Tag: Foreign Office

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

The UK has summoned the Russian Ambassador after the politically-motivated conviction and sentencing of British dual-national Vladimir Kara-Murza in a Moscow court today.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 16 April 2023.

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly meeting G7 partners in Japan and visiting Pacific Islands to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Foreign Secretary, James Cleverly, arrives in Japan today (Sunday 16 April) for the G7 Foreign Ministers’ meeting ahead of a 4-day visit to the Pacific Islands and New Zealand. The combined visit will focus on promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific – as the region becomes the centre of growing geopolitical competition.

At the 3-day G7 conference (16 to 18 April) in Karuizawa, Cleverly will meet G7 foreign ministers, including the Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs Yoshimasa Hayashi, to discuss closer ties around security and defence. He will also discuss opportunities presented by the UK’s recent accession to the CPTPP trade agreement, which strengthens the UK’s global trading relationship with its partners in the region and will help drive growth across the country in line with the government’s 5 priorities.

Cleverly will also announce that the UK will join the US, Japan and Australia as a member of the Blue Dot Network which will give a quality mark to infrastructure projects, promoting higher standards. It will operate globally, including in emerging markets, as a recognised symbol of quality and therefore will attract private sector investment and public support.

The gap between infrastructure needs and finance has been growing and is forecast to reach US$15 trillion by 2040. This initiative aims to start narrowing that gap, promoting quality investment in projects across the world that are in desperate need of funding – from transport improvements to upgrading hospitals, schools and expanding access to reliable electricity.

Cleverly will then travel to Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands, before joining the New Zealand Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta for a joint programme in Samoa. They will then travel on to Wellington together for engagements on Saturday.

During his visit to the Pacific islands, Cleverly will announce financial support and the deployment of UK expertise to the region, chiefly for regional priorities such as climate change. This includes £4.5 million of new funding to connect communities in Papua New Guinea and across the Pacific to clean energy sources – providing an alternative to common but expensive and polluting generators.

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said:

With increasing competition in the region, it is more important than ever that we promote a free and open Indo-Pacific. It is critical to the UK, to our economy, our security and our values. Throughout my visit, I will build on commitments to our friends across the Pacific nations in their bid to promote peace and prosperity in the region.

At the G7, the foreign ministers will also discuss the need to maintain collective support for Ukraine and how international support from the UK and other G7 partners can be used most strategically to help Ukrainian forces continue their progress on the battlefield and secure a lasting peace.

The visit comes following the announcement that the UK will join the regional trading bloc – CPTPP (Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership) – as its first European member. The bloc is one of the largest free trade areas in the world, home to more 500 million people and will be worth 15% of global GDP once the UK joins. It is estimated that joining will boost the UK economy by £1.8 billion in the long run.

Joining CPTPP will also support further jobs and create opportunities for companies by giving British businesses improved access to the countries that will be gateway to the wider Indo-Pacific region, which is projected to make up the majority of global growth in the future.

The Integrated Review Refresh published in March 2023 set out how the UK will prioritise the Indo-Pacific through a long-term strategic footing, making the region a permanent pillar of the UK’s international policy.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 16 April 2023.

The UK strongly condemns the ongoing violence between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support forces in Khartoum and multiple cities across Sudan. It must stop immediately. The UK expresses its heartfelt regret for the loss of innocent lives by those caught up in this violence and calls on the Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces to cease all hostilities against each other. Now is the time for the Sudanese leadership to deescalate tensions and prevent further bloodshed.

The UK calls on Sudanese leadership to return to dialogue. After months of fruitful political discussion, and real progress towards the return of a civilian-led transition, military action is not the solution. Long term peace is possible, but only through open, honest and pragmatic discussion.

The UK stands in solidarity with the people of Sudan in their demands for a peaceful and democratic future. Innocent civilians should not pay the price of their futures due to this violence.

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

Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO), David Rutley, will travel to Honduras on 18 April.

This is Minister Rutley’s first visit to the country and the second by a British Minister since 2016. His visit is part of a regional tour that will take him to the Central American Northern Triangle (Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador).

His visit will focus on strengthening UK ties with Honduras as well as discussing a wide range of international issues, such as the war in Ukraine, free trade, regional stability and climate change, amongst others. For this purpose, Minister Rutley will meet:

Honduran Government officials
The Central American Bank of Economic Intergration –CABEI
Civil society representatives
Business leaders
On Ukraine, Minister Rutley will stress the need for countries stand together against the war while commending Honduras’ role at the UN’s Human Rights Council. Latin America is suffering from the fallout from Putin’s war in terms of higher energy, food and fertiliser prices, which feed into higher prices across the board.

