Tag: Foreign Office

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

Chris Elmore MP has been appointed as the UK Special Envoy on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict.

• newly appointed Special Envoy will drive action to end the use of rape as a weapon of war
• up to 30% of women and girls living in conflict zones face sexual violence
• appointment comes after launch of UK-led international coalition to end violence against women and girls

Britain will continue to drive international action to prevent sexual violence in conflict, following the appointment of the Minister for Human Rights, Chris Elmore as the UK Special Envoy for Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict on the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict. 

Up to 30% of women and girls in conflict zones worldwide have experienced conflict-related sexual violence, which is not only a grave human rights violation, but a threat to global peace, security and prosperity. There are immense barriers to reporting, particularly in conflict zones, therefore these figures could be much higher in reality. 

Men and boys are also affected, notably in Ukraine, where over two thirds of prisoners of war have experienced sexual violence, and in Palestine, where UN reporting has documented the use of sexual violence in detention settings. 

In the UK’s capacity as Vice-Chair of the International Alliance for Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict this year, Minister Elmore will play a leading role in strengthening global advocacy and in advancing trauma-informed, survivor-centred approaches across the Alliance’s prevention, protection and accountability efforts.  

Minister Elmore’s appointment into the Special Envoy role follows the Foreign Secretary’s launch of a new UK-convened International Coalition to End Violence against Women and Girls. The coalition is bringing countries together to scale up prevention and end this violence everywhere. 

The UK Special Envoy on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict, Chris Elmore MP said:

“Conflict-related sexual violence is a grave human rights violation and a global threat to peace and security. I commit to working with survivors, international partners and civil society around the world to drive action to end these abhorrent crimes and hold perpetrators to account.” 

Notes to editors: 

The International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict seeks to recognise conflict-related sexual violence as a threat to international peace and security – and a potential war crime, crime against humanity, or an underlying act of genocide. For survivors, this day can act as an important moment of global recognition, challenging the stigma that too often silences those with lived experience of this issue, reaffirming their right to be heard and to access justice and support.

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

Baroness Chapman announced a new £13m UK humanitarian package to Lebanon to help deliver vital assistance to people affected by the crisis.

On a joint visit to Lebanon with her French and Qatari counterparts, Development Minister Jenny Chapman, concluded a two-day visit to Lebanon, her first as a Minister. 

The visit underscored the urgent need for de‑escalation and showed the UK, France and Qatar’s united support for Lebanon and their commitment to delivering humanitarian assistance, in partnership with the Government of Lebanon.

Baroness Chapman announced a new £13m UK humanitarian package to Lebanon to help deliver vital assistance to people affected by the crisis, including the provision of, protection, education, healthcare, food and other basic services.  This brings total UK support announced since March to £43 million.

Accompanied by Ambassador Hamish Cowell, Development Minister Chapman and her French and Qatari counterparts Minister Delegate for Francophonie, International Partnerships Éléonore Caroit and Minister of State for International Cooperation Dr. Mariam bint Ali bin Nasser Al-Misnad, met with President Joseph Aoun, Speaker Nabih Berri and Minister of Social Affairs Haneen Sayed, reiterating support for Lebanon’s sovereignty and state institutions.

Development Minister Chapman welcomed recent direct talks between Israel and Lebanon and reiterated support for diplomatic efforts as the best route toward lasting peace, security and stability. 

With her French and Qatari counterparts and Minister Haneen Sayed, Baroness Chapman visited UK-funded programmes in Beirut and Saida.  At the Grand Serail, she met the Government’s Disaster Risk Management Unit, which alongside the Lebanese Red Cross is leading the nationally coordinated, data-driven response to the humanitarian crisis. She praised the dedication of healthcare workers and first responders, stressing that attacks on those carrying out such vital duties are unacceptable and that all sides must ensure their protection in line with International Humanitarian Law.

They then visited with UNICEF Country Representative Marcoluigi Corsi, a collective shelter in Jnah for families displaced in the recent conflict escalation.  Baroness Chapman saw how the UK and partners are supporting the Government-led response in delivering essential education and protection services to displaced children and families in a challenging environment. 

In Saida, Baroness Chapman visited Al Murjan High School a collective shelter hosting displaced families, and heard from UKISF partner ABAAD, about Gender Based Violence challenges amidst the conflict. With UKISF support, ABAAD has provided psychological first aid, strengthened shelter safety systems, delivered Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) sessions for women and girls, and more.

