![PRESS RELEASE : FCDO statement – President Abbas comments [September 2023]](https://www.ukpol.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/fco-150x150.png)
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 8 September 2023.
The FCDO condemns recent antisemitic remarks made by President Abbas.
The UK condemns the recent antisemitic remarks made by President Abbas.
The UK stands firmly against all attempts to distort the Holocaust. Such statements do not advance efforts towards reconciliation.
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 7 September 2023.
Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN Security Council meeting on UN peacekeeping.
Thank you President, I thank Under-Secretary-General Lacroix for his briefing and continued leadership of UN peacekeeping.
President, the United Kingdom pays tribute to those peacekeepers who lost their lives in pursuit of peace this year. Peacekeeping relies on the determination and dedication of United Nations personnel. As members of the Security Council, we must support them – as must all host nations and member states – by providing the necessary training and equipment, improving awareness of threats, and ensuring medical provision.
The UK continues to play its part, training thousands of UN peacekeepers each year. As a top contributor of extra-budgetary funds – more than $2.8m in 2022 – we remain committed supporters of peacekeeping reform.
We are also dedicated to advancing the participation of women in peacekeeping and peace processes, through our support for the Senior Women Talent Pipeline and the Elsie Initiative Fund, to which we have contributed $9m to date. We look forward to discussing these issues further at the Peacekeeping Ministerial Conference in Ghana this December.
President, UN peacekeeping operations have faced continued challenges, as we’ve heard today. Disinformation campaigns against UN peacekeeping missions are on the rise, undermining their ability to implement safely and effectively their mandates. We are grateful to co-hosts, Rwanda, the Netherlands and Indonesia, for their support ahead of our planned Peacekeeping Ministerial Preparatory Conference on countering mis- and dis-information next month.
Missions also continue to suffer from restrictions on freedom of movement, and of violations of status of forces agreements, including in Mali, CAR, Lebanon and Western Sahara.
It is not only peacekeeping missions that suffer when host governments neglect their obligations – it is the people peacekeepers protect that so often pay the price. Host states must allow the safe and effective implementation of mission mandates.
With MINUSMA withdrawing from Mali, and MONUSCO’s transition approaching, we should implement lessons learned from past peacekeeping transitions. Particularly, we should be wary of time-based, rather than conditions-based, withdrawals of peacekeeping operations, which can put lives and peace processes at risk.
President, in conclusion, let me underscore the continued importance the United Kingdom places on UN peacekeeping, which remains an essential tool to respond to peace and security threats.
As a Council, we must continue to ensure UN peacekeeping is fit for modern challenges and receives our full support.
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 7 September 2023.
Statement by Deputy Political Coordinator Tom Phipps at the UN Security Council meeting on Syria Chemical Weapons.
Let me begin by thanking Director-General Fernando Arias of the OPCW for his latest monthly report, and also to the OPCW Declaration Assessment Team for their tireless efforts to resolve the outstanding issues in Syria’s Chemical Weapons Declaration. I would also like to thank High Representative Nakamitsu for her briefing today.
President, as Ms Nakamitsu and others have said, ten years ago in the early hours of 21 August,Bashar Assad’s forces used sarin against the people of Ghouta. More than 1,000 people were killed, many of whom were women and children. The resulting UN Mission report described it as the most significant confirmed use of chemical weapons against civilians since Saddam Hussein used them in Halabja in 1988.
This Council expressed its outrage, it condemned the killing of civilians, it affirmed that any use of chemical weapons constitutes a serious violation of international law and we collectively called for accountability. Security Council resolution 2118 was adopted, unanimously.
The resolution condemned chemical weapons use in Syria and endorsed the implementation of the OPCW Executive Council decision setting out the steps for the destruction of Syria’s chemical weapons programme.
It was clear that the Syrian Arab Republic should not use, develop, produce, otherwise acquire, stockpile or retain chemical weapons. It compelled Syria to cooperate fully with the OPCW and the UN, including by providing personnel designated by the OPCW with immediate and unfettered access to, and the right to inspect in discharging their functions, any and all sites that the OPCW has grounds to believe to be of importance for the purpose of its mandate.
Ten years later, the provisions of UNSCR 2118 have not been met. As others have said today, there have been nine further confirmed chemical weapons attacks by the Syrian regime.
Next month will mark ten years since Syria acceded to the chemical weapons convention.
It is a moment for us to all reflect on our responsibility for the implementation of UNSCR 2118, and how we can move forward, collectively, and in support of the OPCW’s efforts to resolve outstanding inconsistencies with Syria’s declaration.
We owe that to the victims of Ghouta and of all chemical weapons attacks. Including the attack carried out by Russia five years in Salisbury, in the UK, which resulted in the death of the British national Dawn Sturgess.
