Tag: Foreign Office

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

The UK Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the Conference on Disarmament spoke at the First Preparatory Committee for the 2026 NPT Review Conference.

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

The UK Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the Conference on Disarmament spoke at the First Preparatory Committee for the 2026 NPT Review Conference.

Mr Chair, the United Kingdom remains committed to the long-term goal of a world without nuclear weapons with undiminished security for all, as the Prime Minister reaffirmed when he visited Hiroshima in May. We firmly believe that the only credible way of achieving this goal is gradual multilateral disarmament negotiated through the NPT.

We must be clear eyed about the challenges we face in this task as the security environment has grown more challenging. The UK’s 2021 Integrated Review and its 2023 Refresh set out the growth in systemic competition between states. Some are significantly increasing and diversifying their nuclear arsenals. Some are investing in novel nuclear technologies and developing new ‘warfighting’ nuclear systems which they are integrating into their military strategies and doctrines and into their political rhetoric to seek to coerce others.

As a nuclear-weapon state that takes its responsibilities seriously, the UK will continue to work internationally towards creating the environment for a world without nuclear weapons. The UK has made a significant contribution to the reductions in the global stockpile of nuclear weapons. Since the end of the Cold War, the UK has approximately halved its stockpile and continues to have the lowest stockpile of any Nuclear Weapon State. We have de-targeted and de-alerted our nuclear weapons and have reduced our deterrent capability to a single delivery system and the role of nuclear weapons in our national security strategy. We have reaffirmed our negative security assurances, and our support for Nuclear Weapon-Free Zones.

It is important that parties to the arms control architecture fully implement their obligations under it. We urge Russia to return immediately to full compliance with the New START treaty, and to engage constructively with the United States on this matter.

But progress on disarmament is reflected not just through reductions in weapon stockpiles. We must also build collective trust and create a better security environment – not as a condition, but an enabler for our ultimate goal.

In this context, and recognising that it is not a substitute for disarmament, we must redouble our efforts on strategic risk reduction. The UK is ready to work with all states – including those who may threaten our interests and security – to build stability, transparency and better mutual understanding, and to identify and implement effective measures for strategic risk reduction which reduce the likelihood of nuclear use.

Mr Chair, the best way to make progress on disarmament in the current circumstances is to focus on working on the pragmatic and necessary steps to lay the groundwork for the future. The UK is committed to playing its part in this essential work.

In this review cycle, we will dedicate our efforts to making progress on verification, irreversibility and transparency, building on the working papers we submitted, on our own and with partners, at last year’s Review Conference.

On verification, we will continue our domestic research programme and international work, including in the Quad Nuclear Verification Partnership and with the International Partnership for Nuclear Disarmament Verification. We are pleased that the UN Group of Government Experts was able to adopt consensus conclusions and recommendations. We hope that we can continue this work, including establishing a UN Group of Scientific and Technical Experts.

We will also play our part in further developing our collective thinking on the principle of irreversibility. As set out in the joint statement delivered earlier by the distinguished representative of Norway, we will sponsor relevant research, convene conferences and share the results. We warmly invite all delegations to our side event on this subject, co-hosted with Norway and VERTIC, in Room M6 this lunchtime.

The UK has long spoken of the importance of the principle of transparency. Transparency both underpins confidence-building and negotiations between Nuclear Weapon States, and accountability to our Parliament and public and to fellow States Parties in our implementation of the NPT. While it was encouraging that proposals on this issue at last week’s Working Group on the further strengthening of the review process commanded broad support, we were disappointed that they could not be agreed. We should continue to work on these proposals in the context of the Preparatory Committee with a view to improving the quality, consistency and use of reporting at the Review Conference.

Mr Chair, it is 25 years since the UK signed the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, 28 years since we declared a voluntary moratorium on the production of fissile material for nuclear weapons, and 30 years since the consensual adoption of a UN General Assembly resolution calling for a Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty. We continue to call for the entry into force of the CTBT and the commencement of negotiations in the Conference on Disarmament on an international and effectively verifiable treaty banning the production of fissile material for nuclear weapons and other nuclear explosive devices.

