Tag: Foreign Office

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 22 March 2023.

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly responds to unacceptable acts of violence towards staff at the Indian High Commission in London.

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said:

Acts of violence towards staff at the Indian High Commission in London are unacceptable and I have made our position clear to the High Commissioner Vikram Doraiswami. The police investigation is ongoing and we are in close contact with the Indian High Commission in London and the Indian Government in New Delhi. We are working with the Metropolitan Police to review security at the Indian High Commission, and will make the changes needed to ensure the safety of its staff as we did for today’s demonstration.

We will always take the security of the High Commission, and all foreign missions in the UK, extremely seriously, and prevent and robustly respond to incidents such as this.

The UK-India relationship, driven by the deep personal connections between our two countries, is thriving. Our joint 2030 Roadmap guides our relationship and shows what we can achieve when we work together, creating new markets and jobs for the two countries and helping to tackle shared challenges. We want to build deeper ties between the UK and India for the future.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 22 March 2023.

Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN Security Council briefing on the Middle East.

Mr President,

We commend Israeli and Palestinian officials for their engagement in Aqaba on 26 February and Sharm El Sheikh on 19 March and thank Jordan and Egypt for hosting.

Commitments to desist from provocative unilateral actions and to pursue further actions in support of de-escalation are critical ahead of the convergence of Easter, Passover and Ramadan.

It is also critical that both parties abide by the commitments made and take forward promised confidence building measures, including to support the historic Status Quo governing Jerusalem’s holy sites and all those who worship there.

Mr President, let me make four points.

The Palestinian Authority must resume security cooperation with Israel, fight against terror and incitement, and maintain security in Area A. We also condemn indiscriminate rocket fire from Gaza.

Whilst Israel has a legitimate right to self-defence, unilateral incursions that result in the deaths of innocent Palestinians only escalate tensions. Israeli security forces must operate in accordance with international law, show restraint in the use of live fire, and conduct thorough investigations into the deaths of Palestinian civilians.

Second, Israel must also cease the approval of settlements and legalisation of outposts and from evictions of Palestinians in occupied territory, particularly in East Jerusalem.

The UK opposes the repeal of the Disengagement Law by the Knesset. This repeal is a unilateral measure which further undermines prospects for a two-state solution, and damages any renewed efforts at de-escalation.

Third, settler violence has gone unchecked for too long. The UK condemns all forms of violence by settlers, including the fatal attacks perpetrated against innocent Palestinians in Huwara.

I urge Israeli security forces to provide appropriate protection to the Palestinian civilian population as they are obliged to under international law, investigate and bring to justice perpetrators of settler violence, and end the culture of permissiveness and impunity.

Finally President,

Inflammatory rhetoric and incitement of violence by certain Israeli political leaders only serves to drive settler violence. The UK condemned the Israeli Finance Minister’s comments calling for the Palestinian village of Huwara to be “wiped-out” and his recent comments that deny the existence of the Palestinian people, their right to self-determination, and their history and culture. The United Kingdom extends its full support to Jordan and its sovereign territory.

All Israelis and Palestinians deserve peace and security, particularly during the holy festivals of Easter, Passover and Ramadan. This will require political will, good faith, strong co-operation, and meaningful actions by both Israelis and the Palestinians.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 22 March 2023.

Speaking at the United Nations Water Conference, Lord Goldsmith announced a new programme to improve access to safe, reliable and affordable water supplies.

• the UK has announced a new 5-year programme to improve access to safe, reliable and affordable water supplies and sanitation services, benefitting millions in Asia and Africa
• UK Climate and Environment minister Lord Goldsmith announced new UK funding at the United Nation Water Conference, the first UN conference focused on water since 1977
• new support builds on the UK’s success helping 120 million people gain access to basic water and hygiene facilities between 2010 and 2020

Speaking at the first UN High-Level Conference on Water in 40 years, UK Climate and Environment Minister, Lord Goldsmith announced new support to improve the quality of water supply, and sanitation and hygiene services in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa.

