Tag: Foreign Office

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 13 October 2023.

UK is supporting Morocco with a contribution of up to £1.45 million to support Moroccan–led recovery following last month’s earthquake.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 13 October 2023.

Statement by UK Political Coordinator Fergus Eckersley at the UN Security Council meeting on Ukraine.

Thank you, President, we’d like to thank Mr. Ebo for his very helpful briefing.

Russia has given many excuses in this Council about what its illegal war of aggression was supposed to achieve.

Russia claims its invasion was defensive, and was born of a desire to protect rights enshrined in the UN charter.

It claimed it was about Denazification.

But now, Russia’s real plan for peace, almost 600 days into its 3 day special operation, is quite clear.

Last week, after relentless Russian strikes on civilian infrastructure, President Putin said that the Ukrainian economy and military would collapse ‘within a week’ without the assistance of other States.

This is the ‘resolution’ that Russia is striving for – the complete submission of a UN member state.

Russia claims that it is Western support that stands in its way.

But, much as we are proud to assist Ukraine, it is in fact, the courage and unity of the Ukrainian people that will ensure that Russia fails and that Ukraine will prevail.

And the reality is this. Russia’s war has already been a failure. A historically shameful one.

The Ukrainian people know too well what Russian conquest would mean for them.

There have been more than 100,000 incidents of alleged war crimes committed during the conflict, including the murder and torture of civilians, and unlawful attacks on civilian infrastructure with explosive weapons.

There has been torture, sexual and gender-based violence by Russian forces that the UN and other international bodies have documented extensively.

And the sham referenda have shown that for Russia, a people’s right to self-determination is found only at the tip of a Russian bayonet.

At the same time, the callous sacrifice of many thousands of Russian troops has made clear the value the Russian government places on its own people.

International assistance to Ukraine is not what is prolonging this war.

The fact is, Russia’s military objectives are unachievable.

Ukrainians will rightly continue to fight fiercely to defend their land for as long as it takes.

And the world is united in supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

That will not change.

International assistance to Russia however, is illegal and immoral.

That is why Russia is relying on heavily sanctioned States such as Iran and DPRK for help with procuring arms.

Iranian drones in Russian hands have killed civilians and caused vast economic damage across Ukraine.

Russia is negotiating deals for huge numbers of weapons from the DPRK to be used against Ukraine.

In turn, the DPRK seeks military technology to bolster its own illegal weapons programme, further destabilising the region.

These deals are a serious risk to international peace and security and violate multiple UN Security Council resolutions, for which Russia itself voted.

President, the Russian Ambassador said we hadn’t proposed any solutions.

We have, and I’ll do it again.

To start with, Russia should end its illegal invasion and withdraw its troops from Ukraine’s sovereign territory.

It’s not complicated.

It’s what the General Assembly and International Court of Justice have demanded.

A just and lasting peace can be achieved through the broad principles set out by President Zelenskyy based on the UN charter.

International support for his initiative is growing, and the UK is proud to support those efforts.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 12 October 2023.

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

Thank you, President, and I join others in thanking the Special Representative, the Permanent Observer and Mr. Dersso for their briefings.

President, UN-AU cooperation is fundamental to achieving our shared goal of a freer, more secure, more prosperous, greener, and healthier continent.

So I am delighted we demonstrated our shared commitment by agreeing a communique at last week’s AUPSC/UNSC meeting in Addis.

President, I want to highlight three points about this partnership:

Firstly, following nine coups on the continent since 2020, efforts to tackle this scourge and its underlying causes are critical. The AU PSC’s decisive action in this regard has been important.

I reiterate UK support for efforts by AU and sub-regional organisations, including ECOWAS, to bring about inclusive political dialogue and peaceful return to the constitutional rule.

We look forward to deepening this dialogue, including exploring the potential of the New Agenda for Peace as Mozambique outlined on behalf of the A3 earlier.

Secondly, coordination between the AU, UN, sub-regional organisations, and international partners is critical to ending conflict and promoting stability.