At meetings with representatives of the Central American Bank of Economic Integration (CABEI), Minister Rutley will stress the UK is keen to support the infrastructure development that the region needs with UK expertise and finance, including investments from the private sectors. He will make the case for Honduras continue boosting trade with the UK through the UK-Central America Association Agreement.

On climate change, Minister Rutley will urge Honduras to continue playing an active role in cutting emissions and transitioning to clean energy. These plans will complement the UK’s investment of US$19 million in Mesoamerica, including Trifinio and la Mosquitia in Honduras, through the Biodiverse Landscapes Fund, to reduce poverty and create climate resilience.

At meetings with civil society groups, Minister Rutley will stress the unequivocal UK commitment to protect human rights, ranging from the situation of media freedom in the country, to listening to human rights defenders and continue advocating for the rights of vulnerable minorities.

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

Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO), David Rutley, will travel to Guatemala on 17 April.

This is Minister Rutley’s first visit to the country and the second by a British Minister since 2016. His visit is part of a regional tour that will take him to the Central American Northern Triangle (Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras).

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 13 April 2023.

The Prime Minister spoke to the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, this afternoon.

The leaders reflected on the close friendship between the two countries, and agreed great progress was being made on the 2030 UK-India Roadmap.

Discussing ongoing negotiations on a UK-India Free Trade Agreement, the leaders reflected on the huge opportunities a deal would offer to Indian and British businesses and consumers.

Both agreed to direct their teams to expedite progress to resolve outstanding issues and ensure a world-leading deal that would see both economies thrive.

The Prime Minister reiterated his condemnation of the unacceptable violence outside the Indian High Commission in London earlier this month.

He stressed that extremism had no place in the UK and updated on the steps being taken to ensure the security of Indian High Commission staff.

The leaders shared their best wishes to those celebrating Vaisakhi in the UK and India tomorrow.

Both looked forward to seeing each other at the G7 in Japan next month, as well as at the G20 in India later this year.

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

Special Envoys and Representatives from France, Germany, Norway, the UK, USA, and the EU have issued a statement on heightened tensions in Sudan.

We, the Special Envoys and Representatives from France, Germany, Norway, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, and the European Union are deeply concerned by reports of heightened tensions in Sudan and risk of escalation between the Sudan Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces.

Escalatory actions threaten to derail negotiations toward the establishment of a civilian-led transitional government. We call on Sudan’s military and civilian leaders to take active steps to reduce tensions. We urge them to hold to their commitments and engage constructively to resolve outstanding issues on security sector reform to establish a future unified, professional military accountable to a civilian government.

Now is the time to enter into a final political agreement that can deliver on the democratic aspirations of the people of Sudan.

Establishing a civilian-led transitional government is essential to address Sudan’s urgent political, economic, security, and humanitarian challenges, and is the key to unlocking international assistance.

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

Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the UN Security Council briefing on Colombia.

The press release issued by HM Treasury on 13 April 2023.

HM Treasury has today (13 April) announced the appointment of Sophie Hutcherson to the Board of the Financial Conduct Authority alongside the reappointment of Bernadette Conroy for a second term.

• Sophie Hutcherson has been appointed to the Board of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) as a Non-Executive Director.
• Sophie has 30 years’ experience in financial services having been a senior advisor to the CEO at Wells Fargo and having held various senior positions at Deutsche Bank UK.
• Bernadette Conroy has also been reappointed to the FCA Board as a Non-Executive Director for a second three-year term.
• Ben Broadbent has been reappointed for a third term to the Prudential Regulation Committee, the Board of the Prudential Regulation Authority.

HM Treasury has today (13 April) announced the appointment of Sophie Hutcherson to the Board of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) alongside the reappointment of Bernadette Conroy for a second term.

Sophie Hutcherson will join the Board on 17 April. Sophie has 30 years’ experience in financial services having worked as senior advisor to the CEO at Wells Fargo and held various senior positions at Deutsche Bank UK.

Bernadette Conroy’s executive career was spent in the financial services sector, where she gained 29 years’ experience at HSBC, Morgan Stanley and Booz Allen Hamilton.

The Economic Secretary to the Treasury, Andrew Griffith, said:

“I am delighted with the appointment of Sophie Hutcherson to the Board of the FCA, and I am pleased to be able to reappoint Bernadette Conroy to her role on the FCA’s Board.

“Their wealth of commercial experience within the financial services sector will strengthen the FCA’s Board and ensure the UK’s regulatory framework supports the Government’s vision at a time when Parliament is adding an important new duty on growth and international competitiveness.”