£18.5 million in UK funding will help provide safe, reliable, and affordable water supply sanitation and hygiene services that help prevent disease, protect people’s health and safeguard the environment from pollution. It is a key part of the UK government’s commitment to help end the preventable deaths of mothers, young children and infants.

The programme will help people living in poor communities across Asia and Africa, including in rural areas and in informal settlements in towns and cities. The funding will also support improvements to water, sanitation and hygiene services in schools, including menstrual hygiene, and in health facilities where it will have a major impact on reducing infection and improving quality of care received by patients.

Between 2010 and 2020, UK funding helped over 120 million people gain access to clean water supplies and sanitation. Since 2020 the UK has also reached 1.2 billion people with information promoting hygiene, with a strong emphasis on handwashing, including to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

The provision of safe water supply, sanitation and hygiene services helps protect people, especially young children, from diarrhoea, cholera and other killer diseases. It also reduces the huge effort and time that women and girls spend collecting water, opening up education and employment prospects.

UK Climate and Environment Minister Lord Goldsmith said:

Access to water is a human right and it is shocking that by 2030, 1.6 billion people will still not have access to a safe, reliable water supply. We urgently need to scale up global action, to support governments to strengthen and improve water sanitation and hygiene services.

The UK’s new funding will build on our long-running work to ensure more people have access to clean and safe water, to prevent deaths, open up education and employment, and reduce poverty.

The UN Conference on Water comes at a critical time. It is predicted that global freshwater demand will outstrip supply by 40% by 2030. Lord Goldsmith will meet with international partners and members of the private sector to discuss progress on ensuring water is a safe, sustainable and accessible resource globally.

This builds on the UK’s COP26 Presidency and work to drive progress on improving access to water, as well as how we value, manage and use water. At COP26, the UK and Malawi launched the Fair Water Footprints initiative, ensuring that goods consumed in the UK and across the world, have sustainable, just and equitable water management.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 22 March 2023.

Statement for Interactive Dialogue with the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Venezuela, delivered by UK Human Rights Ambassador Rita French.

Thank you Mr President.

We thank the Fact-Finding Mission for its update, and we welcome the renewal of your crucial mandate.

The work of the Mission remains essential to monitor, document and report serious human rights violations in Venezuela, particularly for vulnerable populations including women, LGBTQ+ people and indigenous communities. There is limited progress on accountability for human rights violations and abuses by Venezuelan authorities. Perpetrators of these abuses continue to walk free with impunity.

Threats and intimidation of human rights defenders continues. In January 2023 alone, 187 attacks were registered against them.

We are also closely monitoring the two proposed bills that would severely limit the civic and democratic space and the activities of civil society in Venezuela.

The upcoming electoral period in the country is critical to the country’s stability and for recovery to a democratic path where all Venezuelans can participate. Guaranteeing the free exercise of the right to association is fundamental to holding free and fair elections.

What is the extent of accountability for human rights abuses and violations that your Mission has documented?

Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 22 March 2023.

10 UK net zero start-ups pitched their technologies for up to $1 million investment and entry into an accelerator programme for green start-ups.

The UK-Malaysia Digital Innovation Programme Demo Day kicked off in Sunway City, Kuala Lumpur today where 10 UK net zero start-ups pitched their technologies in-person for up to US$1 million investment and entry into the Sunway iLabs’ Net Zero Lab, an accelerator programme for green start-ups. The initiative also saw UK tech companies connecting and exploring opportunities with the wider tech ecosystem including Malaysia government bodies and venture capital funds.

The event was attended by Minister of Economy YB Rafizi Ramli, His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for Asia Pacific Natalie Black, Deputy British High Commissioner David Wallace as well as Sunway Group’s Group Chief Executive Officer of Digital and Strategic Investments Evan Cheah.