With Deputy Special Coordinator and Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Lebanon Imran Riza and UNOCHA’s Representative Kristen Knutson, Baroness Chapman joined by French minister Éléonore Caroit, visited a shelter in Saida hosting displaced families and heard about the impact of the humanitarian crisis. She saw first-hand how UK support through the Lebanon Humanitarian Fund is providing water, sanitation, hygiene, protection and food assistance to vulnerable people.

At the Lebanese Red Cross (LRC) centre, Development Minister Chapman and French minister Éléonore Caroit heard about LRC’s frontline role as first responders and the impact of the conflict on south Lebanon. Through the British Red Cross, UK support is strengthening LRC’s crisis preparedness. Minister Chapman handed over 8 UK-funded ambulances to the Red Cross, in the presence of LRC Secretary General George Kettaneh and the British Red Cross.

She later visited a displaced family benefiting from UK support. Through the World Food Programme, the UK is contributing to the Government of Lebanon’s Shock Responsive Social Safety Net that is providing a vital lifeline amidst the ongoing humanitarian crisis.

Minister for Development Jenny Chapman said:

The US-Iran agreement is an important step forward in reducing tensions, supporting regional stability, and reopening vital routes for global trade. Our priority now is to support its implementation and help create the conditions for a lasting peace, including an end to hostilities in Lebanon.

Reckless and disproportionate Israeli escalation in Lebanon must end, as must Hizballah’s attacks on Israel, which have dragged the Lebanese people into yet another conflict they have not chosen.

Here with my partners from France and Qatar, we’ve seen the devastating impact of the conflict. We are coming together to emphasise the importance of delivering stability in the Middle East, and of a robust and lasting ceasefire in Lebanon. 

We remain committed to working with the Government of Lebanon to ensure they can deliver the response needed to support stability and resilience.

Ambassador Hamish Cowell said:  

Baroness Jenny Chapman’s visit to Lebanon comes at a critical moment, as Lebanon faces the continuing impact of conflict. 

We will continue to coordinate with the Government of Lebanon and humanitarian partners.

De-escalation is needed urgently.  All parties must respect the ceasefire and uphold international humanitarian law.

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

The UK is expanding funding for programmes which helps countries across North Africa deal with the impacts of migration from regional conflict.

• programme expanded to help migrants who have fled regional conflicts rebuild their lives much closer to home across North Africa
• £9 million will support people into local jobs in the region and benefit host communities
• while visiting Egypt the Foreign Secretary will meet migrants from Sudan who have been supported by the programme

The UK is expanding funding for programmes which helps countries across North Africa deal with the impacts of migration from regional conflict – helping people into local work, and helping prevent dangerous and illegal onward journeys to the UK.

The flagship North Africa Migration and Development (NAMAD) programme will extend to Libya for the first time, alongside expanding support in Egypt, Algeria, and Tunisia.

The Foreign Secretary has made it a foreign policy priority to tackle migration challenges internationally and to prevent illegal migration to the UK. Prevention work to support migrants and refugees closer to home goes alongside stronger law enforcement against criminal smuggler gangs reducing dangerous journeys and illegal migration.

During a visit to Egypt, Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper will meet Sudanese migrants who have escaped the world’s largest humanitarian crisis and have benefited from the UK-backed programme to help them rebuild their lives in the region. Over 12 million people have fled their homes in Sudan since the current war began in 2023, including over a million who have sought refuge in Egypt.

The Foreign Secretary will meet the families at an International Organisation for Migration (IOM) facility supported by NAMAD and announce £9 million of further funding.

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said: 

Migration is a global challenge requiring global co-operation.

Egypt and other North African states host millions of people displaced from conflicts and humanitarian crises in the region, including Sudan, the largest humanitarian catastrophe of the 21st century. 

Helping these countries as they deal with the impacts of this displacement, and helping vulnerable people rebuild their lives much closer to home, is the right thing to do. It’s also an important part of preventing dangerous and illegal onward journeys to Europe and the UK.

Since its launch, NAMAD’s work in Egypt has helped over 22,500 people including:

• over 2,500 migrants and vulnerable Egyptians supported with key skills needed to enter the local workforce
• over 15,000 vulnerable migrants received medical support, including through travelling medical teams
• over 13,400 people have received multi-purpose cash assistance and/or non-food items including blankets and hygiene kits

To support Egypt’s longer-term economic development, and its ability to flourish despite these pressures, the Foreign Secretary is also announcing a new programme of support for Egypt’s ambitious economic reform agenda, through an £8.7 million partnership with the World Bank. 

The programme will provide advice and analysis to the Government of Egypt to boost inclusive private sector-led growth, making it easier for businesses to invest, trade and expand. This technical assistance given through to 2029 will boost Egypt’s economic resilience.

