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Tag: Foreign Office

  • PRESS RELEASE : Foreign Secretary in India to forge stronger economic and tech ties in Indo-Pacific [March 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Foreign Secretary in India to forge stronger economic and tech ties in Indo-Pacific [March 2023]

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

    James Cleverly will launch an exchange scheme for young professionals and, at a foreign ministers’ meeting, will urge G20 partners to tackle global challenges.

    • Foreign Secretary to launch new exchange scheme for young British and Indian professionals to live and work in the 2 countries
    • James Cleverly will also announce the UK is to appoint a Tech Envoy to the Indo-Pacific region
    • he will continue to call out Russian aggression in Ukraine at a foreign ministers meeting for India’s G20 Presidency and urge partners old and new to work together to tackle the most urgent global challenges

    Foreign Secretary James Cleverly is visiting India to mark a new scheme allowing young Brits and Indians to live and work in each other’s countries for up to 2 years, which was announced by the Home Secretary earlier this week.

    The Foreign Secretary will today (1 March) meet his counterpart, External Affairs Minister Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, ahead of foreign ministers gathering in New Delhi tomorrow (2 March). They are expected to discuss progress on the UK-India 2030 Roadmap, which aims to bolster the 2 countries’ ties in defence and security, trade and investment.

    During a visit to the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) in Delhi today (Wednesday), the Foreign Secretary will mark the opening of the Young Professionals Scheme, an ambitious new partnership between the UK and India which allows up 3,000 Brits and 3,000 Indians a year the right to live and work in the other country for up to 2 years.

    The Foreign Secretary will also announce the creation of the UK’s first Tech Envoy to the Indo-Pacific region, who will boost ties with India as a priority. This envoy is the second of its kind to be announced by the UK (after the appointment of a Tech Envoy to the US in late 2020) and demonstrates our commitment to the region and tech-diplomacy.

    The new Tech Envoy role will boost the UK’s status as a science and tech superpower. The envoy will work with our partners in the region on areas of shared interest, including setting global technology standards and helping to solve challenges through innovative technology.

    Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said:

    India is a hugely important partner to the UK and the deeper ties we are forging now will help to grow the UK economy and boost our industries for the future. This landmark migration scheme will enable the brightest and best in both our countries to benefit from new opportunities.

    India is also an emerging global leader on technology and there are immense opportunities for better collaboration between us in this sector. That is why we will be sending our first Tech Envoy to the Indo-Pacific region, to maximise the tech expertise of both countries.

    India has the world’s third highest number of tech unicorns and start-ups, with 108 start-ups gaining the unicorn status of a private company valued at over $1 billion. This announcement illustrates the UK’s clear commitment to boosting partnerships in India and across South Asia.

    On Thursday the Foreign Secretary will attend the G20 Foreign Ministers meeting to work with partners to advance global efforts on food and energy security, climate change and development. He will also continue to call Russia out at the G20 and work with partners to mitigate the global impacts of Russian aggression in Ukraine. If the war were to end today, the effects of the exacerbated food insecurity would still run into 2027.

    The Foreign Secretary will also address an India-Europe business event in the capital where he will reaffirm the UK’s commitment to conclude a Free Trade Agreement with India. With more links than almost any country in the Indo-Pacific region, the UK-India trading relationship is already worth £34 billion, growing by £10 billion in 1 year.

  • PRESS RELEASE : The people of Syria deserve a sustainable, inclusive and just peace [February 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 28 February 2023.

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

    Thank you President, and let me join others in thanking SRSG Pedersen and USG Griffiths for their briefings. Ms Muhrez, can I start by offering condolences on the tragic loss of your cousins, but also thank you for your valuable insights and your powerful testimony in describing in particular the impact of the earthquake on children and their families.

    I again want to express the UK’s deepest condolences to all those impacted by the deadly earthquakes that hit Turkiye and Syria this month. The UK acted immediately, providing additional funding to first responders in North-West Syria. Announcing a further $30 million in emergency relief to the UN and humanitarian partners across Syria and Turkiye, and in issuing a general license exempting further aid from sanctions. This has provided much needed assistance, including shelter to thousands in freezing conditions.