Chair of the FCA, Ashley Alder, said:

“I am delighted to welcome Sophie to the Board of the FCA, bringing a wealth of commercial experience from her more than 30 years as a leader in the financial sector, and with the reappointment of Bernadette, so we can continue to benefit from her strong focus on strategic delivery.

“As the remit of the FCA continues to grow, it is vital our Board can draw on a range of experiences.”

In addition, Ben Broadbent has been reappointed for a third term to the Prudential Regulation Committee, the Board of the Prudential Regulation Authority. This will align to conclude on 30 June 2024 when his second term as Deputy Governor for Monetary Policy at the Bank of England is also due to end.

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

Scotland Office Minister John Lamont’s US trip promotes culture, investment and trade.

The UK Government will be represented at New York’s Tartan Week, when Scotland Minister John Lamont attends the Tartan Day Parade this weekend on Saturday 15 April.

Marking its 25th anniversary this year, Tartan Week is an annual celebration of Scottish heritage in the Big Apple.  It celebrates the deep cultural ties between Scotland and the United States, and features a bagpipe parade through the streets of Manhattan.

Minister Lamont will be accompanied on the parade by performers from The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. The all-female troop is made up of two pipers, a fiddle player and four dancers. They will be representing the internationally-renowned Tattoo at Tartan Week for the first time.

In addition to the parade, Minister Lamont will take part in a number of other events, including:

• Attending a recreation of the first Tartan Week parade 25 years ago, which went from the British Consulate to the UN Plaza. This will include performers from The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
• Hosting a reception with The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and Edinburgh Fringe Festival, showcasing the best in Scottish arts and culture.  Refreshments at the event will be provided courtesy of Johnnie Walker Scotch Whisky.
• Taking part in a panel discussion on renewable energy and the drive to Net Zero, hosted by the Scottish North American Business Council and involving representatives from both sides of the Atlantic.
• Attending a roundtable event with members of the financial services industry hosted by EY and the UK Government’s Department for Business and Trade.

The Minister’s presence at Tartan Week highlights the importance of the relationship between Scotland and the United States, the significant contributions that Scottish-Americans have made to American society, as well as our many trade links. The USA is Scotland’s top exports market, with latest figures showing services exports worth £5 billion and goods exports worth £4 billion, and with beverages alone counting for more than £1 billion.

UK Minister for Scotland John Lamont said:

I am very pleased to be representing the UK Government at New York’s Tartan Week. It is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Scotland and our world class exports – be they financial services, Scotch or ceilidh dancing. The ties between Scotland and the United States are strong and enduring, and events like this showcase the lasting and important friendship between our two countries.

Business and Trade Minister Nigel Huddleston said:

Our trading relationship with the US is a hugely important one, with Scottish businesses exporting billions of pounds worth of high-quality goods and services each year.

Events such as Tartan Week help us to celebrate these links, but also to further strengthen ties with US buyers.

We’ve already made encouraging progress in removing trade barriers at state and federal level, and the UK Government will continue to do all it can to deliver for Scottish businesses and consumers.

Jason Barrett, Chief Operating Officer for The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, said:

We are delighted to be invited by the Scotland Office to New York’s 25th Tartan Week celebrations. The opportunity to share Scottish and military traditions as our Tattoo performers march alongside other extraordinary local and international Scottish organisations highlights our ambition to share our rich heritage with the world.

Allan Hogarth, Executive Director of the Scottish North American Business Council, said:

We are delighted to have assembled a panel of experts for the 25th Anniversary of Tartan Week. They will showcase Scotland’s strengths in the renewable energy sector and also explore the challenges on both sides of the Atlantic on key issues including climate mitigation and adaptation and city operations, sharing best practice in New York and Scotland.

The UK Government works tirelessly around the world to promote and protect the interests of Scotland.  Through our network of 282 missions in 180 countries and territories, British diplomats represent the interests of the whole United Kingdom, generating trade and investment and proudly promoting Scotland’s rich culture and heritage.

The UK Government has been seeking to remove trade barriers with the United States through a series of state-level MoUs, with more expected in the coming months. There have also been major trade breakthroughs at the federal level, including the removal of restrictions preventing high-quality Scottish beef from being sold in the US and resolving the Section 232 tariff dispute, resulting in the removal of 25 per cent tariffs on British steel.

The Tartan Parade, which takes place on Saturday 15 April is a highly anticipated event in New York City, drawing thousands of spectators each year. The parade features marching bands, traditional Scottish dancers and a procession of bagpipers. The event has become a beloved tradition in the Big Apple, and is a testament to the enduring cultural legacy of Scotland in the United States.