This is why the UK has long supported permanent African representation on the Security Council.

And it is why we look forward to working with Council colleagues on a framework resolution about UN financing for AU-led missions.

We reiterate our concern about the potential for terrorism in the Sahel to spread to coastal states in West Africa.

And we express our resolute support for efforts to tackle this, particularly regionally-led solutions such as the Accra initiative.

We remain committed to the current sustainable drawdown of ATMIS and thank the AU Commission and TCCs for their tireless work in supporting Somalia’s security.

Since 2022, we have given over $60 million in funding and will contribute again this year.

We also support a coordinated African-led response to the crisis in Sudan that harnesses a supporting role for the UN.

Thirdly, I welcome the continued implementation of the AU-UN framework for the implementation of agenda 2063, and the 2030 agenda, and the Silencing the Guns agenda.

To realise their shared vision of inclusive and sustainable economic development we

must increase international cooperation.

Indeed, collaboration is instrumental in addressing the humanitarian challenges on the continent such as food insecurity, where more than 160 million people in Africa are acutely vulnerable.

Next month, we are partnering with Somalia and UAE to host a Global Food Security Summit, bringing together international expertise to galvanise action to prevent food insecurity, malnutrition and to save lives.

President, we look forward to developing and deepening the cooperation between the AU and the UN in pursuit of our shared goals.

Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 12 October 2023.

UK Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Rt Hon. Johnny Mercer MP, met British Army veterans across Fiji during his trip and met senior Fijian ministers.

A senior UK government minister has joined Fijian nationals in celebrating their national day (Tuesday, 10 October).

The Rt Hon. Johnny Mercer MP, the UK Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, met British Army veterans across Fiji during his trip and met senior Fijian Government Ministers.

Mr Mercer is the first UK Minister to attend Fiji Day celebrations in recent history. The celebrations are the culmination of a week-long programme of religious and cultural events.

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Rt Hon. Johnny Mercer MP, said:

It was an honour to attend Fiji Day and celebrate with the people of Fiji this significant day in your calendar.

Fijian soldiers continue to play a vital role in the British Armed Forces. I’m here to recognise that, and their service, and learn something about their country. It was a pleasure meeting Fijian veteran during this trip, and personally express my gratitude for their service.

There remains a terrible stigma around mental health. On my trip I met a range of Fijian mental health professionals to discuss the landscape here, particularly around providing support to those who have experienced stress and trauma in combat. I am keen that the UK and Fiji share experience and expertise in this area, to ensure better support to those who need it the most.

It was an honour for me to meet veterans of the 1950s nuclear tests. I was able to listen to their experience and discuss the Nuclear Test Medal which will recognise their service.

During his time in Fiji, the Minister will also visit Momi Bay Battery Historical Park, which was tasked with defending the Navula passage in World War II from a Japanese coastal invasion.

Further information

The Nuclear Test medal was announced by the Prime Minister in November 2022, 70 years after the first British test of a nuclear weapon, and recognises military, civilian, and overseas staff and personnel who participated in Britain’s nuclear testing programme. The medal will recognise the contribution made by veterans and civilian staff from across Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and Kiribati and includes scientists and local employees.

The Ministry of Defence Medal Office has begun to dispatch medals to Commonwealth veterans, where their applications have already been received and approved. The British High Commissioner will arrange for medals to be passed to Commonwealth recipients.

The medal will also be awarded posthumously. Veterans, civilian staff and next of kin from across the UK and Commonwealth can apply for the commemorative medal through the MOD’s Medal Office, which will be free of charge.

Sharing best practice and working with like-minded international counterparts are part of the UK Government’s wider efforts to make the UK the best country in the world to be a veteran. The UK now has a dedicated Office for Veterans’ Affairs sitting outside of the Ministry of Defence and under the direction of a Minister who attends Cabinet, following in the footsteps of other Five Eyes allies.

Eligible veterans, civilians and their next of kin can now submit an application to the MOD Medal Office.

