Tag: Foreign Office

The press release issued by the Home Office on 1 February 2024.

The UK and France will go even further and faster in tackling illegal migration and build even closer law enforcement and security cooperation ties in 2024.

During talks in Paris on Tuesday (30 January), Home Secretary James Cleverly and French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin discussed the breadth of their shared priorities, the enduring strength of the UK-France relationship and the opportunities for further deepening of cooperation.

This year marks the 120th anniversary of the Entente Cordiale, which brought a new age of UK-French relations.

The Home Secretary welcomed the excellent work from French law enforcement to reduce the number of small boats reaching the UK by 36% in 2023 compared to the previous year. He also welcomed the action to target ‘taxi-boat’ launches, including by constructing barriers and increasing patrols, where UK-France cooperation directly impacted organised criminal activity.

To go further in our response, the Home Secretary and Interior Minister Darmanin welcomed plans to accelerate delivery of the March 2023 UK-France Summit agreement. These plans will expedite deployment of key aerial surveillance equipment, ensuring unprecedented levels of coverage to enable French law enforcement to intercept crossing attempts as quickly as possible. The Home Secretary underlined that cross-Channel cooperation to save lives at sea remains an important priority.

The Home Secretary also endorsed both countries’ commitment to new UK-France cooperation focused on disruption of small boats materials’ supply through enhanced intelligence sharing.

As part of further pan-European efforts to tackle illegal migration, the ministers discussed convening a meeting of the Calais Group Interior Ministers in the spring to lead discussions with key near neighbour partners on further efforts to tackle illegal migration.

The Home Secretary committed to the UK continuing to share security experience and expertise to support France’s preparations for the Olympics.

Home Secretary James Cleverly said:

The UK and France are friends, neighbours and partners. Our cooperation against the full range of security threats and challenges is vital for both our countries and for Europe.

France is an essential partner to prevent illegal migration. The UK continues to support the challenges faced by French law enforcement, operating under increasingly difficult circumstances to save lives and disrupt organised criminal gangs. Their commitment is exemplary, and the results are impressive.

I want to thank my friend Gérald Darmanin for his continued leadership and support in tackling the small boat crisis and pledge to see our countries continue to work closely together, not least as France takes on the challenge of hosting the Olympics this summer.

Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin said:

In the follow-up of 2023, France and the UK will deepen their cooperation, which is essential in the very intense fight against violent and reckless smugglers’ networks.

They will also continue calling for a UK-EU agreement on migration issues so as to better manage illegal as well as legal migration.

Besides, their joint action will also cover the security of major upcoming events this year, with a particular focus on the Summer Olympics.

The dialogue between our 2 countries should also help improve the fight against radicalisation as well as crimes committed online.

Both countries continue to deliver against the landmark deal agreed between the Prime Minister and President Macron during the March 2023 Leaders’ Summit. Already, over half of the 500 UK-funded French personnel have been deployed to tackle small boats.

The recent fatal incidents in the Channel are a tragic reminder of the human cost of these dangerous crossings. It is imperative to dismantle the organised criminal gangs responsible, whose action is increasingly violent and inhuman.

Since May 2023, the UK and France have worked even more closely together in northern France, with UK liaison officers permanently based in Lille and in Calais, enhancing information exchange at working level between our countries in order to prevent crossings and investigate organised criminal groups.

The UK and France continue to have a strong and highly valued relationship on security and counter terrorism issues. This includes cooperation to tackle terrorism at home and overseas, including action against Hamas and other terrorist groups.

The UK continues to offer France with support for the upcoming Olympic Games, having shared experiences from London 2012 and other major events including Her Majesty The Late Queen’s funeral and His Majesty The King’s Coronation.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 1 February 2024.

Deputy Ambassador Brown thanks Minister Hasler for outlining Liechtenstein’s priorities at the Council of Europe, and for the close collaboration with the OSCE.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 1 February 2024.

Deputy Ambassador Deirdre Brown condemns reports of the declining humanitarian situation in the Ukrainian territories temporarily under Russian control and Russia’s attempts to erase Ukrainian identity.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Firstly, I would like to thank you and your team for convening last week’s Special Permanent Council.  We heard 22 statements condemning Russia’s heinous attacks and underscoring our unwavering support for Ukraine. We must, and will, continue to hold Russia to account for failing to uphold the OSCE’s founding principles and abide by international humanitarian and human rights law.