    We welcome the UN’s urgent efforts to scale up the humanitarian response, and the opening of crossings at Bab Al Salam and Al Rai. This latest tragedy has brought into sharp focus the importance of unhindered and predictable access, without conditions, into North-West Syria. This Council must continue to monitor this closely in the light of ongoing concerns that the regime continues to divert and interfere with aid deliveries.

    President, colleagues, even before the earthquake hit, needs were already at their highest levels ever after more than a decade of conflict, during which the Assad regime has acted with complete disregard for the wellbeing of Syria and its people. We cannot allow the regime to use this latest tragedy to avoid taking responsibility for their actions.

    Just this month, this Council heard further evidence of the regime’s criminal use of chemical weapons against the civilian population in Douma in 2018. Thousands of families are left without answers about loved ones who have been disappeared into Assad’s prison system.

    At the same time, the regime continues to project instability to the region, including through the production and smuggling of captagon. This illegal narcotic industry, worth tens of billions of dollars, funds a luxury lifestyle for a regime whose people, as Martin Griffiths said, are packed into tents in freezing conditions.

    President, the people of Syria’s immediate need is for humanitarian support. But they deserve a need more than that. They deserve a sustainable, inclusive and just peace. As Ms Muhrez said we owe that to them.

    The UN’s political process set out in UNSCR 2254 remains the only viable route to deliver this. We welcome meaningful efforts to progress this, including important efforts in the region. We urge the regime to engage immediately and in good faith.

    Thank you.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Baroness Nicholson of Winterbourne visits Kazakhstan to progress bilateral trade [February 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Baroness Nicholson of Winterbourne visits Kazakhstan to progress bilateral trade [February 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 28 February 2023.

    The UK Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to Kazakhstan, Baroness Nicholson, arrived in Kazakhstan on 28 February for a 4 day visit. She will visit Astana, Almaty and North Kazakhstan. The visit aims to strengthen relationships between the UK and Kazakhstan and further consolidate progress on bilateral trade issues.

    In Astana, Baroness Nicholson’s programme will start with a series of ministerial meetings to discuss the UK-Kazakhstan trade priorities. She will also meet CEOs of national welfare fund Samryk Kazyna and the national Chamber of Entrepreneurs Atameken.

    Baroness gave an opening address at the Alumni Awards, an annual event in partnership with UK universities, to recognise the huge importance the alumni from Kazakhstan hold, as future leaders across society.

    In North Kazakhstan, a region famous for its agricultural industry, Baroness Nicholson will visit Eurasia Group, exclusive dealers of British manufacturer JCB’s agricultural machinery to see the launch of JCBs latest project. She will also travel to KazBeef Farm and meet with the Kazakhstan Republican Angus Chamber to discuss cooperation between UK and Kazakh farmers.

    In Almaty, Baroness Nicholson will meet major domestic investors in the education sector and visit De Montfort University, one of the UK’s greatest recent success stories, for a roundtable on education standards. She will also meet British businesses operating in Kazakhstan to see the range of opportunities that await international investors in the Kazakh market.

    Speaking about the visit, Baroness Nicholson said:

    I am delighted to visit Kazakhstan, which is an important bilateral trading partner for the United Kingdom. Since my last visit in 2019, we have seen British business activity in Kazakhstan grow to new heights, supporting investment, training, and jobs for the local economy. In particular I’m excited to see the UK contribution to the agriculture and education sectors here – 2 areas where British expertise and technology is truly world-leading.

  • PRESS RELEASE : HRC52 – Joint Statement on the death penalty in Iran [February 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : HRC52 – Joint Statement on the death penalty in Iran [February 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 28 February 2023.

    During the 52nd session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, the UK co-sponsored a Joint Statement relating to the use of the death penalty in Iran. This statement was delivered by H.E. Christian Guillermet, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs to Costa Rica on 28 February 2023.

    “Mr. President,

    I deliver this statement on behalf of a cross regional group of countries.