Mr Chair, let me conclude by assuring you of the UK’s continued commitment to progress on this issue throughout this review cycle.

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

British High Commissioner-designate to Malaysia, HE Ailsa Terry CMG, has arrived in Kuala Lumpur to take up her new posting at the British High Commission.

Ms Terry arrives excited about the ever-growing UK-Malaysia relationship. In particular, she hopes to strengthen bilateral trade as the two countries are set to benefit from their first ever Free Trade Agreement, through the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) which the UK signed up to last month.

The new British envoy will start her appointment as the British High Commissioner-designate on 10 August 2023 and succeeds Charles Hay MVO. She is expected to present her credentials to His Majesty The Yang Di-Pertuan Agong later this month.

Ms Terry said:

I am thrilled to be in Malaysia, a beautiful and diverse country with such a long standing and important relationship with the UK. This is an exciting time for both the UK and Malaysia as we build a modern partnership based around our many shared interests and I have a brilliant team to work with.

Building on the strong connections between our people, and our shared history and values as fellow Commonwealth members, I believe there is huge potential for the UK and Malaysia to work more closely together to boost our trade, education and tech relationship, tackle the climate emergency and uphold the international rules-based system. There is also opportunities to strengthen our defence partnership including through the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA).

Malaysia is a global biodiversity hotspot and our UK-Malaysia Climate Partnership Memorandum of Understanding will enable us to work more closely together. I also look forward to working with Malaysia on important issues affecting regional security, stability and prosperity especially during the Malaysian chairmanship of ASEAN in 2025.

Before taking up the post of High Commissioner, Ms Terry was the Director of the FCDO’s inaugural Sanctions Directorate from 2022 to 2023, which she established as part of the UK’s response to Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine.

Prior to that, she was the Foreign Affairs Sous-Sherpa and Director in the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) for the UK’s Presidency of the G7 in 2021. She also worked in the National Security Secretariat in the Cabinet Office which supports the work of the UK National Security Council.

During her time in the British diplomatic service, she has been posted to Islamabad and the UK Mission to the European Union (EU) in Brussels. Ailsa was also the Political Adviser to the EU Special Representative to Afghanistan in 2011.

Ms Terry is married to Adam Terry and they have twin sons. She read English Literature (BA Hons) at Oxford University.  In her spare time Ailsa enjoys reading, cooking and spending time outdoors with her family.

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

The UK’s Security Minister, Tom Tugendhat, is in India for a 3-day visit to bolster bilateral cooperation on security initiatives and attend the G20 Anti-Corruption Ministerial Meeting.

During a meeting with India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr S. Jaishankar, in New Delhi on Thursday (10 August), Minister Tugendhat announced new funding to enhance the UK’s capability to tackle Pro-Khalistan Extremism.

The £95,000 investment will enhance the government’s understanding of the threat posed by Pro-Khalistan Extremism, complementing the joint work already underway between the UK and India through the Joint-Extremism Task Force.

Security Minister, Tom Tugendhat, said:

The living bridge between India and the UK reflects our deep and enduring friendship. As the world’s oldest and largest democracies, we have many shared opportunities to make the world a safer and more prosperous place.

A deeper partnership between our two nations means we can more effectively tackle the security threats we both face. I’m committed to working together to enhance our understanding of and capabilities against extremism – whatever form it takes.

Corruption also harms our prosperity, damages our society and threatens our national security. I am delighted to be attending the G20 Anti-Corruption Ministerial meeting, presided over by India, to continue strengthening global resilience and cracking down on its corrosive influence.

Before travelling to Kolkata for the G20 Anti-Corruption Ministerial, which will take place on 12 August, Minister Tugendhat will visit the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to discuss joint challenges posed by child sexual exploitation and abuse, and fraud. He will also meet with the Indian National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval.

The UK Government recently launched a Fraud Strategy, which includes a new National Fraud Squad who will work with local forces, international partners – including the CBI – and the UK Intelligence Community to ensure that callous fraud cells are shut down.

At the G20, Minister Tugendhat will emphasise the UK’s unwavering commitment to fighting corruption, which undermines national security and global prosperity.

