Tag: Foreign Office

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

Colombia and the UK renewed their “Partnership for Sustainable Growth”, to accelerate the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and to promote sustainable, low carbon and nature-positive development.

• The Partnership focuses on halting and reversing deforestation, implementing a just and ambitious energy transition, and promoting the sustainable use of biodiversity, with a commitment to supporting local communities across the country. This next phase of the Partnership will also expand to include new and vital areas of collaboration, including halting biodiversity loss in land and marine ecosystems, whilst also ensuring participation and mainstreaming of gender and social inclusion.
• The UK also announced two new innovative projects to empower indigenous peoples and local communities (IPLCs) in Colombia. Working with WWF, the UK will accompany IPLCs to enable them to harness the international carbon markets and maximise the opportunities they provide. The UK will also join a project led by GAIA Foundation to support the official recognition of Indigenous Local Governments in the Amazon.

Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, 7 November 2022 James Cleverly, the United Kingdom’s Foreign Secretary, was joined by his Colombian counterpart Alvaro Leyva, Minister of Foreign Affairs, as well as the Minister of State at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, Lord Zac Goldsmith, and the Colombian Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development, Susana Muhamad, to renew the UK-Colombia Partnership for Sustainable Growth. Both countries pledged to continue their innovative work on climate change, while deepening their collaboration to protect key land and marine ecosystems.

The UK-Colombia Partnership for Sustainable Growth, an ambitious agreement signed in 2019, is a strong example of how bilateral collaboration can address the socio environmental challenges of climate change through a cross-cutting agenda that includes forests and biodiversity protection, renewable energy, sustainable mobility and infrastructure, as well as sustainable livelihoods and mobilising finance for climate and nature.

Recognising the need to jointly address the biodiversity and climate crisis, both countries will deepen their bilateral cooperation on climate change and increase efforts to protect and restore nature and biodiversity in land and marine ecosystems.

This will include further work on the illegal wildlife trade, ocean pollution and forest and marine protection, with gender and social inclusion integrated at all stages, including recognising the central role played by indigenous people and local communities in nature conservation.

Building on the important work carried out to-date, the UK is pleased to announce that, from early 2023, we will also start working with WWF Colombia to empower indigenous communities and help them to harness and maximise opportunities from international carbon markets, ensuring fair processes and best practices.

A second project with GAIA has also been confirmed, which seeks to support the official recognition of Indigenous Local Governments in the Amazon, who are currently protecting 11 million hectares of forest and promote improved conditions.

Commenting on the renewal of the UK Colombia Partnership for Sustainable Growth, James Cleverly, the United Kingdom’s Foreign Secretary, commented:

The UK and Colombia are working closely together to prevent deforestation, promote a just energy transition and protect Colombia’s incredible biodiversity. I’m delighted to renew the UK Colombia Partnership for Sustainable Growth today to deepen that co-operation even further, on one of the greatest shared challenges we face.

Lord Zac Goldsmith, Minister of State for Overseas Territories, Commonwealth, Energy, Climate and Environment, said:

Colombia is one of the most beautiful places I know and for me it is very important to be here with you at COP27 and to be able to make this Alliance. The Amazon is wonderful, we must protect the paramos, its frailejones and its important water production.

The Colombian Minister, Susana Muhamad, also commented:

The United Kingdom is a strategic ally to focus on the defence of the Amazon and create a new face for this program that seeks to stop deforestation in our country.

The renewed Partnership for Sustainable Growth sets out a clear roadmap for UK Colombian cooperation on climate and nature during President Gustavo Petro’s administration with defined priorities from both countries.

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

Ahead of a Security Council meeting on Afghanistan, the signatories to the Women, Peace and Security Shared Commitments delivered the following statement.

Today the Council convenes to discuss the situation in Afghanistan. We, the Security Council signatories of the Statement of Shared Commitments for the principles of Women, Peace, and Security (WPS), Albania, Brazil, Ecuador, France, Gabon, Japan, Malta, Switzerland, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom, and in its national capacity, the United States, have come together to express grave concern regarding the critical situation of women and girls in Afghanistan. We urge the Taliban to immediately reverse all oppressive measures against women and girls, adhere to their commitments set out in UNSC 2593 and respect the rights of women and girls, and their full, equal and meaningful participation and inclusion across all aspects of society in Afghanistan, from political and economic, to education and public space.