    In light of today’s discussion related to limiting the death penalty to the most serious crimes – we recall States’ obligations under the ICCPR, under which countries that have not yet abolished the death penalty, can only apply it for offences that amount to ‘the most serious crimes’, and observing the procedural guarantees prescribed in the Covenant. All detainees are entitled to the right to a fair hearing by an independent tribunal, the presumption of innocence, access to a lawyer and other minimum guarantees for the defence, and the right to review by a higher tribunal.

    We are deeply concerned by the use of the death penalty in Iran. Several hundred people were reportedly executed in Iran between 2022 and 2023, including juvenile offenders.

    In recent months, Iran has handed down or sought to impose death sentences against dozens of individuals arrested in connection with their participation in protests following the death in custody of Jina Mahsa Amini.

    We are concerned by the nature of the offences for which the death penalty was applied the speed of the trials, lack of transparency, and credible reports that defendants did not have proper access to lawyers of their choosing and were subject to torture or other inhumane treatment.

    The death penalty must not be instrumentalised by any State to punish individuals participating in protests and to strike fear into the population with the aim of chilling dissent.

    We note the High Commissioner’s call on Iran ‘to respect the lives and voices of its people, to impose an immediate moratorium on the death penalty and to halt all executions’, and urge Iran to cooperate with all UN human rights mechanisms, including the Council’s Fact-Finding Mission.

    Thank you.”

    Full list of co-sponsors:

    Albania; Andorra; Australia; Austria; Belgium; Bosnia; Bulgaria; Canada; Colombia; Costa Rica; Chile; Croatia; Cyprus; Czechia; Denmark; Ecuador; Estonia; Finland; France; Germany; Greece; Hungary; Iceland; Ireland; Israel; Italy; Latvia; Liechtenstein; Lithuania; Luxembourg; Malta; Marshall Islands; Moldova; Monaco; Montenegro; Netherlands; New Zealand; North Macedonia; Norway; Paraguay; Peru; Poland; Portugal; Romania; San Marino; Spain; Slovenia; Slovakia; Sweden; Switzerland; Ukraine; UK; Uruguay; USA

  • PRESS RELEASE : 42nd Universal Periodic Review of human rights – UK statement on Sri Lanka [February 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : 42nd Universal Periodic Review of human rights – UK statement on Sri Lanka [February 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 28 February 2023.

    The UK’s Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva gave a statement during Sri Lanka’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR) at the Human Rights Council.

    Thank you, Mr President,

    We welcome Sri Lanka’s commitments on respect for the rights of those from all religious and ethnic groups. Its recent efforts to foster political inclusion and constitutional reform are particularly welcome. We emphasise the importance of reconciliation, justice and accountability for all communities, independent domestic institutions, the preservation of civil society space and the repeal of the Prevention of Terrorism Act.

    We recommend that Sri Lanka:

    1. Allow all its communities freely to commemorate and memorialize victims of the civil war.
    2. Repeal sections 365 and 365A of the Penal Code, end criminalization of same-sex conduct and ensure equality and non-discrimination in relation to sexual orientation and gender identity.
    3. Address concerns around land expropriation in the North and East by government departments, including the Archaeological department, and related restrictions on access to land.

    Thank you, Mr President.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Libyan power-holders must compromise and agree the conditions for elections – UK Statement in the Security Council [February 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Libyan power-holders must compromise and agree the conditions for elections – UK Statement in the Security Council [February 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 27 February 2023.

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

    President, I thank SRSG Bathily for his briefing, extensive consultations on the situation in Libya and for outlining his plan for the political process. I welcome his commitment to reinvigorating the political process to deliver elections for Libya and its people.

    To deliver parliamentary and presidential elections, Libyan power-holders must compromise and agree the conditions for elections. Potential spoilers must also be brought into an agreement, to ensure elections results are respected. The United Kingdom thanks Egypt for their efforts to support discussions between the House of Representatives and High State Council.

    It is now time to build on those efforts and to broaden the political negotiation to deliver sustainable progress towards elections. Elections will not mean the end of the political process. The groundwork must also be laid for long-term stability, including the finalisation of a constitution, facilitated by the elected government, and a continued cycle of future elections that respect term-lengths.

    President, political developments must also be supported by effective security and economic tracks. Transparent and accountable economic processes and public institutions, that serve all Libyan people through the fair distribution of resources, and the provision of and investment in public services are required. I call on all Libyan parties to enact these elements of good governance.