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

Minister Seema Malhotra met HE Mr Vijavat Isarabhakdi, Thailand’s Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs, on 25 May 2026 for the Sixth UK–Thailand Strategic Dialogue.

The UK welcomed the opportunity to mark the conclusion of the year commemorating the 170th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Minister Malhotra reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to further strengthening the partnership in the years ahead, grounded in friendship, mutual respect, and common interests.

The UK reaffirmed its strong commitment to the Thailand–United Kingdom Strategic Partnership Roadmap and underlined the importance of boosting economic growth by further liberalising trade, promoting bilateral investment flows, and accelerating sustainable development. The UK welcomed agreement to build on the Enhanced Trade Partnership (ETP) and deepen economic cooperation, including through a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA).

The UK welcomed opportunities to strengthen friendship and mutual understanding through expanded tourism, education and people-to-people exchanges, recognising their vital role in underpinning the long-term resilience of bilateral relations. The UK also welcomed continuing cooperation in science, technology and innovation, health, education, and arts and culture, including efforts to reduce barriers to people-to-people connections such as transnational education and mutual recognition of qualifications.

The UK welcomed agreement to hold the next Thailand–United Kingdom Security Dialogue to deepen security cooperation, protect shared interests and uphold shared values amid an increasingly turbulent global and regional environment. The UK welcomed efforts to ease tensions along the Thailand–Cambodia border and expressed support for a peaceful, lasting agreement between the two sides. The UK also welcomed collaboration across a range of areas, including agriculture, as well as joint action against cannabis smuggling and scam centres. The UK reaffirmed its commitment to achieving net zero and welcomed stronger collaboration on climate change, energy and nature, including cooperation on carbon markets and efforts to mobilise investment.

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

Development Minister Jenny Chapman visits Lebanon with counterparts from France and Qatar as the UK announces new humanitarian support and calls for stability and protection of civilians.

• UK pledges a new package to address the dire humanitarian crisis
• joint visit steps up humanitarian support and underscores close partnership between the UK, France and Qatar
• UK Development Minister calls on all sides to use the opportunity presented by the recent agreement to restore stability, uphold the ceasefire, protect civilians, and comply with international humanitarian law

UK funding will deliver vital humanitarian support including food, healthcare and education to people affected by the crisis in Lebanon, as Development Minister Jenny Chapman visits the country with her French and Qatari counterparts.

During her first ministerial visit to Lebanon, the minister met displaced families in Beirut, thanked emergency workers for their continued efforts, and underscored the importance of regional stability and adherence to the ceasefire.

The joint visit underlines the importance of international cooperation in responding to the humanitarian situation and the need for urgent de-escalation. The UK, France and Qatar emphasised their strong support for the government and people of Lebanon, and their shared commitment to delivering humanitarian assistance in close partnership with Lebanese authorities.

The new £13 million UK package will help deliver vital assistance to people affected by the crisis in Lebanon, including the provision of food, healthcare, education and other basic services.

The funding will be delivered in cooperation with the Government of Lebanon through trusted humanitarian partners working closely with local communities. This is in addition to £30 million already announced by the UK since March to respond to the crisis and support urgent humanitarian need.

The minister will continue her visit tomorrow (19 June), handing over 8 UK-funded ambulances to the Lebanese Red Cross alongside Secretary General George Kettaneh and the British Red Cross.

Minister for Development Jenny Chapman said:

The recent US-Iran agreement is an important step forward in reducing tensions, supporting regional stability, and reopening vital routes for global trade. Our priority now is to support its implementation and help create the conditions for a lasting peace, including an end to hostilities in Lebanon.

Reckless and disproportionate Israeli escalation in Lebanon must end, as must Hizballah’s attacks on Israel, which have dragged the Lebanese people into yet another conflict they have not chosen.

Here with my partners from France and Qatar, we’ve seen the devastating impact of the conflict. We are coming together to emphasise the importance of delivering stability in the Middle East, and of a robust and lasting ceasefire in Lebanon. 

We remain committed to working with the Government of Lebanon to ensure they can deliver the response needed to support stability and resilience.

The ministers also met with Lebanese leaders to underscore support for the government and Lebanese sovereignty. Development Minister Jenny Chapman welcomed recent direct talks between Israel and Lebanon and reiterated support for diplomatic efforts as the best route toward lasting peace, security and stability.

The 3 ministers expressed deep concern at the consequences of the conflict for civilians, including the scale of displacement, impact on education, and dangers faced by first responders. They urged all parties to uphold the ceasefire, and to support implementation of the US-Iran deal to refocus peace efforts, and protect civilians and civilian infrastructure.

