Tag: Foreign Office

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 9 October 2025.

Foreign Secretary hosts meeting in Northern Ireland, focused on preserving security and stability in the Western Balkans. 

The Foreign Secretary will host European partners today (9 October) to focus on preserving security and stability in the Western Balkans, boosting growth and trade, and increasing cooperation in the fight against organised immigration crime.  

Yvette Cooper will host the Western Balkans Summit Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Hillsborough Castle to discuss how the UK can support a region where instability can cause a direct effect on the Government’s priorities to protect national security and secure the UK’s borders. 

The summit will discuss the importance of building resilience in the Western Balkans to combat the constant flood of Russian hybrid threats aimed at destabilising the region, and fanning ethnic tensions. The Foreign Secretary will unveil a new £4 million project to reinforce cyber defences in the region, and share expertise in countering disinformation and other malign activity from hostile actors.

Ahead of the meeting, the Foreign Secretary will announce the investment of £10 million in innovative programmes to tackle people smuggling in the Western Balkans and other key regions where international cooperation is essential to curb illegal migration.

The funding will support new projects in the Western Balkans, including law enforcement training in Kosovo, stronger border security and help for potential trafficking victims in Serbia.  

The summit will also focus on the continuing threat from organised immigration crime networks who are based in the Western Balkans, or use the region as a supply route for smuggling people and equipment into the rest of Europe. Close to 22,000 people transited through Western Balkan to Europe last year. 

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said:    

It is in all our interests to protect security and stability in the Western Balkans, and we must be alive to the full range of threats that our partners in the region are facing, from Russian efforts to revive ethnic tensions, to vile people-smuggling gangs trading in human lives.

International cooperation is vital to boosting our economic growth, protecting our national security, and securing our borders. The partnerships we build abroad make us stronger here at home. 

In particular, the support that we are giving our partners in the Western Balkans to tackle people smuggling will have a direct impact on the supply chains and profits of organised immigration crime networks, and reducing the threat that they represent to the UK.

Since taking up her current role a month ago, the Foreign Secretary has been clear that she sees tackling illegal migration as a foreign policy “imperative”, building on new agreements secured with Iraq, France, Germany.   

As a result, the department is increasing the number of staff working on the issue of migration, including helping to identify additional targets for the UK’s world-first sanctions regime targeting people-smugglers and their enablers, and progressing negotiations with other countries on the return of people with no right to be in the UK.   

Taking place at Hillsborough Castle – the backdrop to the Good Friday Agreement – the UK will use the Summit to share its experiences of the Northern Ireland peace process, as the countries of the Western Balkans seek to continue turning their own history of conflict and division into a successful model of reconciliation and progress.     

The meeting lays the groundwork ahead of the Prime Minister hosting Western Balkans leaders in London on 22 October to further support the region on security, growth and migration.

Background:

• The meeting is part of the Berlin Process, an international platform which brings together governments of Western Balkans countries, alongside other European partners. Its aim is to increase regional cooperation, support economic development and accelerate its efforts for closer European alignment in the Western Balkans.   
• Attendees at the Western Balkans Summit: Foreign Ministers’ meeting will be representatives from Western Balkans countries (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia), and European partners (Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, the EU, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Poland, and Slovenia).   
• More information on the Berlin Process can be found here: https://www.berlinprocess.de/   
• The Global Irregular Migration and Trafficking in Persons Sanctions Regime is aimed at deterring people smuggling, human trafficking, and instrumentalised migration for the purpose of destabilisation. Further information can be seen here.   
• The £10 million figure referenced is the FY 25/26 allocation for migration focused projects within the Integrated Security Fund (ISF). The ISF is a government-wide fund that addresses the highest-priority threats to UK national security. 
• In the first year after the General Election, over 35,000 individuals with no legal right to remain in the UK were returned, up 13% from the same period in the year before. The UK-France Treaty, signed in August 2025, is also for the first time allowing the UK to detain and remove people who enter illegally via small boats, blocking their access to the UK asylum system.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 9 October 2025.