    As co-chair of the Security Working Group for Libya, the United Kingdom will continue to support efforts for the joint working and eventual unification of Libya’s militaries into one state military that is accountable to an elected government and able to tackle comprehensively Libya’s security challenges. Libya must also see the full implementation of the October 2020 ceasefire and the withdrawal of all foreign forces and mercenaries as soon as possible.

    President, this is a seminal moment in Libya. We have a clear opportunity to progress long-term stability and meet the expectations of the country. I urge all Libyans, UNSMIL and the Council to grasp it. Through inclusive dialogue and compromise Libyan actors have an opportunity to finally deliver the security and prosperity the Libyan people deserve.

  • Andrew Mitchell – 2023 Statement on the Turkey and Syria Earthquakes

    Andrew Mitchell – 2023 Statement on the Turkey and Syria Earthquakes

    The statement made by Andrew Mitchell, the Minister of State at the Foreign Office, in the House of Commons on 1 March 2023.

    With permission, Madam Deputy Speaker, I will make a statement on the situation in Turkey and Syria. I know that the House will join me in offering sincere condolences to all those affected by the recent earthquakes.

    Last week when I visited Turkey, I witnessed at first hand the terrible scale of human suffering. I also had the opportunity to speak to Syrian partners and the United Nations about their work on the immediate response. I pay tribute to the hundreds of British personnel engaged in specialist health, humanitarian and rescue work in Syria and Turkey. I saw for myself the outstanding work that Britain is doing on the ground to save lives and support those who are suffering. Throughout these events and our responses, there has been excellent co-ordination across the Foreign Office, the Ministry of Defence and the Department of Health and Social Care.

    Today, the death toll across Turkey and Syria stands at more than 48,000, and at least 118,000 people have been injured. Approximately 25 million people have been affected, with homes, businesses and key infrastructure destroyed. The further earthquakes on 20 and 27 February, which have tragically led to additional deaths, show that the danger has not passed. In Syria, this disaster adds to years of turmoil inflicted by conflict, striking hardest in the very place that has borne the brunt of Assad’s war machine.

    I turn to the initial response. Turkey requested international support immediately after the earthquakes. The UK Government delivered aid as swiftly as possible, working closely with Turkey, the United Nations, international partners, non-governmental organisations and charities. That included deploying a 77-strong search and rescue team in Turkey, along with state-of-the-art heavy equipment. We also quickly announced £4.3 million in new support to Syria Civil Defence—the White Helmets—who have carried out search and rescue operations in 60 villages, helping thousands of civilians. The British Government rapidly engaged with the Turkish Government at the highest level, and the Foreign Secretary, my noble Friend Lord Ahmad and I immediately spoke to the senior UN humanitarian officials to ensure a rapid and co-ordinated response in Syria.

    As part of the immediate response, the Ministry of Defence and the Foreign Office set up a field hospital in Türkoğlu, including an emergency department and a 24/7 operating theatre. I saw for myself 150 UK-Med and Ministry of Defence personnel working side by side with Turkish medics to save lives. I was deeply impressed and moved during my visit by the lifesaving work that those teams are doing. Together, they have treated more than 5,000 patients so far.

    Meanwhile, the UK has delivered 465 tonnes of relief items to Turkey and Syria through civilian and Royal Air Force flights. That includes tents and thermal blankets for families made homeless in freezing conditions, as well as solar lanterns, water purification tablets and hygiene kits. On 15 February, we announced a further £25 million in funding to bolster our humanitarian response. That is supporting the work of the UN and aid agencies on the ground in Syria, helping communities ravaged by war, as well as by this natural disaster. It also continues to support the recovery effort in Turkey, led by its Government.

    Beyond our support to the White Helmets, UK-funded charities and NGOs in northern Syria have cared for the injured through mobile medical teams and health centres. The UN has distributed food and other essential items, to which the UK has contributed. Further assistance will be delivered in the coming days as part of the UN’s Syria cross-border humanitarian fund, to which the UK is one of the most significant donors. The fund has already allocated $50 million to scale up the response. There is a particular focus on displaced families, the elderly, women, children and people with disabilities.

