Tag: Foreign Office

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 19 July 2023.

Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN General Assembly meeting on the use of the veto.

Thank you, President.

Our meeting today is triggered by Russia’s seventeenth veto on Syria.

Again and again, Russia has used their veto to deny humanitarian access to the people of north-west Syria and to obstruct accountability for violence against civilians.

This time, that veto has been particularly cruel.

The UN was crystal clear about what it needs to get humanitarian access to the 4.6 million people in north-west Syria: sustained, predictable access, in line with international humanitarian law, for a minimum of 12 months.

Fourteen members of the Council were ready to agree to a resolution mandating that access. Fourteen members entered into negotiations in good faith, and made compromise after compromise to try to find common ground. And we are grateful to Brazil and Switzerland for their tireless work as co-penholders.
One member alone objected, for purely political reasons. Squabbling about the length of time for which the UN would have humanitarian access. And ultimately using their veto rather than putting in the hard work of negotiating. Down from 12 months, to 6 months, to nothing.

Having avoided negotiations, Russia put down a take it or leave it resolution that was supported by just one other Council member.

Mr President, the UN has been clear that the conditions set out by Syria to deliver aid are unworkable and unacceptable and in contravention of international humanitarian law.

Let us not forget that this is a live conflict. The regime continues to launch aerial assaults against people in north-west Syria. And now it wants to control the aid that reaches them too.

The idea that Syria is acting responsibly here is a cruel joke. The UN is now only able to operate across Bab al Ra’I and Bab al Salam. Those crossings, according to Syria’s terms, are only open for another three and a half weeks. A far cry from the 12 months for which the Secretary-General called.

And to say that OCHA cannot or should not engage with all parties on the ground to secure safe access is in violation of IHL, and of OCHA’s mandate. It puts the safety and security of humanitarian teams at risk. Around the world, humanitarians need to speak to all parties so they can get aid to people who desperately need it. Syria is no different.

As we have heard today, time and again, donors are concerned about what this means for the millions of dollars provided every year in humanitarian assistance to the Syrian people. They are concerned about the safety of civilian humanitarian teams on the ground. And about the transparency and governance arrangements that help them know their aid is getting to the people that need it – not being siphoned off.

So let us be clear. Humanitarian assistance needs to be delivered in line with international humanitarian law. Not held hostage to politics.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 19 July 2023.

A Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office spokesperson statement on North Korea’s ballistic missile launches on 18 July.

North Korea’s ballistic missile launches on 18 July are a breach of multiple UN Security Council Resolutions. Illegal ballistic missile launches continue to destabilise the peace and security of the Korean Peninsula.

The UK will continue to call out these flagrant violations of UNSCRs. We strongly urge North Korea to return to dialogue, and to take credible steps towards denuclearisation.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 19 July 2023.

UK military advisor, Ian Stubbs, says that Russia’s military are increasingly aware they are fighting and dying for an unjustified and unprovoked war of choice.

Thank you, Madam Chair. On 17 July, explosions struck the Kerch Strait Bridge. Following the explosions, President Putin vowed a response stating that what had happened had no logic from a military point of view. Madam Chair, let us be clear, opened in 2018 by Putin himself, the construction of the Kerch Strait Bridge was a violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

It is a bridge built by Russia on Ukraine’s territory. It is a bridge that provides Russia with a key logistics link for sustaining its forces in southern Ukraine. It is a bridge that has played a key role in moving heavy military vehicles and equipment as well as fuels, oils and lubricants to the southern front of Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine. Accordingly, any substantial damage to this bridge will almost certainly have a significant impact on Russia’s already strained ability to sustain its forces under pressure in southern Ukraine.

Madam Chair, for over 500 days Putin and the Russian military leadership have consistently underestimated the will, determination and courage of the Ukrainian military and civilians to defend their homeland from a brutal and barbaric invader. These miscalculations continue to have a demonstrable and enduring impact on the combat capability of Russian forces.

On 12 July 2023, the Ukrainian Centre for Defence Studies reported the average Russian battalion strength in Zaporizhzhia as 200 troops; that is 30-40% of its regular establishment. This is plausible following recent high intensity combat. Russia has likely also introduced ammunition conservation measures in Zaporizhzhia and Bakhmut, limiting daily expenditure to 12 rounds for some types of gun. Recent Ukrainian strikes on Russian logistic depots are likely partially responsible for reducing Russian materiel reaching the front line.

