Tag: Foreign Office

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 19 May 2026.

Foreign Secretary warns the world cannot wait any longer to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, as food security crisis looms for countries already on the edge.

• the world needs fertiliser to be moving in weeks not months, damage has begun to be priced in to the agriculture market for the next year as harvests suffer and food prices rise
• global conference brings governments, investors, international organisations, technology leaders and civil society together to agree new ways of working on shared global challenges, including directly combating the impact of the ongoing Iran conflict
• new investment unlocked at scale to strengthen economies and build resilience, including billions mobilised by British International Investment to tackle the climate crisis

Today at the Global Partnerships Conference, in London, Britain’s Foreign Secretary is bringing together countries from all over the world to build new partnerships and setting out the UK’s new approach to development as the crisis in the Middle East continues to wreaks havoc on global energy and food security. The World Food Programme estimates that almost 45 million more people could fall into acute food insecurity if the conflict does not end by the middle of this year.  

This is a critical time in the agriculture calendar, not just the diplomatic one – if global partners don’t get fertiliser moving there will be shipments of critical emergency aid needed not just external investment and technology. 

People around the world will benefit from a new era of cooperation on international development, after a broad coalition of partners pledge new ways of working to build resilience and tackle global challenges as the UK co-hosts the Global Partnerships Conference. 

The world is changing faster than the system designed to support it. The current conflict in Iran has significantly driven up global oil and gas prices, shocks like these can stretch public finances and push more households into food insecurity, underlining the need for countries to build stronger systems, partnerships for growth, and response mechanisms to stop risks becoming crises. 

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper MP said: 

The world is sleepwalking into a global food crisis. We cannot risk tens of millions of people going hungry because one country has hijacked an international shipping lane. Iran’s continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz while the agriculture clock is ticking shows why we need urgent global pressure to get the Strait reopened, fertiliser and fuel moving and ease the costs of living pressures. That is why we will continue to lead calls for the immediate and unrestricted opening of the Strait and advance plans for the Strait of Hormuz Multinational Mission to support any agreement. 

This crisis is affecting developed and developing countries, the private and public sectors alike. It shows why we need a new approach to global partnerships, to drive international development to prevent crises in the first place.  

The world has changed faster than the international system can support it. This conference reflects our modern approach to development working in a new spirit of partnership and building new coalitions to drive a world free from poverty on a liveable planet.  

Our commitment to international development reflects our values and our national interest. In an increasingly interconnected world, instability abroad affects us here at home, from energy prices to food security. Building resilience abroad makes the UK stronger, that’s what this week’s conference is about.

Global challenges, such as the Iran crisis, do not stop at borders and neither do their solutions. 

That is why the UK, alongside co-hosts South Africa, British International Investment (BII) and the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF), has convened a  broad coalitions of partners, from governments, international organisations, business, technology philanthropy, and civil society to rethink how to combine strengths in addressing global challenges such as economic, climate and health shocks.  

Across the week, this will include events that address the economic and human impacts of the Iran crisis directly, focused on global resilience and effects of energy and supply chain disruption, such as fertiliser supply and food security risks, and how to ramp up early action where pressures are greatest. 
 
The Foreign Secretary will also use key moments across the conference, including a keynote speech on Tuesday, to set out the case for a more shock-resilient model of international co-operation. 

At the centre of the Global Partnerships Conference is a shared agreement – the Global Partnerships Compact – to work together differently, faster, more openly, and in genuine partnership. It will aim to create a system of international cooperation that not only responds to shocks like the Iran crisis and its global impacts on energy, fertiliser and food prices, but also builds a system that’s resilient in the face of the crises of the future putting countries at the forefront of their own growth. 
 
Minister for Development Baroness Chapman said: 

We have heard what our partners have been calling for. They want to work in partnership with the UK. Countries want to have more control, move beyond aid, attract investment, strengthen their own health and education systems, and take charge of their own futures. 

Traditional development finance alone cannot meet that call, indeed it never could. Nor can it respond to the scale of today’s challenges. We need to bring new ideas and a broader coalition of partners to the table, 

The decisions that come out of this conference will benefit everyone: stronger economies, fewer crises, and a more stable and prosperous future that unlocks opportunity.

The conference aims to unlock billions of pounds in innovative finance, harness technology including AI, and build new partnerships that help countries strengthen systems, manage risk earlier and become more self-sufficient in the face of future shocks.
 
Commitments will push forward reforms and new measures with a strong focus on countries setting their own priorities and partners shifting resources and decision-making towards locally-driven plans.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 15 May 2026.