President, Syria’s chemical weapons will remain a threat to international peace and security until its chemical weapons programme has been fully and verifiably destroyed by the OPCW.
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 7 September 2023.
Minister for the Caribbean and Americas, David Rutley MP, signs memorandum of understanding for work to be done to improve access to climate finance in the Caribbean.
The UK Government delivers on COP26 promise to help strengthen Climate Resilience and Finance in the Caribbean region through collaboration with the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC).
The United Kingdom has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in the amount of £2.7 million with the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC) for work to be done under the Small Island Developing States Capacity and Resilience (SIDAR) Programme.
The SIDAR programme represents delivery on part of the UK’s overall commitment of £11.6 billion for climate finance, with a specific aim to support adaptation and resilience in Small Island Developing States (SIDS). The SIDAR Caribbean programme aims to augment access to climate finance and support programmatic acceleration of climate resilient actions in selected Caribbean countries.
The UK’s support to the CCCCC will help Member States of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) to address the challenges they face in accessing climate finance. Non-Official Development Assistance (ODA) eligible Member States will be invited to participate in lesson learning and virtual training activities.
Through the CCCCC, the programme will help address the barriers that Caribbean SIDS face in planning for, accessing, and effectively utilizing climate finance. The programme aims to facilitate a sustainable increase in the flow of climate finance, enhance project development and implementation capabilities, and support simplification of the multilateral funding processes with which they must engage.
The CCCCC, in partnership with Member States, will develop funding proposals that are aligned to national priorities for submission to various financial mechanisms under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and other multilateral and bilateral financing partners.
This concerted effort by the UK is expected to help the Caribbean access US$50 million for the region over the next three years. Dedicated resources will be allocated to beneficiary countries for project preparation grants, including readiness activities, with a target of mobilizing US$3 million in readiness support during the programme’s implementation.
The SIDAR Programme will also establish a Help Desk to provide assistance to CARICOM Member States in the development and implementation of climate change projects. By fostering collaboration, knowledge sharing, and strategic leveraging of resources, the programme is expected to drive sustainable climate actions in the Caribbean region.
Speaking at the signing ceremony on 6 September 2023, UK Minister for the Americas and the Caribbean, The Honourable David Rutley expressed his optimism about the partnership, stating:
The implementation of this initiative under the SIDAR programme marks an important moment in our collective efforts to combat the impacts of climate change.
Through close collaboration with the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC), the UK is delivering on its promise to help unlock greater amounts of climate finance, strengthen resilience, and secure a sustainable future for SIDS, including those in the Caribbean.
Executive Director for Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre, Colin A. Young, Ph.D. said:
The CCCCC is pleased to partner with the UK to implement the SIDAR programme in the Caribbean, that will increase both the flow and scale of climate finance to CARICOM Member States to help build their resilience to escalating and adverse impacts of climate change, as well as strengthen their capacity to effectively utilize these resources.
We are appreciative of the UK’s commitment to tangibly assist CARICOM in increasing the flow of climate finance in the Region.
The collaborative and strategic interventions in the programme are designed to lead to sustainable change and foster a climate-resilient future for CARICOM Member States.
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 7 September 2023.
UK sanctions members of Russian cybercrime gang responsible for attacks on hospitals and critical infrastructure.
Members of a Russian cyber criminal gang behind the Trickbot/Conti ransomware attacks, which included the hacking of critical infrastructure and hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic, face new sanctions today (7 September).
Eleven cyber criminals, whose gang also threatened those who oppose the illegal Russian invasion of Ukraine, have been targeted with asset freezes and travel bans in a coordinated effort by UK and US authorities to counter the threat of ransomware both in the UK and abroad. The US Department of Justice (DOJ) is concurrently unsealing indictments against seven of the individuals designated today.
The National Crime Agency (NCA), who conducted a complex investigation into these individuals, assesses that the group was responsible for extorting at least $180 million from victims globally, and at least £27 million from 149 UK victims. The attackers sought to target UK hospitals, schools, local authorities and businesses.
The individuals being designated in the UK are:
This action was taken in coordination with the US, where these key cybercriminals have also been sanctioned, and is a continuation of joint efforts by the UK and US to disrupt and impose costs on high harm cyber criminals. It is assessed that sanctions have hampered the ability of cyber threat actors to monetise their cyber criminal activities.
Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said:
These cyber criminals thrive off anonymity, moving in the shadows of the internet to cause maximum damage and extort money from their victims.
Our sanctions show they cannot act with impunity. We know who they are and what they are doing.
By exposing their identities, we are disrupting their business models and making it harder for them to target our people, our businesses and our institutions.
The individuals, all Russian nationals, operated out of the reach of traditional law enforcement and hid behind online pseudonyms and monikers – many of which are revealed today. Removing their anonymity undermines the integrity of these individuals and their criminal businesses that threaten UK security.
