Tag: Foreign Office

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 1 June 2023.

On International Children’s Day, Ambassador Neil Holland says that Ukraine’s children are paying the price of Russian aggression.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 1 June 2023.

A joint statement by diplomatic missions in Ukraine on International Day for Protection of Children about forced deportation of Ukrainian children by Russia.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 31 May 2023.

Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN General Assembly Permanent Forum on People of African Descent.

Thank you, Madam Chair,

The UK is proud of our rich and diverse society.  We are making great strides towards becoming a fairer, more inclusive one. However, we recognise the need to continue to tackle, as in all societies, negative ethnic and racial disparities affecting some groups. In the UK that includes people with African and Caribbean heritage as well as other ethnic and religious minorities.

Last year we announced an ambitious Inclusive Britain action plan which aims to increase trust in our institutions; promote equality of opportunity; and encourage a greater sense of belonging.

Work is underway. For example, on criminal justice, where we will deliver a new national framework for how policing powers can be scrutinised by local communities. And education, with a new model history curriculum.

In parallel, through our Online Safety Bill, the UK will be the first country to hold social media companies to account for vile racist abuse online.

As we take this work forward, it is right that we reflect on our national journey.  From an era of empire and colonialism to one of pride in a diverse, modern society. It is a complex history.

The transatlantic slave trade is a scar on our global history.  British citizens and institutions played an important role in ending it.  But like nationals of other countries represented here, Britons were also implicated in it.  We recognise that the victims of slavery were primarily persons of African descent. And we continue to express our deep sorrow that it could ever have happened.

The United Kingdom believes that we must respond to the cruelty of the past by ensuring that current and future generations learn from it.  We are committed to combatting all forms of racism and building a fairer world today.

Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 31 May 2023.

UK military advisor, Ian Stubbs, says the Kremlin is struggling to explain its litany of strategic mistakes and failings on the battlefield to the Russian people.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Russia continues to launch large-scale missile and drone strikes on towns and cities across Ukraine. The repeated barrages launched on the people of Kyiv, as they celebrated the anniversary of the founding of Ukraine’s capital, were particularly deplorable. Whilst reports indicate that most attacks continue to be successfully intercepted by Ukraine’s air defences, Friday’s strike against the medical facility in Dnipro was a particularly egregious act. Such indiscriminate missile and drone attacks constitute major human rights violations, are contrary to international humanitarian law, and achieve nothing.

Russia has repeatedly underestimated the strength and determination of the courageous Ukrainian people to defend their homeland. These horrific tactics did not work during the winter, when Russia targeted power stations and water supplies throughout Ukraine, and they will not work now. They will not compensate for Russia’s failings on the battlefield.

Madam Chair, on Monday [29 May] President Putin signed a bill on Russia’s denunciation of the CFE Treaty. Although symbolic, Russia has refused to abide by the CFE Treaty since 2007, this represents another step in Russia’s incremental rejection of the international rules based order.

From its failure to abide by the 1999 Istanbul Agreements, to non-compliance in the Open Skies Treaty, through to weaponisation of the Vienna Document, Russia has deliberately and systematically attempted to tear apart the European Security Architecture that was designed to keep the continent safe and free from war.

We should be clear, over the past decades, Russia has disregarded, manipulated or withdrawn from international agreements and treaties whenever they no longer supported its nefarious aims. The outcome of this approach is evident in Moldova, Georgia, Ukraine and more widely.

On Monday, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov proclaimed that Russia was not at fault for the “huge void” in arms control. Well, the facts tell a different story. The “Russia is the victim” argument is so tired and so ridiculous that even the Russian people must see it for what it is – an overused and desperate retort by the Kremlin to try and explain its litany of strategic mistakes that have decimated Russia’s once proud global reputation.

Russia’s actions in Ukraine have been reprehensible and cowardly. Russia has demonstrated complete disregard for International Humanitarian Law; Russia has unleashed horrendous violence, conducting heinous attacks impacting on civilians and civilian infrastructure; and Russia has demonstrated its willingness to sacrifice its own people in their thousands to try and overcome persistent and institutional poor decision making by the Kremlin. Putin’s horrific war of choice has created a legacy for which millions will be forced to bear the cost of for years to come.

Madam Chair, Russia’s announced intention to deploy nuclear weapons and nuclear-capable systems on Belarusian territory is the latest in a long pattern of irresponsible nuclear rhetoric. It is designed to distract and deter us from supporting Ukraine. Russia should seek to reduce tensions and the risk of miscalculation, not increase them.

Madam Chair, we again call on the Belarusian regime to desist from supporting Russia’s attempts to stoke further instability in the region and stop its support of Russia’s illegal invasion.

Madam Chair, the UK and its international partners are steadfast in our support for Ukraine as demonstrated by the continued provision of military assistance. Ukraine has regained territory and liberated thousands of Ukrainian people thanks to the awe-inspiring bravery of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, the resilience of the Ukrainian people and overwhelming international support. Together, the UK and partners are ensuring that Ukraine will win. Our united approach of providing Ukraine with the support it needs to defend itself and push Russia out of Ukraine’s sovereign territory is the swiftest, and only, path to a just and lasting peace. Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 30 May 2023.