    The UK has also supported and bolstered the response through our existing support to key multilateral organisations that are helping in Turkey and Syria. The UN’s global fund, Education Cannot Wait, announced a $7 million grant for Syrian children affected by the earthquake, and the Global Partnership for Education will provide $3.75 million to support the emergency education response. The UK is one of the most significant donors to both funds.

    We are also a long-standing partner and donor to the World Bank, which announced $1.7 billion to assist Turkey, and the United Nations central emergency response fund, which has released $50 million for the crisis. Most significantly, our constituents—the British public—have demonstrated extraordinary generosity through the Disasters Emergency Committee appeal, raising more than £100 million. That figure includes £5 million from the UK taxpayer in matched seed funding.

    His Majesty the King visited Turkish diaspora groups and members of the British Syrian community at Syria House, a donation point in Trafalgar Square, on 14 February. My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary visited Syria House on 16 February.

    It is clearly vital to ensure that humanitarian aid reaches those who need it as efficiently as possible in Syria. I will continue to engage with the United Nations to ensure maximum access for as long as is required. We welcome the accelerated pace of United Nations deliveries and are monitoring the situation closely in the Security Council in New York.

    The House will understand that the scale of this tragedy is immense. The UK will continue to stand in solidarity with Turkey and with the people of Syria during these most testing of times. I commend this statement to the House.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK Promotes Great Presence for World Pride [February 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK Promotes Great Presence for World Pride [February 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 27 February 2023.

    Showcasing and supporting LGBTQIA+ communities is the focus of the UK Government Sydney’s WorldPride activity.

    Showcasing and supporting LGBTQIA+ communities is the focus of the UK Government Sydney’s WorldPride activity.

    The programme includes:

    • London Taxi and 50+ UKinAustralia team members taking part in Mardi Gras Parade (led by the British High Commissioner and LGBTQIA+ envoy
    • Unveiled to coincide with Sydney WorldPride, the UK’s GREAT Love campaign comes to Australia to celebrate the diversity of LGBTQIA+ communities, where individuals share their unique stories, through pivotal moments in their lives when they realised being part of the LGBTQIA+ community was a good thing – a superpower that should be celebrated and to share with the world that GREAT Love tells many stories
    • UK’s LGBTQIA+ envoy (Lord Herbert) visit to Sydney as part of the Sydney WorldPride programme
    • Significant tourism programme led by VisitBritain, encouraging visitors to the UK to See Things Differently, and an extensive cultural programme led by British Council
    • Event celebrating the diverse and outstanding LGBTQIA+ business community and organisations in Australia that have worked hard to be LGBTQIA+ inclusive, in partnership with Cunard and hosted on the Queen Victoria

    This is the largest scale participation of the UK Government in Mardi Gras and will mark the global launch of its new GREAT Love campaign, LGBTQIA+ storytellers – using an object symbolising a pivotal time in their lives – will share the moment they realised their sexuality or gender identity was a superpower to be celebrated. The storytellers include boxer and two-time Olympic gold medallist Nicola Adams OBE, world-leading human rights barrister Dr S Chelvan and Drag Queen royalty Vanity Milan and Elektra Fence. Broadcaster and DJ Adele Roberts and her partner Kate Holderness will share their stories as will the first gay owner of Attitude since the publication was founded almost 30 years ago, Darren Styles OBE – just to name a few.

    GREAT Love shines a light on the breadth of the LGBTQIA+ community, demonstrating its acceptance and inclusion across the UK. A rainbow union flag wrapped British taxi will feature a heart to symbolise open heartedness. The vibrant UK community will be incorporated into the design and the participants’ costumes and placards will read:  “GREAT Love Is For Everyone”.

    British High Commissioner Vicki Treadell, the UK’s LGBTQIA+ envoy Lord Herbert and British Consul-General and Deputy Trade Commissioner Louise Cantillon will lead a 50+ strong group of participants from the UKinAustralia at the Mardi Gras Parade.

    Vicki Treadell, British High Commissioner to Australia, said:

    I’m delighted to be able to join the Mardi Gras Parade, alongside representatives from across our UK in Australia network and our iconic London taxi cabs.