See full eligibility to receive the Nuclear Test Medal.

The qualifying period for the medal is defined as “service of any length”. Priority will be given to issuing medals to veterans and civilians involved in the nuclear tests before those sent to next of kin.

A copy of the eligibility criteria for the medal has been deposited in the Libraries of the Houses of Parliament.

The Nuclear Test Medal was first announced by the Prime Minister in November 2022.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 12 October 2023.

Lord Nick Herbert, the UK Prime Minister’s Special Envoy on LGBT+ Rights, made a visit to Thailand from 2 to 4 October 2023. The visit demonstrates the UK’s commitment to working with Thailand and allies in promoting greater LGBT+ rights and inclusion.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 12 October 2023.

British Ambassador to Ukraine Martin Harris visited Chernihiv region in Northern Ukraine to witness how local communities return to peaceful life and rebuild after being occupied by Russian forces.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 12 October 2023.

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly announces that the UK will facilitate flights to help British citizens wanting to leave Israel.

• Foreign Secretary announces that the UK is set to facilitate flights to help British citizens wanting to leave Israel
• the first flight is expected to leave Tel Aviv today (Thursday). Further flights are planned in the coming days, subject to the security situation on the ground
• the UK has also sent a Rapid Deployment Team to Israel to assist British citizens on the ground

The UK government will facilitate commercial flights to the UK to help British nationals wanting to leave Israel following the Hamas attack, the Foreign Secretary has announced.

The first flight is due to depart from Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv today (Thursday 12 October).

Vulnerable British nationals will be prioritised for these flights. At this stage we will contact those who are eligible for the flights directly and British nationals should not make their way to the airport unless they are called.

Since Hamas’ terrorist attack on Israel, UK government officials have been working around the clock in London, Jerusalem and Tel Aviv to support British citizens in the country. A Rapid Deployment Team has also been sent to Israel to bolster the efforts of British consular officials.

The safety of all British nationals in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPTs) continues to be our utmost priority and we urge everyone to continue to follow our travel advice. Those in Israel and the OPTs, including Gaza, are advised to register their presence with the Foreign Office. The FCDO continues to advise against all travel to parts of Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, and to advise against all but essential travel to all other parts.

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly visited Israel yesterday (Wednesday) to reiterate the UK’s unwavering solidarity with the Israeli people following Hamas’ terrorist attacks. He met senior Israeli leaders to outline UK support for Israel’s right to defend itself.

Background

• British nationals, including dual nationals, and dependants if travelling with a British national normally resident in the UK, will be invited to take up seats on the flights.
• these are paid commercial flights – our standard procedure. Each ticket will cost £300. This reflects the costs of operating the flight only
• the children and other dependants of British diplomats will also be given seats, as we have a duty of care to our staff
• while it is our intention to run these flights, security considerations will always be paramount
• in addition to our travel advice for Israel and the OPTs, we also advise against all travel to parts of Lebanon

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 11 October 2023.

Statement for Item 10 General Debate. As delivered by the UK’s Human Rights Ambassador, Rita French.

Thank you, Mr Vice President,

The United Kingdom strongly supports the vital role of technical cooperation. The international community must challenge States with egregious human rights situations, but it is equally important to support States who are cooperating with the UN and those who are looking for assistance to meet their human rights obligations.

We welcome the many countries who are doing so, who have seen the long-term benefits of technical cooperation. There is perhaps no better example of this than the many years of cooperation between the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, and Colombia, where there is a significant country presence. We welcome the ongoing positive example demonstrated by Colombia, and welcome its willingness to share its experience with the Council over recent sessions.

We share the regret expressed by High Commissioner Turk over the recent closure of the Uganda country office. During its 18 years in Uganda the office engaged closely with the government and other partners on a range of important human rights issues.  We share the High Commissioner’s hope that the Uganda Human Rights Commission will be provided with adequate human, technical and financial resources to execute its mandate.

