Tag: Foreign Office

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 2 September 2025.

The UK has announced emergency funding to support families affected by the devastating earthquake which hit Afghanistan.

• Afghan families to receive UK emergency funding following earthquake in eastern Afghanistan which has killed over 800 people
• funding will provide emergency assistance to affected people, including the provision of essential healthcare to women
• support demonstrates UK’s longstanding commitment to the Afghan people

The UK has, today, announced emergency funding to support families affected by the devastating earthquake which hit Afghanistan on Sunday. Victims of the earthquake, which killed over 800 people and injured thousands, will receive immediate humanitarian support.

These funds will be split equally between the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) and the International Red Cross (IFRC) to deliver critical healthcare and emergency supplies to Afghans in the most affected regions.

All UK assistance is channelled through experienced partners, ensuring aid reaches those in need and does not go to the Taliban.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy said:

News of the earthquake in the Kunar Province of Afghanistan is truly tragic. The UK remains committed to the people of Afghanistan, and this emergency funding will help our partners to deliver critical healthcare and emergency supplies to the most hard-hit.

The UK remains grateful to the aid workers on the ground, who help us to provide support to Afghanistan’s most vulnerable people.

The £1 million in emergency funding will contribute to UNFPA’s earthquake response, including mobile health teams, emergency medical kits, dignity kits and shelters for displaced families. UNFPA teams will also provide maternal healthcare and psychological support at existing facilities in Kunar – the worst-affected province.

Meanwhile funding to the IFRC will support their mobilisation of local volunteers for search and rescue operations, and deployment of ambulances to transport wounded Afghans to health centres.

Mountainous terrain and recent flooding have restricted access to many areas hit by the earthquake, adding to Afghanistan’s ongoing humanitarian crisis, where over 23 million people already require assistance.

This emergency response builds on the UK’s substantial humanitarian commitment to Afghanistan. The UK allocated £171 million in 2024 to 2025 to support Afghanistan’s most vulnerable people, particularly women and girls.

The UK works with international partners to strengthen global safety and security, and safeguard human rights. Fostering stability overseas ensures our security in the UK too, helping us deliver our Plan for Change.

Background

• women and girls accounted for at least 50% of beneficiaries reached by FCDO’s support to Afghanistan in financial year 2024 to 2025
• in financial year 2024 to 2025, UK support to Afghanistan provided at least:
  • 2,715,000 people with humanitarian assistance, including water and sanitation, food, nutrition, health and cash/voucher, of which 1,782,000 were women and girls
  • 1,274,000 people with cash or voucher transfers, of which 615,000 were women & girls. This includes cash for food, health, shelter repair, agricultural support, essential household items (eg blankets) and winterisation

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 31 August 2025.

UK announces new life-saving support for pregnant women and new mothers, and menstrual hygiene kits for thousands of women and girls.

• Foreign Secretary calls for a full resumption of aid into Gaza, as women and girls risk pregnancy complications and disease
• It comes amid ‘catastrophic’ humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with ‘women and girls bearing the brunt of the suffering’

Against a backdrop of an appalling humanitarian crisis, the UK has pledged vital funding to deploy midwives and deliver emergency medical supplies for new mothers in Gaza. The aid could reach thousands—but only if Israel allows a substantial increase in vital humanitarian access.

The announcement comes after the Famine Review Committee confirmed famine in parts of Gaza.

The UK reiterates that the Israeli government’s refusal to allow sufficient aid into Gaza has caused this man-made catastrophe and urges it to take action to improve the situation immediately.

The Foreign Secretary David Lammy said:

“The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains catastrophic, with famine in Gaza City and women and girls bearing the brunt of the suffering. The UK is doing all we can to improve the situation but we remain crystal clear: for aid to have impact, Israel must ensure it is allowed in and delivered safely and securely to civilians in desperate need.

“Gaza’s healthcare system has been decimated. With ongoing strikes on healthcare centres and most hospitals no longer functioning at all, pregnant women will be extremely anxious about giving birth safely.