Russia is also almost certainly struggling with a crisis of combat medical provision, after suffering an average of around 400 casualties a day for 17 months. The influx of military casualties has likely undermined the normal provision of some Russian civilian medical services, especially in border regions near Ukraine. It is likely that many dedicated military hospitals are being reserved for officer casualties.

As claimed by the head of the Kalashnikov Company’s combat medicine training division, it is likely that up to 50% of Russian combat fatalities could have been prevented with proper first aid. Very slow casualty evacuation, combined with the inappropriate use of the crude in-service Russian combat tourniquet, is reportedly a leading cause of preventable fatalities and amputations.

The discontent and poor morale amongst Russia’s troops now also appears to have reached its highest ranks. On 12 July 2023, 58th Army Commander Major General Ivan Popov was relieved of command. He has claimed he was sacked for criticising Russian Ministry of Defence deficiencies. In an address by Popov to his forces, circulated on Telegram, he said he had complained about, “the lack of counter-battery combat, the absence of artillery reconnaissance stations and the mass deaths and injuries of our brothers from enemy artillery”.

As of 15 July 2023, Russia has also likely dismissed the commander of the Vozdushno-Desantnye Voyska’s (VDV) 106th Guards Airborne Division, General-Major Vladimir Seliverstov. There has been no official confirmation as to the reasons why Seliverstov has been dismissed, but 106th VDV division has been in intense combat near Bakhmut since January 2023. Russian military bloggers also suggest that the divisional commander of the 90th Tank Division (Eastern Military District), General-Major Ramil Ibatullin, has been arrested. There are multiple reports which indicate that several other military commanders have or are also being removed from post.

Madam Chair, at the last FSC, we noted that Yevgeny Prigozhin’s rebellion on the weekend of 24 June represented an unprecedented challenge to Putin’s authority, and that it was clear that cracks were emerging in Russian support for the war. Those cracks now appear to be shaking the very foundations of Russia’s forces in Ukraine. Russia’s leadership cannot even justify this war to its generals let alone its soldiers. All, increasingly aware that they have been sent to fight Putin’s horrific, unjustified and unprovoked war of choice – poorly trained, poorly equipped, and poorly led.

Madam Chair, the UK and our allies are committed to providing Ukraine with the support it needs to defend itself and push Russia out of Ukraine’s sovereign territory. This is the swiftest, and only, path to a just and lasting peace. We will stand by Ukraine for however long it takes. Ukraine will win. Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 18 July 2023.

Justin Addison (UK Delegation to the OSCE) tells the OSCE’s Asian Partners conference that to keep temperature rises below 1.5ºC we need to move away from unabated coal power.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 18 July 2023.

New government campaign encourages British people travelling abroad to check their travel insurance cover.

• new campaign sets out simple steps to avoid invalidating insurance cover
• invalid travel insurance could lead to significant costs
• travellers encouraged to check Travel Advice for their destination

As the big summer getaway ramps up with many schools breaking up, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) is urging Brits travelling abroad to make sure they do not void their travel insurance and risk a big bill. A new campaign will guide British travellers on the steps they need to take to make sure their policies cover them on their summer holidays.

Travellers without adequate and appropriate insurance cover could face bills running to tens of thousands of pounds if things go wrong abroad. But a few simple checks can help save travellers unnecessary stress and expense.

The campaign will encourage Brits to:

• declare all pre-existing medical conditions ahead of their trip
• check their insurance covers planned holiday activities such as water sports
• check that the length of their trip does not exceed any time limit in their insurance policy
• check their travel insurance includes medical evacuation cover
• take a printed copy of their insurance policy away with them and save the insurance company’s 24/7 emergency contact number and their policy number on their phone
• share their travel insurance policy details with travel companions and/or family in the UK

Medical bills can be eye-wateringly expensive, if someone is injured or falls ill abroad without adequate insurance cover. The price of surgery for a broken leg in the Canary Islands can be over £10,000, for example, and an accident in Greece requiring surgery and flights back to the UK could result in a bill of £30,000. The FCDO can provide support and assistance for British people who are hospitalised abroad but cannot pay medical bills or for medical evacuation.