The event highlighted a range of UK support on social protection in Lebanon and announced new partnerships with MoSA, ILO and UNFPA.

British Ambassador hosts reception with Minister Sayed, announces support for social protection and gender equality.

The British Ambassador to Lebanon, Hamish Cowell, hosted a reception in honour of the Minister of Social Affairs (MoSA) Haneen Sayed and a visiting research team from the Institute of Development Studies (IDS) at the University of Sussex, reaffirming the United Kingdom’s strong and long-standing partnership with Lebanon on social protection and gender equality.

The event brought together a wide range of stakeholders, including Members of Parliament from the UK and Lebanon, local and regional partners, civil society representatives, journalists, and advocates, to celebrate ongoing collaboration and shared priorities in advancing an inclusive social protection system in Lebanon.

The UK is playing a leading role globally on social protection in fragile and conflict-affected countries. Lebanon was one of four focus countries chosen by the IDS to assess and understand the role of social protection in the context of recurring shocks, protracted conflict and forced displacement.  

The event highlighted a range of UK support on social protection in Lebanon and announced new partnerships with MoSA, ILO and UNFPA.

This year the UK is supporting the Ministry of Social Affairs’ Aman social safety net in reaching more than 200,000 additional vulnerable Lebanese. This follows the UK assistance during the war in 2024 through the World Food Programme (WFP) for the MoSA’s Shock Responsive Safety Net, which also supported 200,000 Lebanese households.

The UK also announced partnerships with the ILO and UNFPA, in line with the UK’s commitment to supporting vital services at the same time as strengthening the national systems that deliver them.

The UK has extended its partnership with MoSA and the ILO on strengthening three key areas of Lebanon’s national social protection system: pension system reforms, social health protection, and support to MoSA’s Rights and Access programme for persons with disabilities

On gender inequality and inclusive service delivery, the UK has agreed a new partnership with UNFPA. This will support the implementation of the National Strategy for Women in Lebanon, by partnering with the National Commission for Lebanese Women. It will also involve working closely with MoSA on the prevention of, and services relating to, gender-based violence (GBV) and sexual and reproductive health through its Social Development Centres.

During the reception, Kate McDermott, Head of Development and Humanitarian Team & Deputy Development Director said:

The United Kingdom is proud of our partnership with the Government, protecting the most vulnerable and advancing gender equality. Through the UK’s varied support and close collaboration with the Ministry of Social Affairs, the UK is putting evidence into action by providing direct assistance to vulnerable Lebanese through national systems whilst making those systems even stronger and more inclusive.

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

Turner’s visit focused on assessing the current situation in south Lebanon and how the UK can best support UNIFIL through the upcoming transition period.

Dr Christian Turner, recently appointed as the UK’s next Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York, concluded a two-day visit to Lebanon. This is part of his regional engagement ahead of assuming his new role in January.

During his visit, Dr Turner held meetings with Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and Foreign Minister Youssef Rajji. He also met UN Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator Imran Riza where they discussed the importance of support from the UN and its member states for the security and stability of Lebanon.

In Naqoura he met with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) Force Commander General Diodato Abagnara, UNIFIL Deputy Head of Mission and the Director of Division for Political and Civil Affairs Hervé Lecoq, and UNIFIL Chief of Staff Major General Paul Sanzey. He also met with UNTSO Observer Group Lebanon.

Turner’s visit to Naqoura focused on assessing the current situation in south Lebanon and how the United Kingdom can best support UNIFIL through the upcoming transition period.

At the end of his visit, Dr Turner said:

I’ve been in Lebanon today to meet with the Government of Lebanon, UNFIL and other UN agencies to discuss how the UK can best continue our support for the Lebanese people.

As the UNIFIL mandate comes to an end, the UK will continue to work with these partners to make sure there is a responsible and orderly transition.

That means continuing our partnership with the Lebanese Armed Forces and strengthening their presence in southern Lebanon, as Lebanon’s sole legitimate defender.