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

Thank you, President, and I thank Director General Grossi for your briefing.

Since the start of its full-scale invasion, Russia’s reckless actions at nuclear facilities across Ukraine have threatened the safety of Ukrainians and the international community.

Let me be clear, Russia’s control of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant is illegal and continues to pose a serious threat to the facility’s safe and secure functioning.

The IAEA’s February report confirmed the continued presence of military personnel and activity across the site, and described a situation that is “dangerous, precarious and challenging”.

Unauthorised military vehicles and stores sit in turbine halls. Landmines in the vicinity of the plant endanger Ukrainian operating staff and delay maintenance work. Supply chains and associated logistics continue to be severely impacted by the conflict, and off-site power supplies remain vulnerable.

New imagery shows Russian forces have established sandbag fighting positions on the roofs of several of the six reactor buildings. This indicates they have integrated the actual reactor buildings, of Europe’s largest nuclear power plant, into tactical defence planning.

Russia’s actions have violated all of Director General Grossi’s ‘seven pillars of nuclear safety and security.’

We’ve always been clear that as long as Russia’s illegal control of the plant continues, its safe and secure operation cannot be ensured.

As the Director General said, the situation simply cannot go on. I thank him and his colleagues at the IAEA for their bravery and ceaseless efforts to support nuclear safety and security in Ukraine, together with the Ukrainian Government.

We continue to support the IAEA’s work in Ukraine and its efforts to ensure the safe and secure use of nuclear technology around the world.

We recognise Director General Grossi’s efforts to maintain safety at the Zaporizhzia plant including through his five principles, as part of a solution that respects Ukraine’s sovereignty.

I pay tribute too to the bravery, professionalism and resilience of Ukrainian staff at the plant who continue to work tirelessly under duress.

President, the situation at Zaporizhzhia is entirely of Russia’s making.

Russia can resolve this situation at any time. It should withdraw its troops from the plant and from all of Ukraine.

Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 30 May 2023.

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

Thank you to Special Envoy Pedersen, Ms Mudawi and to Ms Aveline for your informative briefings.

It is clear from the Special Envoy’s remarks, the last month has seen significant developments in Syria. So, now is the time to redouble our efforts for an inclusive and accountable end to the conflict so that Syrians enjoy peace, so Syria no longer exports instability to the region and refugees can return in safety and with dignity. Security Council resolution 2254 provides the framework to deliver sustainable and lasting peace for the people of Syria.

Last week, the UN and international community came together to focus on the protection of civilians. This includes 15.1 million people in need because of the impact of 12 years of war, including 4.1 million people in North West Syria who faced a crisis on top of a crisis when the devastating earthquake hit in February.

We welcome the extension of access to Bab Al Salam and Al Rai earlier this month, and we applaud the UN’s efforts there. But last minute agreements for short-term periods are not workable. As the Secretary-General has said, and the Special Envoy reminded us today, humanitarians need to plan effectively, with predictable access, in order to deliver the indispensable, as Ms Mudawi said, “the indispensable humanitarian” [assistance] to people who are, as she said, “in life and death need.”

So, the extension of the Council’s mandate for Bab Al Hawa for at least 12 months, as all three of our briefers have said today, is critical. But the people of Syria deserve more than that. They deserve answers on the whereabouts of their loved ones who have been detained and or are missing. As the Special Envoy said, this is a core issue that affects all Syrians, on all sides of the conflict. Progress on this issue is essential for rebuilding trust with the Syrian people, and putting in place the conditions needed for refugees to choose to go home.

We also need effective action to stem the illegal captagon trade, to demonstrate that regional stability comes above the billion-dollar income the regime currently derives from it.

Colleagues, for a stable region, we need a sustainable end to this conflict. Security Council resolution 2254 is the framework to deliver that lasting peace for the people of Syria.

We call on the Syrian regime to meaningfully engage in this process.

Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 30 May 2023.

UK Minister for the Americas David Rutley travels to the Midwest to promote UK-US trade ties that support millions of livelihoods on both sides of the Atlantic.

• UK Americas Minister travelling to Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky as part of policy to deepen trading ties with states across the US
• with more than $1 trillion invested in each other’s economies, visit will build on US-UK trade relationships and help create jobs on both sides of the Atlantic
• David Rutley to meet with key political and business leaders and will attend the 91st US Conference of Mayors in Columbus, Ohio

The UK’s Americas Minister David Rutley is travelling to the heartland of the American Midwest from today (Tuesday, 30 May) to promote UK-US trade ties that support millions of livelihoods on both sides of the Atlantic.

In a visit to Kentucky, Indiana, and Ohio, David Rutley will champion the UK as a great investment and business partner for states across the US, building on the more than $1 trillion already invested in each other’s economies.