The humanitarian situation in the regions of Ukraine temporarily under Russian control is deeply concerning. Millions of people live in these areas where access for humanitarian organisations has been mostly impossible. Reports suggest civilians are struggling to access water, food, shelter and other essential services. Russia has repeatedly ignored calls to allow humanitarians safe access to these areas. Russia claims to have “liberated” these territories. Instead, it has brought hardship and suffering. There are reports that Russia has carried out enforced disappearances, summary executions of civilians, and unlawful detention and torture, especially targeting civil servants, pro-Ukraine activists and journalists, and other civilians presumed to oppose the occupation.

We condemn Russia’s decision to hold Russian presidential elections in Ukraine this year, further violating Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. Russia will not succeed in legitimising its attempted illegal annexation in this way. As the UN General Assembly made overwhelmingly clear in October 2022, these regions are and always will be Ukrainian.

Russia’s despicable and systematic attempt to erase Ukrainian identity, and with it, Ukraine’s future, is unfortunately not limited to changes on a map. Ukrainian children have been targeted by Russia’s appalling forced deportation strategy.

We are seriously concerned by reports that over 19,000 Ukrainian children have been forcibly deported to Russia or temporarily controlled Russian territory since Russia launched its full-scale invasion; that fewer than 400 have so far been returned to Ukraine; and that a senior Russian politician has even illegally adopted a Ukrainian child.

Under a new Russian citizenship law passed in January, Russian authorities claim they can confer Russian citizenship upon vulnerable Ukrainian children deported to Russia. We call upon Russia to cease these deportations immediately. We condemn these actions, and are determined to hold to account those responsible for forcibly deporting and attempting to indoctrinate Ukrainian children.

The UK is pleased to be joining the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children tomorrow. We welcome its establishment and fully endorse the joint Declaration. This is an important step towards a global coordinated effort to return Ukrainian children to their homeland, and an initiative the UK fully supports.

In closing, Madam Chair, we have raised the case of Vladimir Kara-Murza, a dual British-Russian national imprisoned in Russia, on several occasions in this Forum. While we welcome the news that he has been located following a prison transfer, he should not be in prison at all. He is in prison for engaging in legitimate criticism of the political situation: for speaking out against the war in Ukraine and against Putin’s regime. We reiterate our call for his immediate and unconditional release. And, as we raised last week, we remain concerned at Russia’s continued detention of our three OSCE colleagues of the Special Monitoring Mission. The UK again calls for their immediate release, along with all Ukrainians currently victims of arbitrary detention.

The United Kingdom will stand with Ukraine today, tomorrow and for as long as it takes. Thank you, Madam Chair.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 1 February 2024.

UK’s electronic travel authorisation (ETA) scheme opens for Gulf Cooperation Council and Jordanian nationals, making travel to the UK smoother and cheaper.

The UK’s electronic travel authorisation (ETA) scheme has opened for Gulf Cooperation Council and Jordanian nationals who are travelling to the UK from 22 February 2024. This expansion of the scheme follows the successful launch for Qataris, who have been able to benefit since October 2023, with most applying using the UK ETA mobile app.

ETAs replace electronic visa waivers (EVW) and remove the visa requirement for short stays to the UK for Gulf and Jordanian nationals.

Nationals of Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain and Jordan can now make unlimited visits to the UK over a 2-year period, or until the holder’s passport expires – whichever is sooner, for just £10. Previously, Gulf nationals paid £30 through the electronic visa waiver scheme and Jordanians paid £115 for a single-use visitor visa.

Gulf visitors are highly valuable to the UK economy, with almost 800,000 Gulf visitors spending £2 billion during their stays in the UK in 2022.

The ETA is part of the UK government’s transformation and digitisation of the UK border and immigration system, enabling an increasingly seamless customer experience in the future for legitimate visitors. Ensuring robust security checks on every visitor pre-travel enables us to bolster the security of the UK border, prevent abuse and keep our communities safe.

The Home Secretary is marking the expansion of the scheme today at a celebratory event with the Gulf and Jordanian ambassadors and representatives from the travel and tourism sectors.

Home Secretary, James Cleverly, said:

The ETA will improve the experience of travelling to the UK for the thousands of visitors from the Gulf and Jordan, who represent our second largest tourism market and contribute billions to the UK economy.

The scheme is a vital step on our path to cementing the UK’s position as a world leader in border innovation and security.

Minister of State for the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia Lord Ahmad said:

I am delighted that with the introduction of ETAs it will be even easier for our Gulf and Jordanian friends to visit the UK.

Our strong people to people links underpin our close partnership, and we all benefit from the boost to trade, education and tourism ties ETAs will bring.

The application process for an ETA is simple and fast to complete, with the process being entirely digital via a mobile phone app. Applicants need to provide biographic and biometric details and answer questions on suitability and criminality. Once individuals have successfully applied, their ETA is digitally linked to their passport.

Decisions will usually be made within 3 working days, however the majority are decided within hours.