The G20 discussion will compliment work already underway by the UK Government to deliver a new UK Anti-Corruption Strategy.

British High Commissioner to India Alex Ellis said:

The unique connection between our people brings both huge opportunities and security challenges. Through mechanisms like the Joint Extremism Task Force we are acting jointly on countering threats, including pro-Khalistan extremism, as well as on migration, to keep our people safe.

Our migration and mobility relationship is a pillar of our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which also includes ensuring a free and open Indo Pacific, and tackling the biggest challenges facing the world around climate and health. This is a partnership for now, including India’s G20 Presidency, and for the future.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 10 August 2023.

The UK, US and Canada have sanctioned Lebanon’s former Central Bank Governor Riad Salameh and his close associates involved in corruption.

• The UK sanctions the former Governor of the Central Bank of Lebanon, and three associates, for diverting over $300m of  the Bank’s funds for personal gain.
• The sanctions against Riad Salameh and his close associates, including his brother, are coordinated with the US and Canada.
• The UK’s Minister for the Middle East Lord Ahmad calls on Lebanon’s leaders to urgently bring about real reform and fight corruption at the top to set Lebanon on the path to economic recovery.

Today, the UK, US and Canada have announced coordinated sanctions against Riad Salameh, Lebanon’s former Central Bank governor, and three of his close associates, for their role in the diversion of over $300m from the Bank.

Riad Salameh’s actions benefited himself and his close associates at the expense of the Lebanese people. His brother Raja Salameh, former assistant Marianne Hoayek and former partner Anna Kosakova financially benefited from this corruption, lining their pockets with money belonging to the Lebanese people. All four individuals have been handed travel bans and asset freezes.

The UK has coordinated these sanctions with our key partners the US and Canada. This demonstrates the UK’s commitment to combat corruption in Lebanon.

Minister of State for the Middle East, Lord Ahmad said:

Riad Salameh and his close associates have stolen from people of Lebanon and deprived them of resources crucial to its economic and social stability.

The UK is dedicated to fighting for justice and accountability for Lebanon and the Lebanese people. The only way to put Lebanon on the path to much-needed economic recovery is for its leaders to stamp out corruption and implement real reforms.

Corruption and a lack of reform have led to a devastating economic crisis in Lebanon – cited by the World Bank as one of the worst in modern history. This has plunged over 80% of the population into poverty. Lebanon ranks 154 out of 180 on the Transparency International Global Corruption Perception Index.

This is the first time the UK government has used the Global Anti-Corruption Sanctions regime against individuals involved in corruption in Lebanon. Since its introduction in April 2021, the UK has introduced sanctions against 39 individuals and entities under this regime globally to combat corruption across the world.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 10 August 2023.

Two leading experts appointed to spearhead preparations for UK to host AI Safety Summit as £13 million unveiled to revolutionise healthcare research.

Two leading experts have been appointed to spearhead preparations for the UK to host the first major international summit of its kind on the safe use of artificial intelligence, as the Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan announces £13 million to transform healthcare research.

Matt Clifford, CEO of Entrepreneur First and Chair of the Advanced Research and Invention Agency, and Jonathan Black, Heywood Fellow at the Blavatnik School of Government at the University of Oxford and former UK G7 and G20 Sherpa and Deputy National Security Adviser, will be charged with rallying leading AI nations, companies and experts, ahead of the event in the UK this autumn.

Bringing a wealth of skills, they’ll serve as the Prime Minister’s representatives, coordinating and galvanising efforts to make sure the summit results in the development of a shared approach to mitigating the risks of AI. Matt is one of the only private sector representatives to be appointed to this kind of diplomatic role.

The announcement comes as the Technology Secretary visited University College London (UCL) to announce £13 million is to be channelled into research that will deliver cutting-edge AI innovation in healthcare, with 22 winning university and NHS trust projects stretching from Edinburgh to Surrey set to receive a share.

The cash boost will support everything from the development of a semi-autonomous surgical robotics platform for the removal of tumours, to the ability to predict the likelihood of a person’s future health problems based on their existing conditions – showcasing the real-world impact artificial intelligence is having.