The visit reflects close coordination between the UK, France and Qatar on support for Lebanon, including on humanitarian issues and engagement with the Lebanese Government.

The UK will continue to work with partners to support regional stability and the effective implementation of the agreement, including – if required – through preparations for a defensive, independent multilateral mission to help ensure freedom of navigation and support mine clearance efforts in the Strait of Hormuz.

The UK is a longstanding partner of Lebanon and will continue humanitarian, development and diplomatic engagement.

Background

The minister’s visit to Lebanon includes joint engagements with French and Qatari counterparts, alongside UK-specific elements which will be conducted on 19 June.

The press release issued by the Environment Agency on 19 June 2026.

The permit variation will change the types of waste allowed to be incinerated on site.

The Environment Agency is minded to issue a permit variation for Powerfuel Portland Limited to change the permitted waste types that can be incinerated at their Portland facility.

A consultation on the permit application took place between 5th November 2025 and 18th December 2025, and approximately 685 comments were received.

The Environment Agency has carefully considered the documents provided by Portland Powerfuel Limited and explored several issues of concern, such as emissions to air, odour, noise and arrangements for the storage and handling of wastes.

The Environment Agency is now satisfied they have all the information needed and cannot find any reason to refuse this permit variation application and is minded to issue the permit variation.

This means that the Environment Agency thinks the draft permit is ready to be issued but will not make the final decision until they have considered all comments carefully.

A consultation has been launched so that the public can have their say on this draft decision.

The Environment Agency may only refuse a permit application if it does not meet one or more of the legal requirements under environmental legislation, including if it will cause significant harm to the environment or to human health.

If all the requirements are met, the Environment Agency is legally obliged to issue a permit.

The planning and permitting processes are separate from each other. A local authority can grant planning permission without an environmental permit in place, and the Environment Agency can grant a permit without planning permission having been provided.

An Environment Agency spokesperson said:

We have considered all responses to our consultation carefully and are now minded to issue the permit variation.

At this stage, we can only refuse the permit variation if new evidence is brought to light showing the site will cause significant harm to the environment or human health.

We cannot consider planning issues such as the suitability of the location.

The consultation is open and runs until 31 July.

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

UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue with the Independent Expert on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity. Delivered at the 62nd Human Rights Council in Geneva.

Thank you,

The UK welcomes the Independent Expert’s report, which coincides with the alarming rise of anti-rights activity worldwide.

The report makes clear that lesbian, bisexual and queer women and girls, and trans and gender-diverse people face unique and disproportionate exclusion, discrimination and violence – often at the hands of those seeking to uphold gender stereotypes and norms. 

We are concerned by the clear evidence that LBQ+ women and girls face exclusion, discrimination and violence, including barriers to accessing health, protection and participation in public life. These harms are compounded by their invisibility in data, policy and service provision. 

The UK is steadfast in its commitment to ending gender-based violence against women and girls in all their diversity, both at home and overseas. Through the All-In Coalition – launched by the UK in 2025 – we are working with partners to drive global action to prevent and respond to all forms of gender-based violence. 

Our approach is underpinned by the UK’s International Strategic Framework on Women and Girls. Its four pillars – educating girls, empowering women and girls, championing sexual and reproductive health and rights, and ending gender-based violence – will guide our efforts to ensure that all women and all girls, in all their diversity, can realise their rights and potential. 

Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 18 June 2026.

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

President, last November this Council adopted resolution 2803, endorsing President Trump’s Comprehensive Plan to end the Gaza conflict.  

This provided a historic opportunity to achieve lasting peace.  

And as USG Fletcher’s briefing set out, there has been some progress since then on the humanitarian front, and in the return of all hostages.

But Mr Fletcher and Ms Khalidi also provided us with a stark reminder that the promise of this plan has not yet been realised, and urgent action is needed by both sides to fulfil their commitments and get implementation back on track.  

So I will highlight three priorities.  

First, as we heard today, the humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire.  

Ongoing violations of the ceasefire are reported to have killed over 1000 Palestinians since October.  

Repeated displacement, unsanitary conditions, and inadequate access to medical care have left children and families exposed to disease; too malnourished to fight infection. 

And yet Israel continues to apply ‘dual use’ restrictions to block essential items, while also limiting aid delivery to a single crossing, creating congestion and further delay.  

Resolution 2803 is clear. There must be full resumption of humanitarian aid immediately, including rehabilitation of civilian infrastructure. 