Such measures include the banning of Afghan women from working in national and international Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in Afghanistan, as well as excluding women and girls from universities and secondary schools. Other restrictions have also been put in place limiting women and girls’ ability to exercise their human rights and fundamental freedoms. They are contrary to Afghanistan’s obligations as party to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women.

Women are central and critical to operations to relieve the dire humanitarian situation. They have unique expertise and access to populations their male colleagues cannot reach, providing critical life-saving support to women and girls. Without their participation in aid delivery in Afghanistan and their essential expertise, NGOs will be unable to reach those most in need, in particular women and girls, to provide lifesaving materials and services. We reiterate the Council’s demand on all parties to allow full, safe and unhindered access for humanitarian actors regardless of gender. Moreover, a stable, economically viable, and peaceful Afghanistan is only attainable and sustainable if all Afghans, including women and girls, have access to and receive education, and fully, equally, and meaningfully participate in and contribute to the country’s future and development in line with UNSC Resolutions 1325, 2593, and 2626.

As the mandate renewal of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) approaches, we reaffirm our strong support for UNAMA, not least in their valuable contribution to gender equality, the empowerment and protection of women and girls, the full protection of their human rights, including education, work, and their freedom of movement. The full, equal, and meaningful participation of women in all levels and stages of decision-making and governance processes in Afghanistan is necessary for achieving an inclusive political dialogue and participatory governance.

The situation of women and girls in Afghanistan must remain high on the agenda of the Security Council, and we will continue to closely monitor the developments on the ground and respond accordingly. As Council members, we stand with all women and girls in Afghanistan and reaffirm our commitment to prioritizing their rights and needs during our discussions.

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

Joint statement by the Specialised Committee on Citizens’ Rights between the European Commission and UK government:

The 11th meeting of the Specialised Committee on Citizens’ Rights was held on 17 November 2022 in London, co-chaired by officials from the European Commission and the UK government. A number of representatives from EU member states were also in attendance. The Committee was established by the Withdrawal Agreement to monitor the implementation and application of the Citizens’ Rights part of the Agreement, which protects EU citizens in the UK and UK nationals in the EU, and their eligible family members.

The EU and the UK discussed the implementation and application of the Citizens’ Rights part of the Withdrawal Agreement. The meeting also allowed both sides to take stock of any outstanding issues.

During the meeting, issues related to residency schemes were discussed.

The EU raised concerns about UK rules on temporary protection for applicants who apply after the deadline and took note that in such cases the UK ensures, under its one-step approach, that certificates of application are issued as soon as a valid application is made, in the same way as for in-time applications. The EU also reiterated its position that those late applicants who are ultimately granted residence status should be treated as lawfully resident in the period between the application deadline and granting of the status.

The EU also enquired about the impact of imprisonment on the ability of EU citizens with pre–settled status to acquire settled status and would share further legal arguments in support of its position that the break of continuity of residence should not affect Withdrawal Agreement status. The EU reiterated its other longstanding concerns related to delays in issuance of residence documents and entry visas and asked the UK about consumer protection rules available to EU citizens and their family members who have been wrongly denied boarding by carriers.

Both parties also had an exchange of views on absence rules.

The UK expressed concern about difficulties UK nationals have experienced evidencing status due to the slow issuance of residence documents in a member state and asked the Commission to do more on this issue. The UK raised the issue of UK nationals who have experienced issues transiting through the Schengen Area and asked the Commission to ensure relevant Annexes of the Schengen Borders Code are updated.

The UK also raised its other longstanding concern, namely non-compliant residence processes in some EU member states.

The UK raised issues encountered by family members of UK nationals protected by the Withdrawal Agreement and took note of a review of the implementation of family reunification processes in all member states, presented by the European Commission. The other concerns raised by the UK were difficulties drawing on multiple statuses, the need for detailed statistics on residence applications in member states and equal treatment.