Several of those facing sanctions today held significant roles within the group. Those targeted include high-level managers and administrators, as well as two individuals, Maksim Khaliullin and Mikhail Tsarev, who focused on recruiting and inducting new members.
The group was also one of the first to offer support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, maintaining links and receiving tasking from the Russian Intelligence Services.
Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State in the Cabinet Office Oliver Dowden said:
By targeting these malicious cyber actors, who have been known to work with some of the most damaging ransomware strains, we are seeking out and exposing those who threaten the UK’s national security. We will always take decisive action with international partners to protect the UK, its people and businesses.
Security Minister Tom Tugendhat said:
These sanctions demonstrate that the UK will crackdown on those trying to hold UK businesses and infrastructure to ransom. We will use our law enforcement agencies to go after the perpetrators and punish their crimes.
We have the skills and resources to find and unmask criminals who attempt to steal from British businesses, schools and hospitals.
We will keep working with our partners, like the US, to defeat these threats.
NCA Director General of Operations Rob Jones said:
These sanctions are a continuation of our campaign against international cyber criminals.
Attacks by this ransomware group have caused significant damage to our businesses and ruined livelihoods, with victims having to deal with the prolonged impact of financial and data losses.
These criminals thought they were untouchable, but our message is clear: we know who you are and, working with our partners, we will not stop in our efforts to bring you to justice.
National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) Chief Executive Officer Lindy Cameron said:
Alongside this latest round of sanctions, I strongly encourage organisations to proactively obstruct the activities of ransomware operatives by bolstering their online resilience.
Ransomware continues to be a significant threat facing the UK and attacks can have significant and far-reaching impact.
The NCSC has published free and actionable advice for organisations of all sizes on how to put robust defences in place to protect their networks.
Today’s sanctions announcement reinforces the UK’s commitment to cracking down on cyber criminals. They follow on from the first ever joint UK-US sanctions against ransomware actors in February this year. The total number of group members sanctioned is now 18.
View the full UK Sanctions List and more information about UK sanctions relating to Russia.
The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 7 September 2023.
Event to mark official start of work on major flood risk management scheme at Beales Corner in Bewdley, Worcestershire
Environment minister Rebecca Pow and local representatives today (7 September) celebrated the start of construction on a major flood risk management scheme at Beales Corner in Bewdley, Worcestershire, with a sod-cutting event.
Construction is helping to support jobs and stimulate the economy by employing British companies, including Arup as lead designer and Jackson Civil Engineering as lead contractor. The new protection consists of a combination of demountable flood barriers and permanent raised walls with glass panels on top to maintain views across the river.
As part of the scheme, off-site environmental improvements will take place at Limekiln Bridge Storage area to support habitats for wildlife and increase biodiversity in hedgerows and trees. The choice of materials for the scheme and archaeological works also recognise the significance of the area and the design aims to preserve its heritage ahead of construction.
Once complete, the scheme will provide decades of invaluable service to the community, reducing flood risk for more than 50 properties and maintaining access to 160 businesses, as well as schools and other public services in the town.
The project will replace the low-level temporary flood barriers currently used and provide a far higher standard of flood protection.
Meanwhile, Minister Pow also announced today that the Bewdley scheme will be one of three in the area to share £9.3 million in additional funding, reallocated from economic recovery funding. The Beales Corner scheme will receive £1.5 million, Tenbury Wells £4m and Greyfriars in Hereford £3.8 million.
To celebrate the official start of work on the scheme, Minister Pow, Mark Garnier, MP for Wyre Forest, and Environment Agency Operations Manager for the West Midlands Anthony Perry all took part in today’s ceremony.
Environment Minister Rebecca Pow said:
I am determined that we do whatever we can to prevent the devastating flooding that affects so many towns and villages across the country like Bewdley.
Our investment means work is underway on this significant new scheme and we can use this investment to back British companies. It should provide the community comfort and confidence in their town’s resilience and forms part of our record investment in better protecting hundreds of thousands of properties across the country.
Environment Agency Operations Manager for the West Midlands Anthony Perry said:
We are very happy to mark the official start of the main construction on this important and much-needed flood risk management scheme at Beales Corner.
We know the devastating impact flooding can have, which is why protecting the people of Bewdley is our top priority as we adapt to the increased threat of flood events caused by climate change.
Bewdley is subject to significant flood risk from the River Severn and has flooded a number of times in the past decade. Houses and businesses have flooded, with transport links and commuter routes through the town also affected.
After flooding in 2020, the Government made funding available for the communities impacted, enabling the Environment Agency to consider a flood risk management scheme for the Beales Corner area of Bewdley and keep the main Kidderminster and Stourport roads into the town open at times of flood.
Construction work will take approximately 18 months to two years to complete, depending on weather conditions, flooding and interactions with historic structures.