Technology Secretary, Michelle Donelan, said:

The UK has a proud history of demonstrating diplomatic leadership on the most important issues of the day and Matt and Jonathan’s experience and expertise means that they are perfectly placed to lay the groundwork ahead of talks this year on safe and responsible AI.

We’re already a leading nation when it comes to artificial intelligence – and this summit will help cement our position as the home of safe innovation.

By leading on the international stage, we will improve lives at home. AI will revolutionise the way we live, including our healthcare system. That’s why we’re backing the UK’s fantastic innovators to save lives by boosting the frontline of our NHS and tackling the major health challenges of our time.

Foreign Secretary, James Cleverly, said:

Artificial intelligence will fundamentally alter every aspect of human life. As AI rapidly evolves, we need a global approach that seizes the opportunities that AI poses while grasping the challenges and minimising the risks.

No country will be untouched by AI, so with the support of our two expert representatives, the UK is proud to play a leadership role in the global effort to address the challenges and opportunities of AI.

The multi-million-pound funding will see more than £500,000 go to the University College London’s Centre for Interventional and Surgical Sciences, which the Secretary of State will visit to see how the early development of this technology could revolutionise surgery for one of the most common types of brain tumour.

The project will develop a real-time AI ‘assisted decision support framework’ to improve surgical outcomes, including avoiding complications following surgery and shortening recovery time for patients.

Further winning projects include those led by:

University of Sheffield: £463,000 to carry out an external validation of an approach that could lead to much wider, effective treatment of chronic nerve pain, which affects one in ten adults over 30.

University of Oxford: £640,000 to accelerate research into a foundation AI model for clinical risk prediction which could determine the likelihood of future health problems based on an individual’s existing conditions.

Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh: £644,000 to develop a system that assists trainee surgeons to practice laparoscopy procedures – commonly known as keyhole surgery – with real-time feedback on their movements.

University of Surrey: £456,000 will see researchers work closely with radiologists to develop AI that improves the mammogram analysis process and could allow radiologists to join the clinical force earlier in their careers – boosting the numbers of cancer specialists.

Health and Social Care Secretary, Steve Barclay, said:

AI can help the NHS improve outcomes for patients, with breakthroughs leading to earlier diagnosis, more effective treatments, and faster recovery. It’s already being used in the NHS in a number of areas, from improving diagnosis and treatment for stroke patients to identifying those most at risk of a heart attack.

This funding is yet another boost to help the UK lead the way in healthcare research. It comes on top of the £21 million we recently announced for trusts to roll out the latest AI diagnostic tools and £123 million invested in 86 promising tech through our AI in Health and Care Awards.

With the final dates to be confirmed shortly, the AI safety summit will consider the risks of AI, especially at the frontier of development, and discuss how they can be mitigated through internationally coordinated action. It will also provide a platform for countries to work together on further developing a shared approach to mitigate these risks.

The UK is well-placed to convene discussions on the future of AI as a world-leader in AI – ranking third behind the US and China. Britain’s AI sector already contributes £3.7 billion to the UK economy and employs 50,000 people across the country.

The UK was one of the first leading nations to set out a blueprint for the safe and responsible development of AI, which will be adaptive to the speed of advances in this technology. Earlier this year the UK also launched an expert taskforce to help build and adopt the next generation of safe AI, backed by an initial £100 million of funding, alongside a commitment to spend £900 million developing compute capacity, including an exascale supercomputer in the UK.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 9 August 2023.

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

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 9 August 2023.

Minister for Europe Leo Docherty calls for the immediate and unconditional release of political prisoners in Belarus.

On the anniversary of the start of a brutal crackdown against peaceful protestors in Belarus following the flawed 2020 presidential election, Minister for Europe Leo Docherty said:

Three years ago, the Belarusian regime unleashed violence on peaceful protesters, civil society groups, journalists and political opponents for seeking to pursue their desire for freedom and democracy.

Alexander Lukashenko continues a repressive campaign against his own people, aimed at depriving ordinary Belarusian citizens from exercising their fundamental democratic rights. His regime’s support for Putin’s illegal war in Ukraine further demonstrates its complete disregard for international norms.