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

Ambassador Neil Holland recalls the importance of OSCE commitments on human rights and fundamental freedoms and condemns Russia and Belarus.

Thank you, Mr Chair.

Congratulations to the Director, Representative and High Commissioner on the work they have done in their first few months in office.  Please rest assured of the UK’s continued support for – and commitment to – the success of the OSCE, including the autonomous institutions.

But since we are in Warsaw, allow me to extend particular thanks for ODIHR’s support, and assistance to participating States in the last twelve months.

And finally, thank you to the Chair in Office, and Poland, our hosts, for their efforts and perseverance in arranging this Conference.

By holding States to account for implementation of our shared commitments on human rights and democratic institutions, these Conferences sit at the centre of the human dimension and the OSCE’s concept of comprehensive security.  

The UK condemns Russia’s decision to block the mandated Human Dimension Implementation Meeting again this year. This is a further, pointless attempt to undermine scrutiny of Russia’s record by its fellow OSCE countries, civil society and the wider international community, as mandated by Ministers.

For the UK the Warsaw Human Dimension Conference symbolises our shared commitment to respect human rights and fundamental freedoms.   Last week’s horrific and abhorrent attack on a synagogue on Manchester was a tragic reminder that we should never take human rights or fundamental freedoms for granted.   Those values are as relevant and vital as ever and need constant defence.

At the forefront of our minds during this conference are the ongoing atrocities being committed by Russia in Ukraine.  ODIHR’s seventh Interim Report showed stark evidence of ongoing grave violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law by Russia.

That pattern of widespread and systematic violations has also been demonstrated in the independent and expert Moscow Mechanism reports published in 2022, 2023, 2024 and earlier this autumn.

In this fiftieth anniversary year, I can only reiterate that the United Kingdom stands by the Decalogue and the OSCE principles and commitments developed since 1975.    We will therefore continue to call on Russia, Belarus and other OSCE participating States to cease repression, release political prisoners and to safeguard space for independent media and civil society. 

Finally, I wish to pay tribute to human rights defenders and other brave members of civil society, many of whom operate in increasingly oppressive environments. The perspective of civil society is vital in building an understanding of the human rights situation at grassroots level. So we are pleased to see so many civil society representatives joining this conference. You represent the spirit of Helsinki and we will continue to support you and amplify your work.

Thank you.

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

UK condemns atrocities by Russian forces in Ukraine.

Ukraine has now endured over three years of Russia’s illegal war. Throughout this time, we have witnessed a growing body of evidence of atrocities committed by Russian forces. These include relentless attacks on civilians across Ukraine, including the wilful erasure of cultural identity, the forced deportation and indoctrination of children, and the torture and sexual abuse of civilians and prisoners of war.

The latest Moscow Mechanism report details how widespread, systematic and deliberate Russia’s policy to dehumanise Ukrainians has become. This includes the torture and inhuman treatment of Ukrainian Prisoners of War at every stage of captivity. Methods include severe beatings, electric shocks, mock executions, sexual violence, forced nudity and psychological humiliation. It found that Ukrainian Prisoners of War have been arbitrarily killed and executed. The report concluded that these Russian violations may “constitute war crimes and, in some cases, arguably, crimes against humanity”.

This report builds on the 7th interim ODIHR report released in June this year which also documents extensive violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law.

We have the means – and the responsibility – to hold those behind the invasion of Ukraine to account and to support the healing that must follow. The UK is proud to have championed accountability: as early supporters of the Special Tribunal, as Chair of the Register of Damage, through the establishment of the Atrocity Crimes Advisory Group, and by leading the largest group referral to the ICC in its history. We will continue to support the Ukrainian government in tracing and verifying illegally deported children and supporting them and their families through their rehabilitation.

The UK’s support to Ukraine remains steadfast, for as long as it takes. We remain absolutely committed in our pursuit of a just and enduring peace.

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

UK Core Group Statement to introduce Item 3 Resolution on Slavery and Trafficking. Delivered by the UK’s Human Rights Ambassador, Eleanor Sanders.