VisitBritain CEO, Patricia Yates, said:

It is great to see the electronic travel authorisation scheme roll out to more Gulf nationals as well as for Jordanians, making travel to the UK easier, cheaper and more accessible for them. Combined with our strong airline connections, the scheme boosts our competitive tourism offer and our welcome to visitors.

Our GREAT Britain campaigns are underway across the region to showcase the breadth of exciting experiences and destinations to inspire travel to Britain. VisitBritain is also working with travel trade and partners in the Gulf so British destinations are sold internationally and to drive bookings now. We look forward to welcoming even more visitors to experience our vibrant and dynamic tourism offer.

The scheme will apply worldwide to those who do not currently need a visa to visit or transit through the UK or who do not hold a UK immigration status, including nationals from Europe and America.

Other nationalities cannot and do not need to apply yet and timings for when the scheme opens for them will be confirmed in due course.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 1 February 2024.

The UK has imposed fresh sanctions on Myanmar military-linked entities and infantry divisions to mark 3 years since the military coup.

• UK imposes fresh sanctions against military divisions and enterprises involved in the repression of the civilian population and serious human rights violations in Myanmar
• in the 3 years since the military coup, the UK has sanctioned 25 individuals and 33 entities under the Myanmar sanctions regime
• the UK and partners have published a joint statement condemning the military’s ongoing violence against civilians

3 years on from the military coup in Myanmar, the UK has imposed further sanctions against those responsible for ongoing repression in the country. Sanctioned today are 2 Myanmar military divisions responsible for carrying out serious human rights violations and 2 state-owned enterprises which provide economic resources and support to the Myanmar security forces.

Sanctions against 2 state-owned enterprises affiliated with the Myanmar security forces will help block the regime’s access to vital resources used to strengthen the military’s grip. Also sanctioned today are 2 Light Infantry Divisions of the Myanmar security forces, which since the coup have escalated their appalling attacks against civilians, including targeting voices of dissent and opposition.

Since the coup the UK has sanctioned 25 individuals and 33 entities under the Myanmar Sanctions Regime, targeting the military’s access to finance, arms and equipment. The UK has also targeted the military’s 2 key conglomerates and their 111 subsidiaries, as well as 3 individuals under the Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime, most recently in December 2023.

In addition to fresh sanctions, the United Kingdom has, alongside 8 countries and the EU, released a joint statement, reiterating our condemnation of the military regime’s continued violence against and repression of its own people.

Foreign Secretary David Cameron said:

Three years after its coup, we are increasing our pressure on the Myanmar military to stop its brutal repression of the Myanmar people.

That’s why the UK is imposing new sanctions to help stop the military’s access to resources. We are joining with international partners to call for renewed efforts to secure a peaceful and democratic future for Myanmar.

The entities sanctioned today

1. Mining Enterprise 1 (ME1) for involvement in the repression of the civilian population in Myanmar, by being affiliated to the Myanmar Security Forces (MSF) and making available funds or other economic resources to the MSF.
2. Mining Enterprise 2 (ME2) for involvement in the repression of the civilian population in Myanmar, by being affiliated to the Myanmar Security Forces and by making available funds or other economic resources to the MSF.
3. Light Infantry Division 77 (LID 77) for involvement in serious human rights violations in Myanmar. Namely the crackdown on protestors involving excessive lethal force and killing, and internet shutdowns during protests in Bago.
4. Light Infantry Division 101 (LID 101) for involvement in serious human rights violations in Myanmar. This includes arbitrary arrests, detention or enforced disappearance; torture or cruel treatment against people for their political opinion, religious belief or ethnicity; and forms of sexual and gender-based violence.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 31 January 2024.

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

Thank you President and I join others in thanking Under-Secretary Griffiths for his powerful briefing.

On the 7th of October, Israel suffered the worst terror attack in its history at the hands of Hamas. The UK wants to see the hostages taken on that day released as soon as possible.  And an end to the fighting in Gaza as soon as possible. The humanitarian situation is desperate. We are calling for an immediate suspension of fighting in order to get vital aid in and hostages out, that progresses towards a permanent, sustainable ceasefire, without a return to destruction, fighting, and loss of life.

We continue to work intensively with the UN and all partners on practical solutions to get more aid into Gaza. During his visit to the region last week, my Foreign Secretary, Lord Cameron, again pressed Israel to allow unhindered humanitarian access. We are supporting the World Food Programme to deliver a humanitarian land corridor from Jordan into Gaza. And the UK has trebled our humanitarian aid commitment to the Occupied Palestinian Territories this year.

The UK continues to engage closely with Israel on the conduct of their military campaign, including on IHL, and to call for Israel to take greater care to avoid harming civilians and civilian infrastructure.