Statement by Helen King, UK Ambassador to ECOSOC, at the UN Economic and Social Council meeting on Safeguarding energy and supply flows: Supporting global development through international cooperation.

The crisis in the Strait of Hormuz has triggered challenges across the world, most acutely felt in the Global South. 

The higher costs for oil, gas, and fertilisers, rising interest rates, disrupted remittances, and increased displacement are making life harder for millions of people. 

These problems threaten food and energy security and risk global economic instability and development rollbacks. 

The UK is taking action on several fronts.  

First, alongside others, we are using our diplomatic channels to try to get the Strait of Hormuz fully reopened, restore freedom of navigation, and get commercial shipping moving again so fuel, fertilisers, and goods can reach where they are needed most. 

Second, we are working with global financial institutions like the World Bank, IMF, and regional development banks to unlock emergency funding for countries hit hardest. 

We welcome action that they are taking to use pre-arranged finance to stabilise economies.

Third, for food and fertilisers, we are mapping supply chain risks and seeing where to strengthen resilience to help countries prepare for shortages, reduce dependencies, and keep markets stable. 

We’re working to prevent export restrictions and investing in long-term solutions like clean energy, sustainable farming, and improving fertiliser so that countries are less exposed to shocks.  

Fourth, this crisis underscores the need to reduce overdependence on imported fossil fuels and diversify to clean and renewable energy sources. 

The UK-led Global Clean Power Alliance is working to address bottlenecks in this. 

The UN has a critical role to play in aligning agencies, IFIs, and development banks behind a shared system-wide response.

We commend efforts underway through the WTO, FAO, UNCTAD, and others, and encourage greater coordination. 

We will continue to push for action at our Global Partnerships Conference, which is taking place next week, and the upcoming African and Asian Development Bank Meetings.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 15 May 2026.

Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Chargé d’Affaires to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Syria.

We welcome the progress on Syria’s political transition, including the start of legal proceedings against former Assad regime figures.

These individuals committed heinous crimes. Their trials are a powerful step towards accountability and justice. 

We will continue to support the Syrian Government in their efforts to uphold the rule of law for all Syria. 

Of course, there is more work to be done to fully deliver an inclusive political transition. 

We encourage continued efforts to integrate North-East Syria into unified state structures. 

We also note that women remain underrepresented across Syria’s political and security institutions. 

We encourage this Council’s continued focus on the Women, Peace, and Security agenda to support Syria in addressing this vital aspect of the transition. 

Second, the UK offers our appreciation to the UN and all partners involved in the cross-border aid operations from Türkiye into Syria over the last 11 years. 

In that time, over 65,000 operations provided vital humanitarian support to communities across northern Syria. 

We welcome the operation’s successful conclusion and a shift to more sustainable commercial methods. 

However, as we’ve heard today, the humanitarian situation remains challenging with 15.6 million people still in need. 

So it is vital that humanitarian partners continue to enjoy unfettered access and a permissive operating environment. 

Third, we welcome Syria’s firm commitment to peaceful co-existence with its neighbours. 

Still, the situation in the region remains volatile with risks to Syria’s stability and economic recovery.

De-escalation and dialogue are more important than ever, and we urge a return to direct talks between Syria and Israel with the objective of supporting long-term peace.

President, the UN can play a vital role in supporting Syria’s reconstruction and stability. We look forward to the timely move of the Special Envoy’s Office to Damascus. 

The UK will continue to work with the UN, this Council, and the wider international community, alongside the Syrian government, to deliver a more peaceful and prosperous future for the Syrian people.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 15 May 2026.

Mrs Louise de Sousa has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Colombia in succession to Mr George Hodgson, who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment. 

Mrs de Sousa will take up her appointment during August 2026. 

Curriculum vitae 

Full name:  Louise Amanda de Sousa   

2021 to present	Santiago, His Majesty’s Ambassador
2020 to 2021	Pre-posting training (including Spanish language training)
2016 to 2020	Tunis, Her Majesty’s Ambassador
2016	Pre-posting training (including French language training)
2014 to 2016	FCO, Head of EU (Mediterranean) Department
2011 to 2014	FCO, Head of Human Rights and Democracy Department
2007 to 2011	Nairobi, Deputy High Commissioner
2006 to 2007	FCO, Change Manager, Europe Zero-Based Review
2003 to 2006	Maputo, Deputy High Commissioner
2002 to 2003	FCO, Deputy Head of Environment Policy Department
1999 to 2001	FCO, Secretary to the Board of Management
1997 to 1998	FCO, Head of Section, Drugs & International Crime Department
1993 to 1996	Brasilia, Second Secretary (Political and Press)
1992 to 1993	Pre-posting training (including Portuguese language training)
1991 to 1992	FCO, Southern European Department
1991	Joined FCO

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 15 May 2026.