Thank you, Mr President.

I am honoured to present draft resolution L.8 on behalf of the core group consisting of Argentina, Australia, Germany, Jordan, the Philippines and my country, the United Kingdom.

An estimated 50 million people globally are living in modern slavery of which 27.6 million people are in situations of forced labour. Yet this is likely only the tip of the iceberg, with abuses hidden and underreported. The challenge before us is both stark and urgent.

Mr President,

This draft resolution is not only a response to this challenge but a landmark achievement in this Council’s history. It merges the roles of two existing Special Rapporteurs into a single, unified mandate.

This marks a significant step toward strengthening the Council’s response to the overlapping yet distinct challenges of slavery and trafficking and sets a valuable precedent for how it can evolve to meet today’s realities in a more efficient manner. We thank OHCHR for their support in implementing concrete efficiency gains.

We sincerely thank outgoing Special Rapporteur, Professor Obokata whose tremendous expertise and work have been instrumental in informing our global response to slavery.

I would now like to hand over to my esteemed colleague, Ambassador Sorreta of the Philippines.

The press release issued by the Home Office on 8 October 2025.

A record 2,300 ‘deal lines’ closed in first year of this government.

A record number of gang leaders have been charged for ‘county lines’ offences in the past year following targeted police action through the government’s County Lines Programme.  

More than 1,120 senior gang members have been charged and over 2,300 ‘deal lines’ closed in the 12 months since July 2024, due to targeted policing of key transport networks and investment in automatic number plate recognition technology.

This period has seen the highest annual numbers since the government’s County Lines Programme began in 2019. 

Stabbings in areas most impacted by county lines have also reduced by almost 20% because of the programme, according to a recent independent report by the London School of Economics.

Tackling this kind of drug supply and criminal exploitation is fundamental to the government’s mission to halve knife crime over the next decade as part of the Plan for Change. 

And on Tuesday 7 October, Crime and Policing Minister Sarah Jones joined policing operations that saw a 29 year old man from Kirkby arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine and heroin. He was taken into police custody. 

Crime and Policing Minister, Sarah Jones, said: 

The exploitation of children and vulnerable people in this way is disgusting and cowardly. County lines gangs are also driving knife crime in our communities, and I want criminals to know that we will not let them get away with it. 

We will be relentless in going after these gangs. Today’s results speak for themselves –but we are going further than ever to stop this evil trade as part of our Plan for Change, and will be bringing in 3 new criminal offences to ensure the punishment matches the severity of the crime.

In addition to charging and closing record numbers of deal lines, the County Lines Programme has referred over 3,200 children and vulnerable people to supportive services and provided more than 500 instances of specialist, dedicated, one-to-one support through Catch22’s county lines service since last summer.

The government has already announced that 3 new offences will be brought in as part of the Crime and Policing Bill to build on the progress to date and tackle criminal exploitation of children in all its forms:

Criminal exploitation of children: this will seek to increase convictions against exploiters, deter gangs from enlisting children, and improve identification of criminally exploited children. It will also provide the police with an additional tool to tackle this kind of offending which reflects more specifically the harm done to child victims, and recognises offenders more clearly as exploiters of children. This offence will carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.  

Coerced internal concealment: this act sees children and vulnerable people criminally exploited by gangs and forced into hiding objects in their bodies. This practice is often linked to county lines drug running and will also carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. 

Cuckooing: which involves the takeover of the homes of vulnerable people, often those with disabilities, for criminal purposes. This will carry a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison.  

Kate Wareham, Strategic Director at Catch22, who deliver the National County Lines and Support and Rescue Service, said:

We welcome the government’s continued commitment to tackling county lines, which is making a real difference in reducing harm and keeping young people safe – but there is still much more to do to ensure every child is protected from exploitation.