Jennifer Anderson, FCDO Director of Consular Services said:

Arranging appropriate travel insurance is a holiday essential for all Brits heading overseas this summer.

By taking a few simple steps, travellers can avoid invalidating their insurance and save themselves thousands of pounds in medical bills should things go wrong.

Having the travel insurance in place that meets your needs can make all the difference and allow you to relax and enjoy your holiday.

Mark Tanzer, ABTA Chief Executive said,

If you’re going away on holiday this summer, it’s really important to take out travel insurance and make sure it provides the right cover for your trip – including the activities you’re planning, and any health conditions you may have.

You can also insure for cancellation due to unforeseen circumstances, but not all insurance covers this, so it’s vital to check the exact terms of your policy.

Louise Clark, Association of British Insurers Policy Adviser, said:

Travel insurance can provide vital protection and peace of mind when holidaying abroad, especially against any costs involved with needing emergency medical treatment.

It’s important to answer all questions fully and honestly when buying insurance to ensure you have the right cover in place, especially on any pre-existing medical conditions.

Policies will vary, so understand what you will or won’t be covered for and buy the cover that most suits your needs, not just based on price.

If you’re unsure about your cover or have any questions, please contact your insurer.

Travellers are reminded that the UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or valid UK European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) gets them state healthcare in Europe at a reduced cost or sometimes for free.

However, the GHIC and EHIC do not replace travel insurance and does not cover costs such as bringing the patient back to the UK or additional accommodation costs in-country. Travellers should also remember that the level of free public healthcare can vary between countries, so British nationals may not have access to the same specialist treatment that they would at home.

In addition to checking their travel insurance cover, the FCDO is encouraging travellers to prepare for their trip abroad. The FCDO’s foreign travel checklist sets out the practical steps that Brits need to think about before they head off on holiday, from passport validity to health prescriptions.

Holidaymakers are also encouraged to get all the latest information on their destination by checking travel advice on GOV.UK and signing up for email alerts. FCDO travel advice has all the latest information on entry requirements, local laws and customs and health care provision in over 200 countries and territories.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 18 July 2023.

Justin Addison (UK Delegation to the OSCE) says Russia’s brutal and illegal full-scale invasion of Ukraine has caused disaster and devastation, with significant impacts on energy security.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 18 July 2023.

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly has announced 14 new sanctions in response to Russia’s attempts to destroy Ukrainian national identity.

The Foreign Secretary, James Cleverly has today (17 July) announced 14 new sanctions in response to Russia’s attempts to destroy Ukrainian national identity, including 11 against those involved in the forced deportation of Ukrainian children.

Today’s announcement comes ahead of the Foreign Secretary’s speech at the UN Security Council (UNSC), where he will highlight the far-reaching implications of Russia’s war, call on Russia to renew the Black Sea Grain Initiative, and outline the need for a just, lasting peace in Ukraine.

Among the designations announced today are Russian officials Ksenia Mishonova, Commissioner for Children’s Rights in the Moscow Region, and Sergey Kravtsov, Minister of Education of Russia.

These individuals have played an insidious role in Russia’s calculated programme of deportation, designed to erase Ukrainian cultural and national identity. Over 19,000 Ukrainian children have been forcibly deported to Russia or temporarily Russian controlled territory by Russian authorities.

Many deported children are relocated to a network of re-education camps in illegally annexed Crimea and mainland Russia, where they are exposed to Russia-centric academic, cultural, patriotic, and military education.

This latest package of designations follows the UK’s sanctioning of Russian Children’s Rights Commissioner Maria Lvova-Belova in June 2022 for her alleged involvement in the forced transfer and adoption of Ukrainian children.

Also sanctioned today is Russian propagandist, Timofey Sergeitsev, who is responsible for spreading abhorrent propaganda designed to incite violence and hatred towards Ukraine and its people.

Olga Lyubimova, the Russian Culture Minister, is additionally targeted for using her position to support the Russian state’s damaging anti-Ukrainian policies.