“That’s why we’re announcing this support today as part of our sustained humanitarian assistance to the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

“This new funding will help improve midwifery provisions and make giving birth safer. It is critical to improving the situation for mothers and their new-born babies.

“But this funding can only have maximum impact if the Government of Israel allows it. Israel must ensure protection of civilians including healthcare staff and health infrastructure, and enable the delivery of life saving medicines, medical equipment and healthcare supplies into Gaza.

“We need an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, a surge in aid and a framework to deliver long-term peace.”

UK funding is set to support some of the 130 women who give birth every day against the backdrop of conflict in Gaza. This £3m funding, delivered through the UN’s sexual and reproductive health agency (UNFPA) is supporting midwives to provide essential lifesaving care for mothers and newborn babies in conflicts and crises.

UNFPA is providing life-saving reproductive health supplies for women and girls in Gaza. Since the conflict began, UNFPA has reached over one million people with sexual and productive health services and gender-based violence prevention and response support.

It has also ensured that over 150,000 women and girls have been able to purchase essential menstrual and hygiene items to meet their basic needs.

Laila Baker, UNFPA Arab States Regional Director said:

“Women and girls are enduring increasingly horrific conditions in Gaza – with widespread malnutrition and disease putting the lives of pregnant and breastfeeding women and their babies at particular risk.

“This vital contribution from the United Kingdom will support UNFPA in providing lifesaving medicines, deploying mobile maternity units, and supporting midwives across the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

“With one in five babies in Gaza born prematurely or underweight, and maternal and neonatal services collapsing from fuel and supply shortages, UNFPA also reiterates its urgent call for unimpeded, sustained and demilitarized humanitarian aid into the Occupied Palestinian Territory.”

The FCDO is also working with Oxfam GB to distribute Reemi’s zero waste menstrual hygiene products that are suitable for women and girls with limited access to clean water. In incredibly difficult circumstances, Oxfam and local partners distributed over 5,000 Reemi kits in Northern Gaza in early 2025.

Background

• The UK is committed to supporting humanitarian efforts in Gaza and has announced £60m in humanitarian funding for the Occupied Palestinian Territories so far, this financial year.
• Earlier this month the UK government announced additional funding for UN agency UNOCHA’s pooled fund, to help deliver food, water and fuel to areas most in need and called on Israel to allow safe and large-scale access for the UN, its agencies and humanitarian partners to deliver aid on the ground.
• This support from the UK government builds on its previous support for UNFPA’s humanitarian response in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including for reproductive health kits, mobile health teams, and services for gender-based-violence survivors.
• UK support has helped UNFPA and its partners reach tens of thousands of women and girls with vital health and protection services.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 29 August 2025.

The Chargé D’Affaires welcomed at the British Residence the group of young Argentines who were awarded Chevening scholarships.

On Thursday 28 August, Chargé D’Affaires Tony Kay bid farewell to the 25 Argentine scholarship holders who will leave for the UK to do their master’s studies for a year, wishing them a safe and successful trip.

In his speech, the Chargé congratulated the scholars and appreciated the diversity of courses and universities chosen by the young students who will spend a year in the United Kingdom.

The Chevening scholarships allow outstanding young leaders to carry out postgraduate studies at a British university of their choice with all the expenses covered.

Applications to study during 2026-2027 are open from 5 August to 7 October 2025. Apply today at www.chevening.org/apply.

Complete list of 2025/2026 scholars:

1. Aguiar, Nicolas – MSc in Management of Information Systems and Digital Innovation – The London School of Economics and Political Science
2. Audero, Pablo – MsC in Applied Social Data Science – The London School of Economics and Political Science
3. Caiguara Ramirez, Zaida Ruth – MA in Education and Technology – University College London
4. Cetera, Nelly Julieta – MA in Education (Digital and Social Change) – The University of Oxford
5. Colombo, Natalia – MSc in Development Studies – The London School of Economics and Political Science
6. Czarny, Maia – LLM Master of Laws – The London School of Economics and Political Science
7. Lucía Demeco – MSc Business Analytics – Imperial College London
8. Fernandez Crespo, Sofía – MSc in International Social and Public Policy – The London School of Economics and Political Science
9. Flores Piersanti, Juan Manuel – MSc in Energy Transition Systems and Technologies – University of Aberdeen
10. Galeano, Franco – MsC in Social and Data Science – The London School of Economics and Political Science
11. Greloni, María Jose – MsC in Management of Information Systems and Digital Innovation – The London School of Economics and Political Science
12. Jacobo, Agustina María – MA in Development Studies – The University of Sussex
13. Lacapmesure, María Florencia – MSc in Environmental Policy and Regulation – The London School of Economics and Political Science
14. Levy, Nicole – LLM Master of Laws – The London School of Economics and Political Science
15. Moscovich, Nicole – MsC in Economic Policy for International Development – The London School of Economics and Political Science
16. Moya, María Paula – Magister Juris – University of Oxford
17. Maddalena, Carolina Noelia – LLM – King’s College London
18. Merino, Federico Ezequiel – MsC in Environmental Policy and Regulation – The London School of Economics and Political Science
19. Peralta Ramos Guerrero, Camila – MA in Arts Administration and Cultural Policy – King’s College London
20. Roset, Mario – MsC in Societal and Environmental Psychology – The London School of Economics and Political Science
21. Schneider, Camila – MA in Governance, Development and Public Policy – University of Sussex
22. Sielecki, Julieta Tamara – LLM Master of Laws – The London School of Economics and Political Science
23. Sola, Gastón – MsC in Data Science and Public Policy – University College London

24.  Soubie, Santiago – MsC in Urban Spatial Science – University College London

1. Elettore, Lucas – MsC in Finance – The University of Cambridge

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 29 August 2025.

Joint statement delivered by Ambassador Barbara Woodward, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, on behalf of France, Germany and the United Kingdom.

Yesterday, in accordance with UN Security Council resolution 2231, the Foreign Ministers of France, Germany and my own country, the United Kingdom, notified the Security Council that we believe Iran to be in significant non-performance of its commitments under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.

Since 2019, Iran has increasingly and deliberately ceased performing almost all of its JCPoA commitments.

This includes the accumulation of a high enriched uranium stockpile which lacks any credible civilian justification.

In fact, according to the IAEA, Iran is the only country without nuclear weapons producing high enriched uranium.

Iran has stopped providing IAEA access agreed under the JCPoA.

Moreover, it has recently significantly reduced the access to nuclear material and sites it is obliged to provide under the NPT.

Despite this, France, Germany and the United Kingdom are making every effort to resolve this diplomatically.

Most recently, we offered Iran an extension to snapback should Iran take specific steps to address our most immediate concerns.

Our asks were fair and realistic: Iran’s resumption of negotiations on a comprehensive agreement, Iran’s compliance with its IAEA obligations, and steps to address our concerns regarding the high enriched uranium stockpile.

However, as of today, Iran has shown no indication that it is serious about meeting them.

It is not implementing its obligations to cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency.

It has not reengaged in negotiations with the United States with a view to reaching an acceptable diplomatic resolution.

Our notification to the Security Council has now triggered a 30-day period.

It does not mark the end of diplomacy, our extension offer remains on the table.

We hope Iran will take the necessary steps to address the international community’s serious concerns over its nuclear programme.

We urge Iran to reconsider this position, to reach an agreement based on our offer, and to help create the space for a diplomatic solution to this issue for the long term.

Otherwise, targeted UN sanctions focused on tackling Iranian nuclear proliferation return at the end of this 30-day period.

We remain determined that Iran must never acquire a nuclear weapon.

While we have been left with no choice but to take this course of action, we remain committed to diplomacy and to the peaceful resolution of threats to global peace and security.

There remains a clear diplomatic pathway forward, should Iran choose to take it.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 29 August 2025.

This statement is supported by the UK, the EU High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy and 26 EU Member States (Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden).