County lines exploitation can have devastating consequences for young people and communities and is often a driving factor behind serious violence and knife crime. Through the County Lines Support and Rescue Service, we work closely with the police, local authorities and community partners to identify and support children who have been drawn into these criminal networks – some as young as 10 and often found far from home. By building trusted relationships and providing long-term, wraparound support, we help young people to break free from exploitation and rebuild their lives.

Sue Gregory, CEO of Everton in the Community, said:

County lines has affected far too many people in Merseyside through the years and we welcome the government’s continued action in this area. Everton in the Community is committed to tackling the issue through its Children and Youth targeted services to prevent young people becoming involved in county lines and educating them about the risks and where to access support. 

Working alongside the government and other key partners like Merseyside Police, Premier League and Steve Morgan Foundation, Everton in the Community provides diversionary tactics and key engagement and enrichment opportunities which enables our city’s young people to aspire to more positive futures and achieve pathways they may have previously thought were out of reach.

The government is investing more than £43 million this year in the County Lines Programme, to target the exploitative drug-dealing gangs whilst breaking up the organised crime groups behind this trade. Operating across the 5 force areas with the highest activity as well as British Transport Police, dedicated police teams work alongside Catch22 and organisations like Everton Football Club ‘In the Community’, who raise awareness on county lines and provide specialist support to vulnerable young people who are being criminally exploited.

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

The UK has reaffirmed its support for Georgian sovereignty at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva and called out Russian occupation of Georgian territory.

The UK has reaffirmed its support for Georgian sovereignty during a session at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva. The UK continues to be a strong supporter of UN Human Rights Council Resolution 60/16 on “Cooperation with Georgia”.

The resolution highlights the ongoing human rights violations and humanitarian concerns resulting from Russia’s continued occupation of Georgian territory. 

Minister of State Stephen Doughty said:

For 17 years, Russia’s unlawful military grip on Abkhazia and South Ossetia has defied international law and denied ethnic Georgians their basic human rights. This occupation must end.

Russia must withdraw its forces, reverse its recognition of these so-called independent regions, and open the door to international human rights monitors. Every displaced person – regardless of ethnicity – deserves the right to return home in safety, dignity, and peace.

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

UK statement at the 76th session of the UNHCR Executive Committee delivered by Rurik Marsden, Deputy Director Partnerships.

Thank you, Chair,

High Commissioner, thank you for your candor and openness.

Let me begin by expressing my gratitude for your leadership, today, and during the past decade – as you adeptly steered UNHCR through a whole range of challenges. We all, but in particular, people in need of protection, have been lucky to have you.

The United Kingdom also expresses its deep appreciation for the tireless efforts of all of your UNHCR colleagues.

We salute the values of humanitarianism and international solidarity they represent.

We honour those who have lost their lives in service.

And we reaffirm the UK’s unwavering support for UNHCR’s mission.

As my Deputy Prime Minister said recently at the General Assembly, the United Nations represents our collective determination for a better world.

The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland believes that the founding principles of the UN – and the work of UNHCR and others – remains absolutely essential.

That is why I want to address the notion that multilateralism is in crisis.

The system is under strain, but we reject the notion.

Instead, we see opportunity: to reaffirm our shared responsibilities, and to strengthen the international response to forced displacement.

We endorse UNHCR’s role in upholding protection standards.

We strive to protect lifesaving emergency response.

And we support concerted efforts to advance durable long-term solutions.

This includes recognising the dignity of forcibly displaced persons by helping them return home safely when conditions are appropriate and safe.

And strengthening partnerships to promote local leadership and resilience.

This is why the United Kingdom is committed to approving UNHCR’s programme budget.

We know this is not just a financial instrument but the foundation upon which UNHCR’s operational continuity depends.

But we need to also be candid that the current needs-based methodology, while principled in its intent to reflect the full scope of humanitarian requirements, does not enable effective prioritisation.

An honest picture of humanitarian need is essential – but we also in parallel need to understand UNHCR’s forecast of Member State contributions, and corresponding activity – which in turn will support more effective Member State governance and bring greater transparency to the difficult trade-offs that UNHCR is making.