    Supporting WorldPride and the Mardi Gras Parade allows us to use our platform to showcase the LGBT+ community and highlight that truly, GREAT Love Is For Everyone”.

    The UK’s Special Envoy on LGBT Rights Lord Nick Herbert of South Downs is visiting Sydney for a week of activity linked to WorldPride. In addition to taking part in Mardi Gras he is also speaking at both the WorldPride Human Rights Conference and the Resourcing LGBTIQ Movements for Change in Asia and the Pacific Conference. He will attend the launch of the HIV Prevention Handbook by the Global Equality Caucus and take part in a range of UK Government hosted events for business, civil society and stakeholders.

    Lord Herbert said:

    It’s fantastic to be in Sydney for WorldPride and to join the famous Mardi Gras.

    I’m proud to be representing a country with a great record on LGBT+ rights. The UK will continue to work with our partners worldwide to champion equality for all.

    An event celebrating the steps taken by businesses to be LGBTQIA+ inclusive is being held in partnership with Cunard. Members of the business community will gather on board the Queen Victoria for a British afternoon tea and networking event with special guests Lord Herbert and British High Commissioner Vicki Treadell.

    Louise Cantillon, Deputy Trade Commissioner and British Consul General NSW, said:

    Sydney’s support of WorldPride has been phenomenal and I cannot think of a better place to launch the global GREAT Love Is For Everyone Campaign.

    Supporting LGBT+ communities is everyone’s business, and it’s great that Government is able to spotlight businesses and individuals who are actively working to be inclusive and build diversity into their workplaces.

    The British Council is supporting the Australian premiere of acclaimed dance work The Dan Daw Show, presented by the Seymour Centre in association with Sydney WorldPride. In the weeks surrounding Sydney WorldPride, the British Council is supporting four other live productions, workshops and exhibits by LBQTQIA+ artists in Tasmania, Victoria and Western Australia. In addition the British Council and the BFI are hosting Five Films for Freedom, a global, short film festival in support of LGBTQIA+ rights.

    Amplifying the GREAT campaign messages of Britain as an inclusive, welcoming nation, VisitBritain, the UK’s national tourist agency, is set to launch a new destination campaign inspiring Australian LGBTQIA+ visitors to ‘Come See Things Differently’ in 2023. The campaign will promote the warmth of the British spirit, highlighting Britain as a dynamic destination, compelling travellers to visit today, not one day, with the message that WorldPride is just the start of the party this year.

    Five Films for Freedom: https://film.britishcouncil.org/about/work/fivefilmsforfreedom

  • PRESS RELEASE : The UK stands ready to facilitate discussions and dialogue between Israelis and the Palestinians – UK Statement at the UN Security Council [February 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : The UK stands ready to facilitate discussions and dialogue between Israelis and the Palestinians – UK Statement at the UN Security Council [February 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 20 February 2023.

    Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the Security Council briefing on the Middle East.

    Thank you, President. I join others in thanking Special Coordinator Wennesland and Deputy Commissioner-General Stenseth not only for your briefings, but also for the work of your teams on the ground.

    I would like to thank members of this Council for our work to come to a consensus on a Presidential statement. This statement sets out the international community’s continued commitment to a two-state solution based on 1967 lines, and urges an end to Israeli settlement activities, and the prevention of terrorism. All parties must desist from unilateral measures that further undermine peace, stability and the two-state solution.

    President, violence and instability in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories has led to further loss of life. Ten Israelis have been killed in two abhorrent terror attacks in 2023. The UK condemns all forms of terror, for which there is no justification. Since the start of the year, 44 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli security forces. This includes 11 children. Israel must exercise maximum restraint in the use of live fire, and the Palestinian Authority must urgently resume full security cooperation, and renounce and confront terror. We also condemn the indiscriminate rocket fire from Gaza on 11 and 12 February towards civilian populations. This escalating cycle of violence must be brought to an end as swiftly as possible, particularly ahead of upcoming religious festivals.