On 27 August, Russia launched yet another large-scale attack on Kyiv and many other Ukrainian cities killing at least twenty-three civilians including four children and injuring many more. We extend our condolences, stand in solidarity with all Ukrainians and strongly condemn Russia’s ongoing assaults on civilians and civilian infrastructure, which are a deliberate escalation and undermine efforts toward peace.

The attack also caused serious damage to the buildings of the Delegation of the European Union in Kyiv, once again demonstrating the reckless nature of Russia’s attacks and its disregard for international law. Endangering the lives of diplomats and diplomatic personnel is a clear violation of the Vienna convention on Diplomatic Relations. The British Council building in Kyiv was also extensively damaged, and a security guard injured.

Intentional attacks against civilians and non-military objectives are war crimes. All commanders, perpetrators and accomplices of these grave violations of international humanitarian law shall be held to account.

These crimes only reinforce our determination and resolve to support Ukraine and its people in their defence against Russia and their pursuit of a comprehensive, just and lasting peace. The EU will continue and increase its comprehensive support to Ukraine on all strands, including by accelerating work on the 19th package of sanctions.

Since March 2025, Ukraine has been committed to a full and unconditional ceasefire and repeatedly, expressed readiness for peace while Russia has escalated attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure.

We will continue working with international partners including the US in order to end Russia’s war of aggression with a comprehensive, just and lasting peace.

Russia must stop the killing and show genuine willingness for peace.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 28 August 2025.

Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Haiti.

Thank you, President. I thank the Secretary-General, Executive Director Russell and Mr Roosevelt for briefing us today.

And I welcome the participation of the representatives of Haiti, the Dominican Republic and Barbados in our meeting.

I will make three points.

First, the United Kingdom remains deeply concerned about the escalating humanitarian crisis in Haiti.

As we have heard today, this crisis is driven by gang violence and instability that devastates communities and undermines efforts to restore democratic governance.

We are particularly concerned by the impacts on children, who are among the most vulnerable victims of this crisis.

One in eight children in Haiti have been displaced. Armed gangs are systematically recruiting minors, fuelling a surge in exploitation, sexual violence and abuse.

These atrocities spread fear and inflict lasting trauma on Haiti’s young people.

The United Kingdom remains firmly committed to supporting efforts to tackle insecurity in Haiti, and we unequivocally condemn the use of sexual and gender-based violence as a tool of control and terror.

Second, we commend Kenya’s leadership of the Multinational Security Support Mission.

And we express our strong support for the vital work of international partners, including BINUH, in helping the Haitian authority deliver change for the Haitian people.

As part of this commitment, the UK has provided $6.7 million to fund OHCHR’s work with the MSS to help ensure compliance with international standards on human rights, conduct and discipline.

In parallel, we continue to take action against those responsible for human rights violations, including through the implementation of targeted sanctions.

Third, re-establishing security is essential to Haiti’s long-term stability and to alleviating suffering.

In this context, we welcome the Secretary General’s recommendations for enhanced security assistance for Haiti.

President, we stand ready to work with the US, Panama and all Council members to mobilise that support to the Haitian people, and help Haiti’s children enjoy a future free from violence, fear and hunger.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 28 August 2025.

Joint statement by the Foreign Ministers of France, Germany and the UK on the initiation of the snapback process.

We, the Foreign Ministers of France, Germany and the United Kingdom, share the fundamental objective that Iran shall never seek, acquire or develop a nuclear weapon. We negotiated the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPoA) with the conviction that it would decisively contribute to ensuring the exclusively peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear programme. The United Nations Security Council unanimously endorsed the JCPoA in resolution 2231 of 20th July 2015. It was a major achievement for non-proliferation, as such strengthening international peace and security.

Following the United States’ withdrawal from the JCPoA on 8th May 2018, and in spite of Iran ceasing the implementation of its commitments under the JCPoA beginning in May 2019, France, Germany and the United Kingdom (the “E3”) remained committed participants to the deal.