The UK’s Independent Monitoring Authority, established under Article 159(1) of the Withdrawal Agreement, and the European Commission presented their respective Annual Reports, adopted in accordance with Article 159(2) of the Withdrawal Agreement.

External representatives from civil society organisations, representing EU citizens living in the UK and UK nationals living in the EU, attended the meeting of the Committee and asked questions about the implementation and application of Part 2 of the Withdrawal Agreement in the EU and the UK, in conformity with the rules of procedure of the Specialised Committee.

The EU and the UK reaffirmed their commitment to protecting citizens’ rights in accordance with the obligations under the Withdrawal Agreement.

The EU and the UK agreed to meet again in spring 2023.

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

Mr Edward Ferguson has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Serbia in succession to Ms Sian MacLeod OBE. Mr Ferguson will take up his appointment during July 2023.

Curriculum vitae

Full name: Edward Alexander de Poulton Ferguson

Married to: Caroline Evelyn Vera Ferguson

Children: Three

Year	Role
2018 to 2022	Washington, Minister Counsellor for Defence and Ministry of Defence Director United States
2014 to 2018	Bosnia and Herzegovina, Her Majesty’s Ambassador
2011 to 2014	Ministry of Defence (MOD), Head, Defence Strategy and Priorities
2009 to 2011	MOD, Head, Afghanistan and Pakistan Policy
2007 to 2009	MOD, Private Secretary to the Secretary of State
2006 to 2007	MOD, Head, North America and Western Europe
2006	MOD, Policy Adviser, Maysaan Province, Iraq
2004 to 2006	MOD, Project Manager, Defence Estates
2001 to 2004	MOD, Fast Stream Development Posts

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

Ambassador Neil Bush condemns Russia’s continued attacks against civilians and critical infrastructure in Ukraine.

Thank you Mr. Chair. My statement today will once again focus on Russia’s attacks against civilians and critical infrastructure in Ukraine. On Thursday 29 December, Russia subjected Ukraine to a massive bombardment, one of the largest seen since the invasion began and lasting five hours. Once again, in a repeat of a sickening pattern, Russia targeted civilians and energy infrastructure – killing three and wounding many more. A mere 36 hours later on the 31st December, as Ukrainians prepared to welcome in the New Year, Russia’s illegal and inhumane assault against Ukraine’s civilian population continued.

The last day of 2022 saw more loss of innocent Ukrainian lives, with dozens injured and homes, schools, a children’s hospital and a hotel damaged. According to Foreign Minister Kuleba, Russia did not even pretend to attack so-called legitimate targets; these strikes were aimed at civilian areas, seeking to pummel Ukraine’s population into submission as they celebrated the New Year. There is zero justification for this – none whatsoever.

There is an obvious path out of this senseless invasion. Ukraine has been clear that it seeks a diplomatic end to the war. An end that begins by stopping all Russian attacks against Ukrainian civilians and critical infrastructure, and the withdrawal of all Russian forces from Ukraine.

Mr Chair, Russia portrays itself as the party of peace and Ukraine as the aggressor. This is absurd. It was Russia that illegally annexed Crimea in 2014; it was Russia that fuelled war in the Donbas for the last 8 years; and it was Russia that swept aside the principles of the UN Charter and of this organisation, when Putin launched his full-scale invasion last February. Russia’s armed forces are killing and maiming the people of Ukraine – and deliberately trying to deprive them of heat, light and water in the depths of winter. President Putin’s declaration of a ceasefire over Orthodox Christmas was a transparently cynical ploy to prop up his reputation at home. Russia’s claims of being interested in peace would be laughable if its actions were not so horrific.

Russia’s destructive and illegal war aims in Ukraine have not changed as we move into 2023. Putin still seeks the complete subjugation of Ukraine; the erasure of Ukrainian history and culture; and the overthrow of Ukraine’s democratic government and institutions. However, the UK’s aims have not changed either. Our support for Ukraine – a free, sovereign and democratic Ukraine – remains steadfast as ever. Our admiration of the incredible courage and resilience of the Ukrainian people grows daily. Our belief in the principles of the UN Charter and of the OSCE remains unshakeable. In his first call of 2023 with President Zelenskyy, my Prime Minister reaffirmed the UK’s long-term support for Ukraine – throughout this year and beyond. We will not falter in the face of tyranny and aggression. We will not abandon our friends.