Foreign Secretary, James Cleverly, said:

In his chilling programme of forced child deportation, and the hate-filled propaganda spewed by his lackeys, we see Putin’s true intention – to wipe Ukraine from the map.

Today’s sanctions hold those who prop up Putin’s regime to account, including those who would see Ukraine destroyed, its national identity dissolved, and its future erased.

The UK and international partners have implemented the most severe package of sanctions ever imposed on a major economy.

Over 1,600 individuals and entities have been sanctioned since the start of the invasion, including 29 banks with global assets worth £1 trillion, over 130 oligarchs with a combined net worth of over £145 billion, and over £20 billion worth of UK-Russia trade.

Later today, in New York, the Foreign Secretary will use his speech during a UK-chaired session of the UNSC to call for a just, lasting peace in Ukraine and highlight Russia’s barbaric forced deportation of Ukrainian children.

He is expected to say:

Ukraine wants peace. We want peace. The whole world wants peace.

Peace will bring home Ukraine’s lost children – and feed the hungry of the world.

The devastating effects of Putin’s aggression can be felt in every corner of the globe. Vital grain supplies from Ukraine will be cut off and millions will face exacerbated food insecurity if Russia does not agree to a renewal of the Black Sea Grain Initiative today.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 17 July 2023.

James Cleverly is visiting the US to lead UN Security Council sessions on Ukraine and AI as UK takes on presidency, and to address the Aspen Security Forum.

• James Cleverly to lead UN Security Council (UNSC) session on Ukraine and chair first ever UNSC session on Artificial Intelligence (AI) as UK takes on presidency in July.
• He is expected to announce further UK action to hold Russia to account, and will call for international dialogue on the risks and opportunities of AI.
• This will be followed by a visit to Colorado to address this year’s Aspen Security Forum.

Today (Monday 17 July), Foreign Secretary James Cleverly begins a visit to the UN in New York, coinciding with the UK’s presidency of the UN Security Council (UNSC) for the month of July.

Cleverly will lead a UN Security Council session on the war in Ukraine, prior to which he is expected to announce further UK action to hold the Russian government to account for its calculated deportation of Ukrainian children. Over 19,000 children have been forcibly relocated to re-education camps in an attempt to erase their cultural and national identity.

He will also attend the UN High-Level Political Forum to deliver the UK national statement on sustainable development with Member States, civil society organisations and private sector firms, showing the UK’s leadership in bringing the international community together to promote future global security, stability, and prosperity, which in turn will benefit the UK economy – supporting the Prime Minister’s priority to grow the economy.

He will also chair an event, co-hosted with Jamaica, where he will emphasise the need for more investment in climate resilient infrastructure and innovative climate solutions for developing countries.

On Tuesday, he will chair the first session on AI in the history of the UN Security Council and call for international dialogue on its risks and opportunities for international peace and security, ahead of the UK hosting the first ever global summit on AI later this year. Ranking third globally across several metrics, the UK is a world leader in AI and well-placed to convene these discussions. It also stands to gain from growth in the AI sector, which already contributes an estimated £3.7 billion in gross value added (GVA) to the UK economy and employs over 50,000 people.

The Foreign Secretary will then travel to Colorado to address the Aspen Security Forum on Wednesday, where he will reaffirm UK and allied support for Ukraine.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 15 July 2023.

At the Foreign Secretary’s instruction his senior official conducted a formal diplomatic démarche of the Chinese Ambassador.

As the Minister for the Indo-Pacific stated in Parliament yesterday, on 13 July a senior official conducted a formal diplomatic démarche of the Chinese Ambassador at the instruction of the Foreign Secretary.

An FCDO spokesperson said:

“The démarche set out our objections to actions in Hong Kong in recent weeks, including the issuing of arrest warrants and bounties for eight individuals living overseas, three of whom live in the UK, and the detention and questioning of the family members of some of those individuals in Hong Kong.

“The démarche also set out our ongoing opposition to the imposition of the National Security Law by Beijing on Hong Kong, which is a breach of the Sino-British Joint Declaration.”

Background Information

• It is standard practice for almost all démarches to be conducted by senior officials.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 15 July 2023.

Coastal Highway upgraded thanks to the UK Government, Caribbean Development Bank and the Government of Belize under the United Kingdom Caribbean Infrastructure Fund.