Since 2019, Iran has exceeded JCPoA limits on enriched uranium, heavy water, and centrifuges, restricted the IAEA’s ability to conduct JCPoA verification and monitoring activities, and has abandoned the implementation and the ratification process of the Additional Protocol to its Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement. These actions contravene Iran’s commitments set out in the JCPoA and have serious implications on the capacity of Iran to progress toward developing a nuclear weapon.

This was more than five years ago. Since then, we have made all possible efforts to resolve the impasse. We consistently undertook intensive diplomatic efforts to deescalate tensions and to bring Iran and the United States to the negotiating table for a comprehensive negotiated solution. We acted in good faith to preserve the JCPoA, in the sincere hope of finding a way to resolve the impasse through constructive diplomatic dialogue, while preserving the agreement and remaining within its framework.

This included the use of the JCPoA’s Dispute Resolution Mechanism, initiated on 14 January 2020 and confirmed by the JCPoA Coordinator, pursuant to paragraph 36 of the JCPoA.  The E3 also engaged in good faith in negotiations conducted from 6th April 2021 until 28th February 2022 to re-establish Iran’s full compliance with the JCPoA and allow for a return of the United States to the deal. The JCPoA Coordinator tabled viable proposals in March and again in August 2022. Iran refused both packages while continuing to raise unacceptable demands beyond the scope of the JCPoA. Despite this, we have continued to engage Iran as part of our efforts to find a peaceful resolution of this issue through diplomacy, as set out in our letter to the United Nations Secretary General of 8th August 2025.

In July 2025, the E3 have put on the table an offer for the extension of resolution 2231 and its snapback mechanism. The requirements set by the E3 in exchange for this extension – including the resumption of negotiations, Iran’s compliance with its IAEA obligations, and steps to address our concerns regarding the high enriched uranium stockpile – have not yet been satisfactorily met by Iran. The combination of such Iranian steps and a time-limited extension would have provided a credible path towards reaching a political agreement to replace the JCPoA and address our longstanding concerns regarding Iran’s nuclear programme.

Today, Iran’s non-compliance with the JCPoA is clear and deliberate, and sites of major proliferation concern in Iran are outside of IAEA monitoring. Iran has no civilian justification for its high enriched uranium stockpile – now over 9 Significant Quantities – which is also unaccounted for by the IAEA. Its nuclear programme therefore remains a clear threat to international peace and security.

As a result of Iran’s actions, and in accordance with paragraph 11 of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2231 (2015), France, Germany and the United Kingdom have today decided to notify the Security Council that we believe Iran is in significant non-performance of its commitments under the JCPoA, thereby engaging the “snapback” mechanism.

This notification initiates the snapback process defined in Resolution 2231. It opens a 30-day period before the possible reestablishment of previously terminated United Nations Security Council resolutions. We underline that these resolutions and the measures they contain – sanctions and other restrictive measures – are not new. On the contrary, these resolutions were previously agreed by the Security Council and lifted in light of Iran’s commitments under the JCPoA. However, Iran has chosen not to abide by those commitments. In accordance with Resolution 2231, we will continue to strive to diplomatically resolve the issue of Iran’s significant non-performance. We will use the 30-day period to continue to engage with Iran on our extension offer, or on any serious diplomatic efforts to restore Iran’s compliance with its commitments.

We recall that if the UNSC does not adopt within 30 days a resolution to continue the lifting of UNSC resolutions on Iran, six Security Council resolutions, including on sanctions, will be restored.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 28 August 2025.

Chosen for their leadership potential and commitment to driving positive change, they join a cohort of nearly 2,000 Chevening alumni and 1,500 Commonwealth alumni, working across all sectors including education, governance, health, and climate action.

This year, 32 Chevening Scholars will begin their academic journeys pursuing fully funded master’s degrees in the UK. The cohort includes over 60% women, and representation from nearly all of Pakistan’s provinces. This year’s cohort includes a scholar funded by Mansion house to study MSc Business Analytics from University College London.

