabilising chaos of Russian mercenary group Wagner.

Second, democracy is under pressure. Timelines for the restoration of constitutional governments in Mali, Burkina Faso and Guinea continue to slip. We echo ECOWAS’ calls for a return to constitutional order, and we encourage recommitment to transition timetables. We call on Niger to agree a transition timeline with ECOWAS.

The United Kingdom congratulates Liberia for its recent peaceful transfer of power, and welcomes the Peacebuilding Commission’s role supporting this process. We urge redoubled efforts on UNOWAS’ regional work to prevent election-related tensions.

Third, the Security Council has recognised the adverse effects of climate change on security and stability in the region. We welcome UNOWAS’ work in the climate-security nexus. The UK is supporting work in the region to build the resilience of those most vulnerable to climate change.

Fourth, the humanitarian situation remains dire. Since 2019, UK aid has supported over 15 million in the Sahel with life-saving assistance, but humanitarian needs are still going unmet.  We call on all actors to ensure safe and unimpeded access for humanitarian assistance.

In closing, President, in light of the regional challenges we’ve all set out here today, we should recommit to even closer work with UNOWAS and the regional organisations. We join others in calling for a presidential statement of the Council to reflect this commitment.

I thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 10 January 2024.

Explanation of vote by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the UN Security Council meeting on Yemen.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 10 January 2024.

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

Thank you, President, and I thank Under-Secretary-General DiCarlo and Director Wosornu for their briefings today.

Amid New Year celebrations elsewhere, Ukrainians entered this New Year in darkness, without heating, without shelter, and with air raids ringing.

Ninety drones were fired at Odesa, Lviv and other cities on New Year’s Eve. Another massive assault took place on Monday as temperatures across Ukraine dropped as low as minus 20. Over 1,000 towns and villages in nine regions were left without power.

Responders are rapidly making repairs and I do not doubt the resilience and the determination of Ukrainians to defend their freedom and their territory. But these attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure must stop.

In addition, Russia’s use of ballistic missiles from the DPRK is a sign of recklessness and desperation. It violates multiple resolutions.

All UN Members have an obligation to implement UN resolutions. So I call on Russia, a P5 country, to halt its trading in arms with the DPRK, and to implement all UNSC resolutions in full, and to restate its commitment to the global non-proliferation regime.

I also call on Iran, the DPRK, and any third party that is providing material support to the Russian war machine to cease immediately. Ending Russia’s access to foreign weapons will help end this war.

Now more specifically, President, near the front lines in Ukraine, the situation is even worse. The UN’s Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan for 2024 refers to entire communities pummelled daily, regions where no hospital or clinic has been left untouched by war. People have been without water and gas in their homes for over a year now.

As we heard from OCHA, over 14.6 million people, about 40 percent of the Ukrainian population living in Ukraine, will need humanitarian assistance in 2024.  The UK has committed $472.72 million in humanitarian assistance to Ukraine and the region since 2022 and our support will continue.

But as I heard during my visit to Kyiv, Russia continues to impede humanitarian access for millions of people living in the temporarily controlled territories.  Civilians are struggling to access water, food, shelter and other essential services. And the situation is expected to get worse as the cold weather intensifies.

So Russia must, as this Council has said repeatedly, allow humanitarian organisations safe and unimpeded access to these areas immediately.

Mr President, New Year is a time for resolutions. We suggest Russia make three. To abide by the UN Charter and Council resolutions, to stop its attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure, and to withdraw its military from Ukrainian soil.

Thank you, President.