The January 2025 ceasefire showed what can be delivered when there is political will. 

That level of delivery must now be restored, in line with the Comprehensive Plan. 

We urge Israel to fulfil its commitments under international law and immediately remove unjustifiable restrictions on humanitarian access. 

It is also vital that the UN, including UNRWA, and international NGOs are able to operate safely and at scale to deliver their essential work, in line with international humanitarian law. 

Second, we need renewed momentum on security arrangements and a political transition in Gaza. 

Hamas must fulfil its commitments under the Comprehensive Plan to decommission its weapons and dismantle military and terrorist infrastructure.  

The UK supports a phased and verified decommissioning process, alongside deployment of an International Stabilisation Force, training of a Palestinian police force, and a sequenced IDF withdrawal. 

But let me be clear. Israel’s obligation to facilitate humanitarian access is not conditional on Hamas’ disarmament. 

Humanitarian assistance must never be used as a political lever; this is one of the basic tenets of international humanitarian law. 

Third, stability in the West Bank is essential to any lasting peace. 

Yet violence against civilians is increasing at unprecedented levels. 

We are horrified by footage of Israeli forces killing a seven‑month‑old baby in Hebron on 5 June. 

Israel must take action to ensure the perpetrators face accountability.

Such acts of violence, alongside continued displacement, and the withholding of Palestinian Authority revenues of over $5 billion undermine the Comprehensive Plan. 

This must stop.   

President, now is the time to move decisively towards peace. 

Last week, alongside Australia and Canada, we announced a new International Peace Fund for Israel and Palestine to reinvigorate these efforts. 

The United Kingdom remains committed to working with partners to lay the foundations for a different future, based on peaceful coexistence between two sovereign and secure states.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 18 June 2026.

Statement by Ambassador Archie Young, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Libya.

I will focus on three points raised by the SRSG, covering the UN-facilitated political process, irregular migration, and military reunification.

First, the United Kingdom welcomes the conclusion of the Structured Dialogue and the publication of its recommendations. 

We commend the dialogue’s participants who worked to find consensus on difficult issues, demonstrating the Libyan people’s desire for political progress. 

We urge all actors to seriously engage with the SRSG’s roadmap towards elections. 

Recent UN-facilitated smaller-format discussions show that progress is possible where there is political will.

As international efforts supporting political reconciliation continue, it is vital that UNSMIL remains at the centre, facilitating an inclusive and durable political solution.

Second, recent protests directed towards UNHCR and UNSMIL reflect frustration among Libyan communities about irregular migration. 

We are concerned by mis and disinformation fuelling inflammatory rhetoric about the UN’s work in Libya. 

The safety and security of UN staff and their ability to implement their mandates remains vital.

We condemn the criminal gangs profiting from organised immigration crime and driving insecurity in Libya and beyond. 

Their networks should be dismantled, informal detention centres closed, and protections for migrants and refugees strengthened.

And third, we welcome the successful conclusion of Exercise Flintlock last month, which saw eastern and western armed forces unite for joint exercises in Sirte. 

Such cooperation is an important confidence-building step. 

We encourage further efforts to build on this progress in support of the reunification of Libya’s military and security institutions.

President, the responsibility now lies with Libyan actors to seize this moment to agree a sustainable political settlement. 

The Libyan people deserve institutions that can deliver security, stability, and opportunity. 

We urge all parties to prioritise the national interest and to engage seriously in the UN-facilitated political process.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 18 June 2026.

UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue on Freedom of Expression. Delivered by the UK’s Human Rights Ambassador, Eleanor Sanders.

Thank you, Mr Vice President,

We thank the Special Rapporteur for her important work and today’s report. We commend her dedication throughout her mandate during which she has been a principled and authoritative voice for the protection of freedom of expression worldwide. We express our deep appreciation for her leadership, independence, and consistent defence of journalists, human rights defenders, and open civic space.

We remain committed to the right to freedom of opinion and expression, online and offline including through our role as co-chair of the Media Freedom Coalition. This right is foundational to democratic societies, accountability and the protection of all other human rights.

Digital platforms and large technology companies play an increasingly significant role in shaping public debate. Their decisions have profound implications for access to information, media pluralism, and the safety of users.  We therefore support efforts to promote greater transparency, accountability, and respect for human rights in the design and governance of digital platforms.

We will continue to engage on this important matter, working with partners to ensure that digital technologies strengthen, rather than restrict, freedom of expression.

Special Rapporteur, what practical steps can states take to ensure technology companies respect freedom of expression while avoiding over-regulation or unintended restrictions on legitimate speech?

Thank you