The Environment Agency’s new flood defences have ensured the better protection of 374,000 homes since 2015. We continue to do more, delivering a record £5.2 billion investment to protect better hundreds of thousands of properties and the National Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management (FCERM) Strategy for England will prepare us for more extreme weather and build a more resilient nation.
You can find out if you are at risk of flooding by checking your postcode on the government’s website and you can also sign up for flood warnings. You will be alerted by phone, email or text when flooding is expected.
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 7 September 2023.
Neerav Patel has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to Qatar.
Mr Neerav Patel has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the State of Qatar, in succession to Mr Jonathan Wilks CMG, who will be retiring from the Diplomatic Service. Mr Patel will take up his appointment during February 2024.
Full name: Neerav Patel
Spouse: Siobhan Patel
Children: 2
| Date | Role |
|---|---|
| 2021 to 2023 | Cabinet Office, Director, Joint Intelligence Organisation |
| Spring 2021 | Tel Aviv, Chargé d’Affaires |
| 2017 to 2021 | Cairo, Deputy Head of Mission |
| 2015 to 2017 | Cabinet Office, Deputy Chief of the Assessment Staff, Joint Intelligence Organisation |
| 2012 to 2015 | Tel Aviv, First Secretary (Head, Political Section) |
| 2011 to 2012 | Kabul, First Secretary (Head, Internal Politics) |
| 2009 to 2011 | Cabinet Office, Senior Policy Adviser, National Security Secretariat |
| 2007 to 2009 | No 10 Downing St, Policy Adviser, Prime Minister’s Policy Unit |
| 2007 | Department for Communities, Research and International Manager, Prevent Unit |
| 2005 to 2007 | Home Office, Economist |
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 7 September 2023.
The UK has issued a statement on Russian opposition politician Vladimir Kara-Murza’s 42nd birthday, his second spent in a Russian prison.
Today (7 September) marks Russian opposition politician, journalist, and human rights activist Vladimir Kara-Murza’s 42nd birthday, the second he will spend in a Russian prison on politically-motivated charges.
Mr Kara-Murza was convicted of spreading “knowingly false information” about the Russian armed forces; involvement with an “undesirable” organisation; and treason, and in April was sentenced to 25 years in prison in Russia.
An FCDO spokesman said:
Vladimir Kara-Murza should not be in prison at all – he is only there for having rightly called out Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as a contravention of international law.
We reiterate our call for Mr Kara-Murza’s immediate and unconditional release, and for Russia to adhere to its international human rights obligations. We commend the continued efforts of his wife, Evgenia Kara-Murza, to advocate for her husband and all those who have spoken out against Russia’s invasion.
Vladimir Kara-Murza has received wide recognition for his work, including the Vaclav Havel Human Rights Prize.
His persecution is part of a wider pattern of oppression of Russian citizens by the Kremlin. Since the invasion thousands of Russians have been arrested and prosecuted for even small gestures of opposition to the war. There have been over 600 prosecutions for similar ‘anti-war’ activity to the allegations against Mr Kara-Murza since February 2022.
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 6 September 2023.
Dr Martin Longden CMG OBE has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to Libya.
Dr Martin Longden CMG OBE has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to Libya in succession to Ms Caroline Hurndall MBE, who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment. Dr Longden will take up his appointment during October 2023.
Full name: Dr Martin Andrew Longden CMG OBE
Place of Birth: Stockport, UK
Spouse: Naomi Adams
Children: Three
| Date | Role |
|---|---|
| 2022 – present | Full Time Language Training (Arabic) |
| 2021 to 2022 | FCDO, Head of Rapid Deployment Team to Kabul (August 2021), later Chargé d’Affaires to the United Kingdom Mission to Afghanistan based in Doha |
| 2021 | Beirut, Chargé d’Affaires |
| 2016 to 2020 | FCO, Head, Near East Department, Middle East and North Africa Directorate, later UK Special Representative for Syria |
| 2015 to 2016 | Kabul, Deputy Head of Mission |
| 2011 to 2014 | FCO, Head, Falklands and Southern Oceans Department, Overseas Territories Directorate |
| 2009 to 2011 | Washington, Head of Communications for the US Network |
| 2007 to 2009 | FCO, Deputy Press Secretary, Press Office |
| 2005 to 2007 | FCO, Strategy Policy Adviser for the Middle East, Policy Planners |
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 5 September 2023.
Foreign Secretary James Cleverly’s statement, welcoming Dr Paul Thompson as the next Chair of the British Council.
Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said:
I am pleased the British Council trustees have elected Paul Thompson as the next Chair of the British Council.
Paul brings extensive experience to the role, including from his time as Vice-Chancellor of the Royal College of Art.
I am also very grateful to Sarah Sands for her work and contribution to the British Council during her time as Acting Chair.