Ms Maya Sivagnanam has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of North Macedonia in succession to Mr Matthew Lawson.

Ms Sivagnanam will take up her appointment during August 2026.

Curriculum vitae 

Full name:  Maya Sivagnanam   

2025 to present	FCDO, Macedonian Language Training
2023 to 2025	FCDO, Deputy Director, European Political Community Summit
2021 to 2023	FCDO, Deputy Director, South Asia Region Department
2019 to 2021	FCDO, Head of Department, Europe North Department
2016 to 2019	FCO, Deputy Head, Northern & Central Europe
2015 to 2016	The Royal Foundation for The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Illegal Wildlife Trade Transport Taskforce
2013 to 2015	FCO, Deputy Head, Emerging Powers Department then Head, Illegal Wildlife Trade
2011 to 2013	FCO, Head of Training Skills, Human Resources
2009 to 2011	British Embassy Ankara, Head of Global Issues
2008 to 2009	FCO, Turkish Language Training
2007 to 2008	UK Permanent Representation to the EU, First Secretary
2006 to 2007	FCO, Chief of Staff to the Prime Minister’s Special Envoy for Returns, Migration Group
2005 to 2006	Home Office, Head of Country Action Plan Team, Immigration & Nationality Directorate
2004 to 2005	Home Office, Head of Rapid Response Team, Immigration & Nationality Directorate
2002 to 2004	FCO, European Union Department (Internal)
2001 to 2002	Home Office, European & International Unit
2001	Joined Home Office

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 14 May 2026.

UK and 40 other OSCE countries invoke the Moscow Mechanism to investigate indoctrination of Ukrainian children by Russia.

[Delivered in French]

The Russian Federation’s full-scale war of aggression against Ukraine is in its fifth year. Russia’s illegal occupation of parts of Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions is now in its fifth year, while its illegal occupation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, the city of Sevastopol, and parts of Donetsk and Luhansk regions is in its thirteenth year. There continue to be reports of large-scale violations and abuses of international human rights law (IHRL) and international humanitarian law (IHL), many of which may amount to the most serious international crimes. 

Against this backdrop, we are profoundly alarmed by credible and mounting reports that the Russian Federation is systematically subjecting Ukrainian children – especially those staying in temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine and those forcibly transferred to such territories or unlawfully deported to Russia – to militarization, indoctrination, coercion, and other repressive practices aimed at, inter alia, erasing Ukrainian identity and compelling loyalty to the occupying power. 

We recall that OSCE participating States, following bilateral consultations with Ukraine under the Vienna (Human Dimension) Mechanism, have invoked Paragraph 8 of the Moscow (Human Dimension) Mechanism five times in response to Russia’s aggression. Since 2022, Moscow Mechanism missions have documented violations of IHL and IHRL and identified patterns of serious international crimes. Notably, in 2023, a dedicated Moscow Mechanism mission reported on the forcible transfer and/or unlawful deportation of Ukrainian children to the Russian Federation, including their exposure to assimilationist policies and “military education”. 

We note, inter alia, that Ukraine, the UN and civil society organizations continue to document the unlawful deportation and/or forcible transfer of children and the severe harm inflicted on them. As of 23 March 2026, Ukraine’s official “Children of War” platform reports, among other figures, 20,000 children “deported and/or forcibly displaced” (Bring Kids Back UA figure), alongside other verified child-casualty and missing-person data.

In its latest report, the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine concluded that the Russian authorities had committed acts “amounting to crimes against humanity and war crimes of deportation and forcible transfer of children” on the basis of compelling evidence concerning the deportation and transfer of a total of 1205 children from five oblasts in Ukraine.

Building upon findings by previous Moscow Mechanism missions, as well as other credible reports, we are now confronted with a distinct and urgent human dimension question: the protection of Ukrainian children under occupation and/or in armed conflict against unlawful deportation, forced assimilation, re-education, militarisation, indoctrination, coercive propaganda, intimidation, and violence. 

“Credible open-source research has mapped an extensive infrastructure supporting these practices. For example, the Yale School of Public Health Humanitarian Research Lab reported in September 2025 that children from Ukraine have been taken to at least 210 facilities in Russia and temporarily occupied territory of Ukraine, describing patterns of “re-education” and militarization.  