In addition, 48 Commonwealth Scholars have been selected to study at leading UK institutions. This includes shared scholarships, master’s programmes, and PhD programmes, fully funded by the UK through the Commonwealth Scholarship. The British High Commission Islamabad marked the start of the scholars’ journey through a reception, celebrating their achievement.

British High Commissioner, Jane Marriott CMG, OBE said:

These scholars are embarking on a journey of a lifetime. They will have access to the best minds and opportunities. What’s more, when they return, they will join a powerful global network of accomplished Chevening and Commonwealth alumni who are creating real change worldwide.

Rida Tariq, an incoming Chevening Scholar, shared her motivation:

For me Chevening is not just a scholarship, it’s a platform for collaboration and a chance to connect with a global community of leaders dedicated to making a real difference. I am eager to learn from diverse perspectives, build lasting relationships, and gain the knowledge and skills needed to bring meaningful change in Pakistan.

Future leaders can now apply for Chevening scholarships to study a one-year Masters degree in the UK, and Chevening fellowships including the 2-month long South Asia Journalism Programme (SAJP) and 5-month long Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies fellowship (OCIS). Applications will close on October 7, 2025. Applications for Commonwealth Scholarships will open later this year.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 26 August 2025.

Chargé d’Affaires James Ford congratulates Armenia and Azerbaijan on the recent progress made towards a peace agreement, and confirms UK support for the adoption of a Permanent Council Decision on the closure of the OSCE Minsk structures.

The United Kingdom congratulates Armenia and Azerbaijan on the recent progress made in their peace process, including during the summit held in Washington on 8 August. The meeting between President Aliyev and Prime Minister Pashinyan, culminating in the signing of a Joint Declaration, marks a significant milestone in the pursuit of lasting peace in the South Caucasus. We also congratulate the US for its leadership and commitment in helping to facilitate this breakthrough.

The UK commends the governments of Armenia and Azerbaijan for their courage and commitment to reconciliation, and we thank the staff in the OSCE structures for their decades of dedicated mediation and support. The UK encourages both sides to work constructively towards the full signature of a peace agreement and to remain steadfast in their commitment to long-term peace and stability.

We also encourage continued collaboration between Armenia, Azerbaijan and the OSCE in areas of mutual interest, including confidence-building, regional stability, and human rights. The UK stands ready to support future efforts that promote peace, prosperity and cooperation in the region.

The UK therefore fully supports the Permanent Council Decision recommending the adoption of a Ministerial Council Decision on the closure of the OSCE Minsk structures, including the financial resources and procedures set out by the Finnish Chairpersonship-in-Office in response to the Joint Appeal by the Foreign Ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan circulated on 11 August.

Thank you, Madam Chair.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 25 August 2025.

G7 Chair’s statement on the Independence Day of Ukraine, following a G7 Foreign Ministers’ virtual meeting with Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Sybiha.

“On the Independence Day of Ukraine, G7 Foreign Ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States of America, and the High Representative of the European Union, met virtually with Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Sybiha.

“Participants welcomed ongoing diplomatic efforts by the United States, under the leadership of President Trump, which create an opportunity for a peaceful and lasting end to the war. Together, they applauded Ukraine’s continued commitment to a full and unconditional ceasefire and to engage in Leader-level discussions.

“They welcomed the willingness of Europe, Canada, and other partners to provide Ukraine with robust and credible security guarantees in coordination with the United States.

“Participants reiterated respect for Ukraine’s sovereignty. Participants also discussed Ukraine’s territorial integrity, political independence, and the return of prisoners of war, illegally detained civilians, and abducted and deported children. The importance of continuing to work through the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children, co-chaired by Canada and Ukraine, was further underscored.

“Participants spoke to their intent to continue to apply economic and financial pressure on Moscow, absent an agreement ending this terrible war.

“Participants expressed their support for continued dialogue and meaningful, substantive and good faith negotiations between the Leaders of Russia and Ukraine, noting that peace can only take root when both sides reach a just, fair and sustainable solution.

“Participants congratulated Ukraine on its independence and expressed solidarity with the Ukrainian people.”