    Second, the UK condemns Israel’s announcement to legalise ten outposts and advance up to 10,000 units in settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. As set out by the British Foreign Secretary and our partners in the quint statement, the UK strongly opposes these unilateral actions which exacerbate tensions between Israelis and Palestinians. Settlements and outposts are not only contrary to international law, but they also undermine the prospects for peace. The UK calls on Israel to reverse these decisions. I also condemn increasing settler violence, including the killing of Mithqal Rayyan on 11 February. Perpetrators of violence must face justice.

    Thirdly, the UK urges Israel to avoid measures that could amount to collective punishment against Palestinians, particularly punitive demolitions. These cause unnecessary suffering and contribute to the cycle of violence; four Palestinians have been killed during punitive demolition operations so far this year.

    In conclusion, President, restoring stability and securing peace is still possible but will require effort from all sides. The UK stands ready to facilitate discussions and dialogue between Israel and the Palestinians, and remains firm in its belief that a negotiated two state solution, based on 1967 lines with Jerusalem as a shared capital, is the only way to ensure a lasting peace, security and prosperity between the parties.

    Thank you.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Foreign Secretary summons Iranian diplomat over continued threat to UK-based journalists [February 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Foreign Secretary summons Iranian diplomat over continued threat to UK-based journalists [February 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 20 February 2023.

    Foreign Secretary James Cleverly instructed FCDO officials to summon Iran’s most senior diplomat, due to serious threats against journalists living in the UK.

    • Iranian Chargé d’Affaires told threats to media freedom will not be tolerated following intimidation of Iran International in the UK
    • separately, new UK sanctions imposed on Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) members, including the commander of province in which security forces have severely injured and killed children
    • three senior judges also sanctioned for imposing death penalties on protestors in Iran

    The Foreign Secretary today instructed Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) officials to summon Iran’s most senior diplomat, due to serious threats against journalists living in the UK.

    It follows the decision at the weekend by Iran International, a London-based TV network, to suspend UK operations as a result of continued threats to its staff by the Iranian regime.

    Vijay Rangarajan, Director General for the Middle East, held the meeting with Iranian Chargé d’Affaires Mehdi Hosseini Matin to make clear the UK will not tolerate threats to life and media freedom.

    As part of wider efforts to hold the regime to account over its behaviour globally, the UK and international partners have also today imposed further sanctions on 8 senior Iranian figures responsible for repressing their own people.

    They include 3 judges who imposed the death penalty against protestors and 5 IRGC commanders.

    Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said:

    The UK will always stand up to countries who threaten our fundamental values of freedom of expression and the media.

    I am appalled by the Iranian regime’s continuing threats to the lives of UK-based journalists and have today summoned its representative to make clear this will not be tolerated.

    As part of wider efforts to hold Iran to account, the UK has today also sanctioned a further 8 individuals responsible for horrific human rights violations in Iran, including the killing of children. We will never allow the regime’s threats to go unchallenged.

    The individuals sanctioned today include:

    • Mohammad Taghi Osanloo: an IRGC Ground Forces Commander in West Azerbaijan and Kurdistan where children are among those who have been killed during the protests. Video footage showed that a 10-year-old was severely injured after being shot by IRGC forces on 26 September
    • Mohammad Karami: when referring to peaceful protestors, Karami pledged to  “wreak vengeance on the terrorist groups” while he was an IRGC Ground Forces Commander in Sistan and Baluchestan province where over 80 protestors and bystanders were killed in September 2022
    • Musa Asif Al-Hosseini: issued death penalties to Mohammed Karami and Mohammed Hosseini, who were executed in January 2023 despite trials which reportedly relied on forced confessions
    • Morteza Barati: as part of the ‘Isfahan House case’ in January 2023, he is reported to have sentenced Saleh Mirhashmi, Majid Kazemi and Saeed Yaqoubi Kurdsafli to death. It was reported that Barati did not allow the presence of appointed counsel during the trial and that Kazemi was subjected to torture

    Since Mahsa Amini’s death in September 2022, the UK has imposed sanctions on more than 50 Iranian individuals and entities in response to human rights violations by the regime.

    These sanctions constitute an asset freeze and UK travel ban on the individuals concerned and send a wider signal on the UK’s commitment to backing condemnation with action.