In addition to indoctrination and militarization, we underline our deep concern that Russia’s conduct towards Ukrainian children includes pressure, repression, illegal adoptions, and exposure to psychological and physical violence, especially in temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine and during forcible transfer or unlawful deportation. 

These acts strike at the very core of OSCE commitments and the international legal framework protecting children, including participating States’ obligations under international human rights law and international humanitarian law. 

Gravely concerned by these developments, the delegations of: 

Albania, Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, The Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom, following consultations with Ukraine under the Vienna (Human Dimension) Mechanism, hereby invoke the OSCE Moscow (Human Dimension) Mechanism under Paragraph 8 of that document. 

We request that ODIHR inquire of Ukraine whether it would invite a mission of experts to build upon previous findings and to: 

1. Establish the facts and circumstances surrounding possible contraventions of relevant OSCE commitments, and violations and abuses of IHRL and IHL, related to the militarization and indoctrination of Ukrainian children by the Russian Federation, including in temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine and including in the context of forcible transfer and/or unlawful deportation; 
2. Collect, consolidate and analyse information on these practices, including patterns of coercion, intimidation, repression, unlawful deprivation of liberty, illegal adoptions, ill-treatment, and other forms of violence affecting children; 
3. Further collect, consolidate and analyse information on the legislative framework adopted by Russia for this purpose, and the school curricula imposed on Ukrainian children in the temporarily occupied territories; 
4. Assess whether such practices indicate a coordinated and systematic policy aimed, inter alia, at erasing Ukrainian identity of children, including through their illegal adoptions as well as alteration of their nationality, and conditioning children for service to the occupying power; 
5. Assess the impact of these practices on the rights of Ukrainian children, including the rights to life and development, health, education, family life, equality and non-discrimination, and protection from all forms of violence, and provide recommendations on urgent protective measures, prevention, and accountability pathways; 
6. Offer recommendations on relevant accountability mechanisms, including how OSCE participating States and OSCE institutions can support documentation, child protection, return and reintegration efforts, and international co-operation to end impunity for crimes against children. 

We also invite ODIHR to provide any relevant information or documentation derived from any new expert mission to other appropriate accountability mechanisms, as well as national, regional, or international courts or tribunals that have, or may in future have, jurisdiction. 

Russia’s refusal to co-operate with OSCE human dimension mechanisms in relation to Ukraine has been a persistent feature of previous missions. We nevertheless affirm that the Moscow Mechanism was adopted by consensus by all participating States and remains a vital OSCE instrument to establish facts, identify patterns, and issue recommendations to participating States when serious human dimension concerns arise.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 14 May 2026.

Ambassador Holland reaffirmed UK support for the OSCE Project Coordinator in Uzbekistan, welcoming progress across all three dimensions, including security cooperation, economic governance and human rights. He underscored the value of a strong field presence and urged continued focus on impact, sustainability and alignment with OSCE commitments.

Thank you Mr Chair and thank you Ambassador for your comprehensive report.

The UK expresses its strong support for the wide range of activities by your office, delivered across all three OSCE dimensions. We particularly welcome the Office’s assistance to strengthen resilience to transnational threats, including on border management, cybercrime and violent extremism. As chair of the Security Committee the UK stands ready to support this work. We also support sustained efforts to improve economic governance, anticorruption practices, environmental monitoring and inclusive growth. The scale of engagement on media literacy, youth participation, women’s economic empowerment and regional dialogue demonstrate the continued relevance of the OSCE’s comprehensive security approach in Central Asia and the value of a well‑embedded field presence.

In the human dimension, the UK welcomes the Office’s concrete contributions to strengthening the rule of law, preventing torture, advancing judicial reform and supporting gender responsive and child friendly justice, including through work on the Istanbul Protocol, investigative judges and trafficking prevention. We also note positively your role in facilitating regional co‑operation and exchange of good practice, including on Women, Peace and Security and youth engagement.

We remain a strong supporter of your mandate. As with all field missions we encourage continued focus on impact, sustainability and close alignment with OSCE commitments, particularly in a constrained resource environment.

Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 14 May 2026.

Ambassador Holland welcomed the US-brokered ceasefire and Ukraine’s efforts to pursue peace, condemns Russia’s mass attack on Kyiv and highlighted how Russia’s actions have undermined cooperative security, OSCE mechanisms and trust.

Thank you, Mr Chair.