The human rights situation in Yemen remains dire – we welcome the Arab Group’s resolution in providing technical assistance to Yemen. Monitoring and reporting to the Council by the Office of the High Commissioner would help ensure independent oversight as is the practice in other Item 10 resolutions. We encourage the Arab Group to these provisions in future resolutions on Yemen at the Council.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 11 October 2023.

UK statement delivered by Mungo Woodifield, UK Spokesperson to the UN, at the UN Fourth Committee.

Thank you, Chair.

Chair, let me start by reiterating that the UK has a modern relationship with all of its Overseas Territories based on partnership; on shared values; and on the right of the people of each Territory to choose to remain British or not.

The UK Overseas Territories have a large measure of internal self-government, subject only to the UK retaining powers to carry out its obligations under international law.

We have a close bilateral relationship with each Territory, but the UK and Overseas Territory Governments also hold a Joint Ministerial Council each year to monitor and drive forward collective priorities for action in the spirit of partnership.

We are committed to supporting the Territories on their priorities including environmental protection and to carrying out our constitutional responsibilities, including ensuring security. Across the Territories, we provide financial and practical support to build local capacity and resilience and have projects underway to build new infrastructure, including a new hospital, ports and much more.

Mr Chair, I would like to address a couple of specific points relating to two of the UK’s Overseas Territories.

Firstly, Gibraltar. In the coming days, we anticipate that the Committee will hear directly from the Chief Minister of Gibraltar as the elected representative of its people. We welcome their participation and restate that the UK’s longstanding commitment to the people of Gibraltar remains unchanged.

The UK will not enter into arrangements under which the people of Gibraltar would pass under the sovereignty of another state against their freely and democratically expressed wishes.

The United Kingdom also reaffirms that it will not enter into a process of sovereignty negotiations with which Gibraltar is not content.

Following the UK’s departure from the European Union, the UK Government, together with the Government of Gibraltar and the Government of Spain, agreed to a Political Framework on how a future agreement between the UK and EU in respect of Gibraltar would function in the interests of all parties.

These negotiations began in October 2021 and the UK, working side-by-side with the Government of Gibraltar, is committed to concluding a UK-EU treaty as soon as possible.

Mr Chair, the second specific issue I wish to address is the Falkland Islands.

Let me reiterate that the UK has no doubt about its sovereignty over both the Falkland Islands, and South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, and their surrounding maritime areas. Nor do we have any doubt about the Falkland Islanders’ right to self-determination. This is enshrined in the UN Charter and in Article One of both of the two UN covenants on human rights, by virtue of which they freely determine their political status and freely pursue their economic, social and cultural development.

In the 2013 referendum, which was conducted in line with international standards and was observed by independent, international observers, 99.8 per cent of those who voted wanted to maintain their current status as a Territory of the United Kingdom. This result sent a clear message of self-determination, and that the people of the Islands do not want dialogue on sovereignty.

These wishes – expressed freely – should be respected.

The people of the Falkland Islands are an established and diverse community, with families being able to trace their South Atlantic ancestry back ten generations, and over 60 different nationalities are represented across the population.

The Falkland Islanders remain resilient in the face of harassment from Argentina – they are looking to a future in which their young people can freely travel the globe to play sports without fear of backlash from Argentina; in which they can share their wealth of knowledge on environmental protections with international partners; and importantly, a future in which they can have a peaceful and cooperative relationship with their neighbours, free from hostility.

The UK continues to hope for a stronger, more productive relationship with Argentina, including in relation to the Falkland Islands. We believe this is in everybody’s interest and stand ready to take that forward, but not at the expense of the Falkland Islanders right to determine their own future. This means that there can be no dialogue on sovereignty unless the Falkland Islands so wish.

Chair, in conclusion, the UK remains committed to respecting and defending the right of the people of each Territory to determine their own future, in line with the UN Charter.

Let me also reassure you that the UK will continue to carry out our responsibilities as part of our modern relationship with each of the territories.

Thank you, Chair.