The programme is held in partnership with Sunway Innovation Labs (Sunway iLabs), the innovation arm of Sunway Group, MyDigital Corporation and the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation, and delivered by IoT Tribe. Through the programme, UK start-ups will be able to pilot and scale their innovative solutions alongside Malaysian corporates to digitalise analogue systems, optimise energy use through AI and improve food security. The initiative will also help realise Malaysia’s digital ambitions towards a fully digitalised economy as outlined in the MyDigital Blueprint and the 4IR policy.

YB Rafizi Ramli, Minister of Economy said:

The first step to instilling a culture of innovation is understanding that innovation is simply looking at a day-to-day problem, and asking, ‘How can I make this better?’

All the best creations in the world start from that simple question. And programmes like the UK-Malaysia Digital Innovation Programme could help shape a society where its people are comfortable with asking that question, and seeing themselves as creators rather than just passive consumers. This is one step forward in mainstreaming the culture of innovation.

David Wallace, Deputy British High Commissioner to Malaysia said:

The UK’s bilateral trade with Malaysia totals £5.9 billion with digital, technology and cyber being the fastest growth sector. By connecting UK digital tech businesses with leading Malaysian corporates, and aggregating complementary strengths and resources, the Programme is a catalyst for commercial partnerships and investments.

Natalie Black, His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for Asia Pacific, said:

With its fast-growing technology sector and strategic location in ASEAN’s booming digital economy, Malaysia is a top destination for cutting-edge tech companies looking to expand and diversify their reach within the region.

That’s why we’ve brought 10 UK Net Zero tech businesses here for the UK-Malaysia Digital Innovation Programme Demo Day, bringing to fruition the innovative partnership we started with Sunway during last year’s London Tech Week.

Today’s event marks the final stretch of our inaugural UK-Southeast Asia Tech Week and an exciting new chapter for collaboration between our two tech ecosystems.

Matt van Leeuwen, Chief Innovation Officer of Sunway Group and Director of Sunway iLabs, said:

Sunway is committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions in line with the Malaysian government’s commitment of being carbon-neutral by 2050. This is a really ambitious target, which means we have to think and act differently in order to achieve this. In addition to our internal initiatives, Sunway is looking to partner with global startups to co-create solutions that can be tested and validated in our extensive ecosystem, with the ultimate objective to scale these in the Malaysian and wider Southeast Asian market. We launched the Sunway iLabs’ Net Zero Lab, a cross-border investment programme, to source and accelerate climate tech innovations that have a positive and sustainable impact on our communities and the planet.

Sunway iLabs is committed to supporting Malaysia’s green transition. It recently launched the Net Zero Labs and is increasing investments in climate tech solutions, such as carbon storage and utilisation, and large-scale implementation of renewable energy. This programme is supported by Khazanah, Japanese External Trade Organization Kuala Lumpur (JETRO KL), Deep Tech Labs and the Department for Business and Trade.

Through the UK-Malaysia Digital Innovation Programme, Sunway hopes to instigate some of that so they can start investing in some of the solutions they see coming out of the UK, to help them achieve their goals by 2050.

The UK-Malaysia Digital Innovation Programme is part of the wider UK-Southeast Asia Tech Week held across Jakarta, Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur. The week’s activities brought together cutting-edge UK tech companies and business and government representatives from across the region.

The leading UK start-ups shortlisted to showcase their disruptive technologies in Malaysia include Agave Networks, Filia, Inferrix, Informed Solutions, Permia Sensing, ProtectBox, Singular Intelligence, Voltvision, Voyage Control, Wootzano.

The event was well attended by over 100 stakeholders from across the Malaysian tech ecosystem. Besides senior representatives from Sunway Group, the event attracted other Malaysian corporates, investors and Malaysian government agencies such as MyDigital Corporation and MDEC. The event provided a valuable opportunity for exchange between UK and Malaysia as both countries move forward together towards a net zero future.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 22 March 2023.

The UK Foreign Secretary and the Foreign Minister of the State of Kuwait held the inaugural UK-Kuwait Strategic Dialogue in London on 20 March 2023.

The Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs of the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland, the Rt Hon James Cleverly MP, and the Foreign Minister of the State of Kuwait His Excellency Sheikh Salem Abdullah Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, held the inaugural UK-Kuwait Strategic Dialogue in London on 20 March 2023.

The two Ministers reviewed key areas of collaboration between the United Kingdom and the State of Kuwait, noting the breadth and depth of the bilateral relationship as well as the shared history and the strong people-to-people links that underpin this.

The UK and Kuwait reaffirmed the importance of the bilateral defence and security partnership. They welcomed the longstanding bilateral cooperation to bolster cyber defences against the growing threat posed by state and non-state actors. The Foreign Secretary reiterated the UK’s commitment to Kuwait’s security and territorial integrity, as well as to peace and stability around the world, and commended the positive role that Kuwait plays in regional security and beyond.

UK and Kuwait share a strong trade and investment relationship. The total volume of trade almost doubled last year, while the London based Kuwait Investment Office, a stalwart of the City’s financial sector, marks its 70th anniversary this year. Ministers explored priorities for future areas of investment. The recent announcement that Kuwaiti nationals may travel visa-free using the UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme from February 2024 will further strengthen business, tourism and people-to-people links.

The two Ministers exchanged views and explored opportunities on a number of key foreign policy priorities, including Yemen, the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPTs), and Ukraine.

They discussed ongoing peace talks that seek to end the conflict that has ravaged Yemen for over eight years. Discussing the OPTs, both Ministers expressed grave concerns at the rising level of violence and instability and stressed the need to resolve this longstanding conflict on the basis of the two-state solution.

On Ukraine, the two Ministers welcomed the overwhelming international support for last month’s UNGA Resolution calling for Russia to end hostilities and withdraw from Ukraine, and humanitarian assistance, including supporting reconstruction efforts.

The Strategic Dialogue complimented and built on the work of the longstanding UK-Kuwait Joint Steering Group, the 19th session of which was co-chaired on 14 February 2023 by Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon, Minister of State for the Middle East and North South Asia, the UN and the Prime Minister’s Special Representative on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict, and His Excellency Mansour Al-Otaibi, Deputy Foreign Minister of the State of Kuwait.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 22 March 2023.

UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue on the situation of human rights in Belarus, delivered by UK Human Rights Ambassador Rita French.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 22 March 2023.

Statement for the Interactive Dialogue with the High Commissioner for Human Rights on Venezuela.

Thank you, Mr. President.

Thank you High Commissioner for your recent visit to Venezuela and for your important update.

The UK shares your serious concerns about the human rights situation in Venezuela. Civic space remains significantly curtailed and freedom of expression restricted. Prisoners, particularly human rights defenders, unlawfully and arbitrarily detained, and restrictions on the rights of women and LGBTI people persist. However, we welcome the recent decision by the Supreme Court of Justice to decriminalise same-sex relationships in the military.

The proposed NGO and International Cooperation bills, which would limit further the civil and democratic space, are deeply concerning. We urge constructive dialogue with the international community to ensure this space is protected in accordance with Venezuela’s international obligations.

Human rights are also about the millions of vulnerable Venezuelans unable to access adequate health care, nutrition and water; this crisis will have long-term impacts on the lives of all Venezuelans.

We call for the respect of human rights and an end to impunity for perpetrators of human rights violations. This will be particularly important ahead of elections in 2024.

High Commissioner, how can the international community support access to justice for victims of human rights violations?

Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 22 March 2023.

Statement for the Interactive Dialogue with UN Commission of Inquiry on Syria, delivered by UK Human Rights Ambassador Rita French.

Thank you, Mr Vice-President,

This month marks twelve years of devastating conflict and bloodshed for the Syrian people. Last month’s earthquakes adding further to their suffering. The UK offers its deepest condolences for the victims of the earthquakes.