The UK respects the role and independence of the ICJ. We welcome the ICJ’s call for the immediate release of hostages and the need to get more aid into Gaza, as well as the Court’s reminder that all parties to the conflict are bound by international humanitarian law. It is for the Court, not countries, to determine genocide.

Nevertheless, we were troubled by the way in which this action was taken, and we’ve made our views about this very clear. As Lord Cameron said in the Middle East last week, echoed in the Minister of State Lord Ahmad’s intervention at the Security Council also last week, we believe the five following steps are vital.

First,  a political horizon which provides a credible and irreversible pathway towards a two-state solution. Second, the formation of a new Palestinian Government for the West Bank and Gaza, accompanied by an international support package. Third, removing Hamas’ capacity to launch attacks against Israel. Fourth, the release of all Israeli hostages, and finally, Hamas no longer in charge of Gaza.

As my Foreign Secretary has said, it is only when the prize of peace is more attractive than the potential benefit of continued conflict that we will have the chance of a better future for Israelis and Palestinians.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 31 January 2024.

Ninth UK-Ghana Business Council (UKGBC) high level bilateral meeting communique issued in Accra.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 31 January 2024.

Europe Minister Leo Docherty visits Poland to meet British troops stationed as part of NATO’s multinational battlegroup.

• Europe Minister Leo Docherty is in Poland, meeting British troops stationed as part of NATO’s multinational battlegroup
• Trip will reiterate support for Ukraine, highlighting the leading role Poland has played in the face of Russian aggression
• The visit comes as NATO celebrates 75 years since its formation, and Poland marks 25 years as an Ally

Minister for Europe Leo Docherty is in Poland to demonstrate the UK’s continued support for the security of Europe’s Eastern Flank today (31 January) – where he will meet British troops stationed with NATO.

Troops and personnel from NATO Allies serve, train and exercise together in eight battlegroups in the east of the Alliance. In Poland, the UK contributes to the battlegroup led by the United States, working together with fellow Allies Croatia and Romania.

The Minister will visit the squadron stationed in the Bemowo Piskie base in Orzysz including 150 British troops, who are working with Polish Armed Forces to exchange best practice, strengthen ties and defend Polish airspace.

Minister for Europe Leo Docherty said:

Poland is on the front line of the European effort to support Ukraine against Russia’s illegal invasion.

From our steadfast alliance during the World Wars, to our close partnership in NATO – we are historic friends.

Meeting UK troops stationed here underlines our work to defend the security of Europe’s Eastern Flank.

The presence of these battlegroups forms part of the biggest reinforcement of NATO’s collective defence in a generation, illustrating that 75 years after the Alliance’s formation, it is ready to face the challenges of the next 75.

In Warsaw, the Minister will meet Deputy Foreign Minister Marek Prawda, where they will discuss shared defence commitments, co-operation on illegal migration and border security, as well as welcoming Poland’s recent endorsement of the G7 Joint Declaration of Support for Ukraine, launched at the 2023 NATO Summit in Vilnius.

Since Russia’s invasion, the UK and Poland have both committed significant military and humanitarian support for Ukraine, including £12 billion in UK assistance. Poland is also hosting around 1 million Ukrainians – more than any other country.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 31 January 2024.

UK military advisor, Nicholas Aucott, says Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, has succeeded in uniting democratic nations in defence of the principles of the United Nations Charter.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 31 January 2024.

The UK-African Investment Summit, which was due to take place in April 2024, is postponed to a later date.

The UK-African Investment Summit (UK-AIS) due to take place in April 2024 will now be postponed to a later date. New summit dates will be announced in due course.

The UK government is committed to building on the success of the 2020 UK-Africa Investment Summit, which laid the foundations for new partnerships between the UK and African nations based on trade, investment, shared values and mutual interest. This includes by ensuring attendance from governments across the continent, as well as British and African businesses eager to harness the benefits of our trading relationship.

The next UK-AIS will help to realise the UK’s ambition to be the investment partner of choice for Africa, create thousands of jobs and ensure the mutual prosperity of all our nations.

Forming part of the UK’s sustained offer to African countries, the summit aims to:

• strengthen UK-African partnerships to create jobs and growth
• support British and African talent in sectors such as finance and technology
• promote female entrepreneurs

Ahead of the summit, the UK is working to enhance trade and investment links with African countries through:

• supporting the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which offers the prospect of growth through improved intra-African trade and investment opportunities
• the UK’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS), which entered into force in June 2023 and has increased UK market access for 37 African countries
• supporting British International Investment (BII), which has more than half of its portfolio in Africa, where it committed nearly £700 million of investment in 2022