In a shrinking financial landscape, the current approach limits strategic decision-making, making it harder to identify which operations are essential, which need to be scaled back, and where efficiencies can be found.

A more prioritised, outcome-driven model for 2027 would better support operational clarity and accountability.

Despite these concerns, the United Kingdom is clear – holding up the 2026 budget is not the solution – it would merely hurt those we are here to serve.

Which is why in the immediate term, we urge all Member States to support its adoption.

And as UNHCR finds itself focusing its activities in response to financial pressures, we must ensure that the most vulnerable people are not left behind.

Coordinated engagement is needed.

We believe development actors and IFIs must play a significantly larger role in fragile and unstable contexts to help break the cycle of extreme poverty and humanitarian need.

With over 70% of displacement crises now protracted and beyond five years, it is clear that short-term humanitarian responses alone are insufficient.

Instead, we need targeted assistance and support from development actors, host governments, IFIs and private sector to help fill the gaps left as the humanitarian system necessarily retreats.

We reaffirm our support to UNHCR’s sustainable responses initiative, which aims to build inclusive, supported, national systems.

We see this as part of a broader – but vital – reform agenda.

That is why we want to see UNHCR wholeheartedly embrace and implement the UN80, and Humanitarian Reset proposals, to modernise its approach and to remain relevant and effective.

We also commend UNHCR’s leadership on statelessness.

Ending statelessness is wholly achievable.

We are proud to be a founding member of the Global Alliance.

And we stand ready to work in partnership with others to realise this goal.

The United Kingdom remains a steadfast partner to UNHCR.

We must continue to act with unity, compassion and resolve.

Let us, in closing, therefore reaffirm our collective determination to those displaced.

And to the principles that underpin international protection.

Thank you.

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

Statement by Archie Young, UK Ambassador to the General Assembly, at the UN Security Council meeting on Cooperation between the UN and the African Union.

As we have heard today, over more than two decades, the UN and the African Union have played important and mutually complementary roles tackling challenges across Africa. This includes working on conflict resolution, peacebuilding, sustainable development and addressing humanitarian need. 

To build on this, we see three areas for enhanced complementary cooperation, which take us from the big picture to the mission-specific: namely broad multilateral cooperation, peace and security, and Somalia.

First, on broad multilateral cooperation: the United Kingdom welcomes the continued collaboration between the UN and the African Union in promoting multilateralism, and advancing peace, good governance and prosperity across Africa.

As we proceed with the Secretary-General’s UN80 reform agenda, we continue to encourage greater coordination between the AU and UN so that they deliver their vital work in ways that reflect their comparative advantages.

Second, on peace and security: we welcome the progress made in recent years towards strengthening the peace and security partnership between the AU and UN. We look forward to the consultations between the UN Security Council and the AU Peace and Security Council next week. 

Continued coordination between the AU and UN on peace and security is critical to bringing sustainable ends to conflicts and addressing security challenges across the continent, including in Sudan, Eastern DRC, and Somalia. 

We also note the progress made through the adoption of Security Council resolution 2719 in 2023 on support to AU-led peace operations.

We encourage continued work between the UN and the AU to ensure the institutional and operational readiness of the 2719 framework. These preparations will ensure an important tool for supporting peace and security in Africa is ready if the Security Council mandates it in future. 

Third, focusing in on the specific context in Somalia and region: we express our gratitude to the AU and African troop contributing countries who, with UN support, have worked tirelessly to advance security and stability in Somalia and the wider region through AUSSOM, with backing from the UN Support Office. 

The United Kingdom was proud to co-host the AUSSOM funding conference during UNGA High-Level Week, jointly with the UN, the AU Commission and the Federal Government of Somalia, at which we announced our $22 million financial commitment. We urge other member states to step up in providing financial support to ensure the mission is financially stable. 

To close, the United Kingdom welcomes the sustained cooperation between the AU and the UN in tackling the continent’s most complex conflicts and challenges and to build a more peaceful and secure future for Africa.