Thank you, Commissioners, for your latest report, which once again provides unambiguous evidence of the appalling human rights violations the Syrian people continue to suffer. Suffering for which the authorities and its allies bear primary responsibility.

Your findings on sexual and gender-based violence are alarming, even more so given they are not indicative of the full scale of the crimes in Syria owing to the stigma and lack of redress faced by victims and survivors.

There is only one way forward: complete respect for human rights and for perpetrators to be held to account.

Commissioners,

Assad has sought to use the devastating earthquakes to portray himself in a favourable light, even while his authorities continue to misappropriate aid and bombard civilian areas. What recommendations do the Commissioners have to ensure vital accountability efforts targeting the authorities and its backers continue?

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 22 March 2023.

International Technology Strategy launched to guide UK to becoming a tech superpower by 2030.

The UK has today (22 March 2023) published a roadmap for reaching tech superpower status by 2030 through a new International Technology Strategy.

The Foreign Secretary and the Science, Innovation and Technology Secretary set out at the launch in London how the UK will build on the strength of our tech sector, which is already the largest in Europe and the third highest valued in the world after the USA and China.

Last week’s publication of the Integrated Review Refresh identified that authoritarian regimes are using technology as a tool of oppression – with far-reaching consequences for the security and prosperity of the British people.

The International Technology Strategy sets out the UK’s alternative. The UK, guided by four principles – to be open, responsible, secure and resilient – will shape the future of technology in a way that promotes its use positively, and drives innovation and UK tech leadership, while boosting our security from new and emerging threats.

The UK government will work closely with governments, academia and industry to leverage the UK’s world-leading strengths in technology through international partnerships with established and emerging science and technology powerhouse nations.

The Prime Minister has made growing the economy, creating better paid jobs and opportunity across the country, one of his five priorities. Investing in our thriving tech sector will directly contribute to that. The sector was worth $1 trillion in 2022, and our country is home to more than 85,000 start-ups and scale-ups. More investment was generated in the UK tech sector last year than in France and Germany combined, creating and sustaining high quality jobs around the country.

The International Tech Strategy will boost growth in this sector, strengthening our position on the world stage while forging long-term links that will promote the UK as place for investment and collaboration in the technologies of the future

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said:

Now more than ever, it is important that the UK steps up to promote British tech excellence worldwide and takes a stand against the malign influences that seek to use tech against us.

That is why we’ve announced this strategy, helping to deliver on our ambition to be a tech superpower by 2030, backing UK businesses and helping us solve the challenges of tomorrow through innovation and international collaboration.

Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan said:

We are a top-class breeding ground for emerging tech, but being a superpower means working with our international partners to turn these nascent technologies into global industries.

Our International Tech Strategy will ensure we deepen collaboration with our allies on the technologies of tomorrow, driving growth and prosperity for the UK while strengthening our national security.

Our first tech envoy, Joe White, has helped to boost our ties with tech companies in Silicon Valley. Building on this success, the UK will expand our network of tech envoys and expertise to create the world’s most extensive tech diplomacy network. We will use this as a platform to enforce our principles, challenge authoritarian narratives and to drive international collaboration with industry. Envoys will be bring expertise from the tech sector, ensuring that they can put their lived experience of this industry into boosting the UK’s global leadership.

These aims will further be supported through our new Technology Centre of Expertise. With the first pilots running from later this year, these centres will bring together tech and digital experts from government, private sector, and academia to support countries to transform their economies in a sustainable and inclusive manner through innovation.

The UK Science and Technology Framework set out the ambition for the UK to be internationally recognised as a tech superpower by 2030. Being a tech superpower requires us to collaborate more deeply with other leading nations to tackle the urgent global challenges facing our planet through science and tech. This strategy set out the work being done to build those partnerships.

As part of the strategy, the UK will also work with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Global Forum on Technology to engage with the international community on how to better use technology. We will also build on the UK’s success in securing a seat on the Council of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), working together with partners to increase worldwide connectivity, and provide clear leadership in the telecoms sector.