The UK Government has already introduced sanctions targeting those responsible for the suppression of human rights in Belarus and will continue to work alongside our international partners to hold Lukashenko’s regime to account for its appalling actions.

The close to 1,500 political prisoners who remain detained in Belarus today must be released immediately and unconditionally. We stand in solidarity with the Belarusian people.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 8 August 2023.

Statement by Deputy Political Coordinator Tom Phipps at the UN Security Council meeting on Syria.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 8 August 2023.

Foreign Secretary announces 25 new sanctions targeting Putin’s access to foreign military equipment.

• Foreign Secretary announces 25 new sanctions targeting Putin’s access to foreign military equipment.
• This includes individuals and businesses in Turkey, Dubai, Slovakia and Switzerland who are supporting the illegal war in Ukraine.
• The UK is also tackling Iranian and Belarusian support for Russia’s war machine.

The Foreign Secretary, James Cleverly has today (8 August 2023) announced 22 new sanctions on individuals and businesses outside Russia supporting Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, as well as 3 Russian companies importing electronics vital to Russia’s military equipment used on the battlefield.

Today’s measures will damage Russia’s defence systems by cutting off Putin’s access to foreign military equipment. Among those sanctioned are:

• Two Turkey based businesses, Turkik Union and Azu International, for their role in exporting microelectronics to Russia that are essential for Russia’s military activity in Ukraine.
• Dubai based Aeromotus Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Trading LLC, for its role in supplying drones and drone components to Russia.
• Slovakian national Ashot Mkrtychev, for his involvement in an attempted arms deal between the DPRK and Russia.
• Swiss national Anselm Oskar Schmucki, for his role in Russia’s financial services sector, including through working as Chief of the Moscow office of DuLac Capital Ltd.

We are also taking further action to tackle Iran and Belarus’ support for Russia’s military. The UK has previously imposed sanctions on Belarus for continuing to actively facilitate Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and has called out Iran’s destabilising role in global security, including through sanctions against Iranian suppliers of the UAVs used by Russia to target Ukrainian civilians. Today’s sanctions include:

• Iranian individuals and entities involved in the research, development and production of UAVs for the IRGC.
• Belarusian defence organisations linked to the manufacturing of military technology for the Belarusian regime, which has directly facilitated Putin’s illegal war.

The UK is also sanctioning three Russian companies operating in the electronics sector for their role in procuring UK-sanctioned western microelectronics that are essential for sustaining Russia’s conflict in Ukraine.

This sanctions package is part of a series of wider action targeting those critical to supplying and funding Putin’s war machine – and it is the biggest ever UK action on military suppliers in third countries.

The Russian defence industry is severely stretched and focused entirely on sustaining the war. Unable to access Western components, the Russian military is struggling to produce sufficient top-end equipment and is now desperately searching for foreign armaments. Russia is already having to mobilise soviet-era tanks and harvest kitchen freezers for low-grade chips. Today’s package tackles Russia’s attempts to circumvent and offset these clear impacts of UK and allies’ sanctions.

Foreign Secretary, James Cleverly said:

Today’s landmark sanctions will further diminish Russia’s arsenal and close the net on supply chains propping up Putin’s now struggling defence industry.

There is nowhere for those sustaining Russia’s military machine to hide.

Alongside our G7 partners, the UK has repeatedly called on third parties to immediately cease providing material support to Russia’s aggression or face severe costs.

We will continue working together with our international partners to prevent third parties supplying weapons and welcome stronger action to clamp down on rogue military supplies and sanctions circumvention. The UK is committed to maintaining international efforts to ensure sanctions are effective, investigate activities that support circumvention and act accordingly. We welcome cooperation from third countries where they are taking steps to address actions by those in their jurisdictions supplying Russia.

Through this sanctions package, the UK is also taking further steps to tackle countries actively supporting Putin by supplying weapons and military components directly to Russia, including Iran, Belarus and DPRK. Among these new designations is the Belarusian company Gomel Radio Plant which is repairing Russian military equipment; and the Iranian Paravar Pars Company, a key regime-linked UAV manufacturer, and seven of its executives. Iran is responsible for supplying Russia with the kamikaze drones used to bombard Ukraine.