The United Kingdom welcomes the US-brokered ceasefire of 9–11 May. We note Ukraine’s offer to extend the ceasefire on long-range strikes beyond 11 May. This offer fits squarely with Ukraine’s long-standing efforts to create a more conducive environment for negotiations on a just and lasting peace. Regrettably, Russia wasted no time in restarting long-range strikes – once again choosing the path of destruction over the path of peace.

We saw the consequences of this overnight, with Russia launching over 600 drones and nearly 60 missiles, predominantly at Kyiv. A residential building, a school and a veterinary clinic were damaged. We condemn these barbaric attacks.

Mr Chair, children have been among the most gravely affected by Russia’s decision to choose war. Thousands of Ukrainian children have been forcibly transferred or deported, subjected to indoctrination, and, in some cases, exposed to militarisation.

That is why the United Kingdom has imposed a package of targeted sanctions against individuals and entities involved in the forced deportation, indoctrination and militarisation of Ukrainian children. These measures form part of a coordinated international response alongside our partners, including the UK’s participation at the High‑Level meeting of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children in Brussels, reaffirming our commitment to accountability and to the safe return of children to their families and communities. We will, of course, return to this subject later in our meeting.

Mr Chair, this Council exists because participating States once shared a clear vision of security in Europe. The Helsinki Final Act spoke of security built “through cooperation” rather than confrontation, and the Charter of Paris committed us to a Europe “whole, free and at peace”. The OSCE was designed to translate that vision into practical tools: dialogue, transparency, restraint, and verification.

Russia’s actions over many years have steadily eroded that model. The continued presence of Russian forces in Moldova and Georgia against the host countries’ will, the illegal attempted annexation of Crimea, and Russia’s full-scale war of aggression against Ukraine have all struck at the foundations of cooperative security. Alongside this, Russia has hollowed out the OSCE’s instruments: obstructing confidence- and security-building measures, disregarding requests under the Vienna Document, and contributing to the wider erosion of the European arms control architecture.

The impact is visible in this very room. Weekly Permanent Council meetings are confrontational rather than problem-solving.  Agreed OSCE mechanisms for military transparency and risk reduction are weakened or unused. Trust has been replaced by accusation, and predictability has been replaced by escalation.

Russia’s treatment of this Organisation has also unfortunately extended to its personnel. We condemn the continued detention of our three colleagues: Vadym Golda, Maxim Petrov, and Dmytro Shabanov. This is emblematic of a broader pattern: obstruction of independent scrutiny and disregard for the spirit of commitments undertaken by consensus.

Mr Chair, none of this was inevitable. The OSCE does not require reinvention; it requires recommitment. A return to the founding purpose of this organisation would mean engaging seriously with OSCE mechanisms, restoring transparency and restraint, respecting agreed rules, and ending actions that fundamentally contradict them.

Above all, it would require Russia to end its illegal war of aggression and to withdraw its forces from Ukrainian, Moldovan and Georgian territory.  We urge Russia to do this. Above all, of course, because it is the right thing to do. But also because it is the only way to change the status of this organisation from a theatre for confrontation, which is a direct consequence of Russia’s actions, to something more recognisable to all of its founding fathers.

Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 13 May 2026.

UK Statement at the World Trade Organization’s General Council in Geneva.

Agenda item 5: Request for Observer Status by the African Union – Communication from Mozambique on behalf of the African Group (WT/MIN(26)/9 – WT/GC/W/995) – Request from Namibia on behalf of the African Group

The UK is a supporter of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and was the first non-African country to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the AfCFTA Secretariat in September 2021.

The UK is content with the request from the African Group for the African Union to be an observer, recognising the unique role of the African Union.

This should not, however, be a precedent for more regional and supranational groupings being observers. All requests should be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Agenda item 8. Preserving the Spirit of Open and Predictable Trade: Collective Restraint Against Actions Undermining Trade Liberalization – Request from the Republic of Korea

We agree with much of Korea’s analysis. The gaps in the WTO framework and the poor implementation frameworks have left us unable to address systemic issues that are leading to politically unacceptable outcomes.

These problems, including those connected with subsidies and overcapacity, have been debated in many different parts of the WTO. In disputes, in the Committee on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures and elsewhere. 

We very much agree that these issues have long-standing and complex roots.

Yet all of our discussions, all of our conversations have not yielded any results. They have not resulted in any change.

It has left Members with no other option but to act. It underlines the urgency that we need to change our approach and get really serious about addressing the lack of a level playing field and move forward with reform.