The US is the largest destination for UK foreign direct investment, and the UK supports more jobs in America than any other country in the world, with more than 1.2 million people in America working for British businesses.

Economic growth and the creation of better paid jobs is among the five priorities set out by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Minister Rutley will discuss with political and business leaders how the UK and US can boost cooperation in key sectors to make their economies more resilient, create jobs and protect livelihoods.

Minister for the Americas and Caribbean David Rutley said:

The US and the UK have more than $1 trillion already invested in each other’s economies and our relationship drives growth and supports millions of jobs.

We’re working in partnership to take full advantage of the rich bounty of business opportunities on both sides of the Atlantic.

The UK is strengthening trade ties with individual states across the US, in parallel to work with the federal government, and has already signed memoranda of understanding with Indiana, North Carolina, South Carolina and Oklahoma.

Active engagement with other states, including Texas, Utah and California, is ongoing to sign further arrangements which will make it easier and cheaper for US and UK companies to do business with each other.

During his time in the Midwest, Minister Rutley will hold bilateral meetings with leading state-level political and business figures.

In Ohio, Minister Rutley will also attend the 91st annual US Conference of Mayors in Columbus where he will meet with key political figures to showcase how the UK can work with cities across the country in building trading relationships that can help drive regional economic growth.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 30 May 2023.

The spare parts will improve the Land Border Regiments’ Land Rovers recce capability and support their mission to defend the security and stability of Lebanon.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 30 June 2023.

James Cleverly will meet UK military personnel leading NATO’s mission in Estonia. He will then visit Norway for a meeting of NATO Foreign Ministers.

• James Cleverly to meet UK military personnel leading NATO’s mission in Estonia protecting its ‘Eastern Flank’ by land, sea and air
• he will meet members of the new Estonian Government and visit a school for Ukrainian refugee children
• Foreign Secretary will then visit Norway for a meeting of NATO Foreign Ministers with support to Ukraine, and Sweden’s accession high on the agenda

The UK’s commitment to NATO and the defence of its ‘Eastern Flank’ will be underlined today (Tuesday 30 May) as the Foreign Secretary arrives in Tallinn to begin a 2-leg visit to Northern Europe.

In his first trip as Foreign Secretary to Estonia, James Cleverly will meet members of the new Estonian Government to highlight the UK’s role as a steadfast security partner, committed to deterring aggression and defending all NATO Allies in times of crisis and conflict.

As a demonstration of that partnership, the Foreign Secretary will visit the Royal Navy’s amphibious flagship, HMS Albion, currently in the Baltic Sea for 2 months taking part in military exercises with allies in the region, to hear from British military personnel across all 3 British armed forces, including some of the 850 UK troops currently stationed in the country as part of NATO’s enhanced Forward Presence.

He will also underline the UK’s strong desire for continued close cooperation on issues of importance to European security, including sustained support for Ukraine and working together to tackle illegal migration.

Cleverly will then visit Oslo for an informal meeting of NATO Foreign Ministers to call for Sweden’s swift accession to the Alliance ahead of the Vilnius Summit in July. Both Norway and Estonia are also members of the UK-led Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF), the group of like-minded, northern European nations protecting democracy, security and stability in the region, complementing wider NATO activity.

Ahead of his visit, Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said:

In Estonia, across land, sea and air, British personnel are on the frontline protecting Europe’s security and deterring Russia’s cruel and catastrophic aggression.

As NATO Allies, we are stronger than ever before – unified against hostility and in defence of democracy and freedom.

Not only is our military leading the way, our diplomats are working across the globe to galvanise our partners and strengthen international efforts to ensure Putin faces the consequences of his barbaric actions.

Cleverly will see first-hand how British forces personnel are leading NATO’s land and air missions to Estonia, helping to protect it on land, at sea and in the air.

At Amari air base, the Foreign Secretary will witness RAF Typhoons taking to the skies as the current lead nation for Baltic air policing out of Estonia, and see British Army Apache and Wildcat helicopters supporting multi-national exercises.

Cleverly will speak to Estonian tech company founders to promote economic ties between the UK and Estonia. He will review progress on the UK-Estonia tech partnership, which aims to develop new technologies in areas such as digital health and sustainable energy as well as creating jobs and boosting economic growth.

The Foreign Secretary will also pay a visit to a school set up in Estonia for children of Ukrainian refugees, who have fled the conflict in their country. Estonia has taken in more than 46,000 Ukrainians since the war began, offering them a safe haven away from Russian bombardment.

On Wednesday, the Foreign Secretary will visit Oslo for an informal meeting of NATO Foreign Ministers, where he will seek to shore up political and military support to Ukraine.

He will also use the gathering as part of a continued push for Sweden’s swift accession to NATO ahead of the Vilnius Summit in July, telling allies that its full membership will significantly boost NATO’s collective strength.

The Foreign Secretary’s trip follows visits to Moldova, Georgia and Kazakhstan in March, 3 more countries facing Russia’s malign activity on their doorstep.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 29 May 2023.

FCDO spokesperson statement on relocation of the illegal outpost in Homesh.