Russia is alone on the world stage, isolated and facing a bleak future as it pursues a failing war based on the irrational decisions of one man. President Putin’s New Year speech was grim and hostile. In contrast, President Zelenskyy’s message was filled with hope and unity. As the New Year was ushered in, addressing the people of Ukraine, President Zelenskyy declared, “We fight as one team – the whole country, all our regions”. The UK is proud to stand with and support that team. We are with the whole country, we are with all the regions and we will be with them when Ukraine’s victory is realised.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 12 January 2023.

Minister for Americas and the Caribbean David Rutley gave a statement at the UN Security Council open debate on the Rule of Law.

Thank you, Mr President. I am grateful to our briefers for their valuable contributions today.

The UK has long been an advocate for the rules-based international order as the foundation of international peace, development and human advancement, and we remain deeply committed to it today.

At the heart of this order, is the UN Charter.

Since its inception in 1945, 193 countries have ratified that Charter, committing to work together to save future generations from the scourge of war, promote human rights, and uphold international law.

And within that Charter, Articles 1 and 2 are of particular importance to today’s Security Council discussion. These Articles provide the foundations for global peace and security. They include an express commitment by Member States not to threaten or use force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state. And they oblige Member States to settle disputes by exclusively peaceful means.

These are principles we have all made a commitment to. And for all the tragedies and bloodshed of the last 8 decades, the remarkable truth is that global commitment has made a difference, with the number of deaths in state conflicts as a share of global population falling by 95% between 1946 and 2020.

And yet, while many countries – indeed the vast majority – have demonstrated how seriously they take their commitments under the UN Charter, a handful continue to show their disregard for the rules-based international order, and the Rule of Law.

Mr President, Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine is a particularly stark example. Through its unprovoked invasion, sham referenda and illegal attempted annexations, Russia has shown contempt for its obligations under the UN Charter. Russia has clearly violated the prohibition of the use of force and the principle of non-intervention in contravention of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. This is made more egregious by the fact Russia is a permanent member of this Council, which brings with it a particular responsibility.

Elsewhere too, we continue to see certain Member States act in a way which demonstrates a disregard for the rules-based international order.

Iran’s nuclear programme has never been more advanced than it is today. It is threatening international peace and security and undermining the global non-proliferation system.

In North Korea, the unprecedented launch of 70 ballistic missiles in 2022 violates multiple Security Council Resolutions also continues to threaten international peace and security.

And in Syria, the targeting of schools, hospitals and emergency first responders – by the Regime and Russia – are flagrant violations of international law and, indeed, basic human decency. Rape and sexual violence have been widely used as a weapon of war, notably by Regime pro-government forces.

Today’s discussion is timely. Any breach of the UN Charter and its fundamental principles, which underpin global peace and security, represents a threat to us all. And so now, more than ever, the International Community must come together to reiterate our support for the UN Charter, and the Rule of Law; commit to work together to strengthen the rules-based international order and the Rule of Law, and to send a clear signal that we will not tolerate efforts to undermine the rules-based international order. The United Kingdom looks forward to working with you all to do so.

Thank you, Mr President.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 12 January 2023.

Bush stresses that the OSCE is now needed more than ever and reaffirms UK’s strong support to North Macedonia as incoming 2023 OSCE Chair.

Thank you, Mr Chair. On behalf of the UK, I warmly welcome you, Minister Osmani to the Permanent Council. Thank you for outlining the priorities for North Macedonia’s time as OSCE Chairperson-in-Office during 2023. We welcome your focus on people, on dialogue and on rebuilding trust.

The UK remains a strong supporter of the OSCE, of its institutions and of the principles and commitments which underpin its work. The OSCE’s concept of comprehensive security must remain at the organisation’s heart and form the basis of everything we do. In 2022 we met on an almost weekly basis to discuss the situation in Ukraine brought about by Russia’s illegal, premediated and unjustified invasion. Russia’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine not only continues to pose the most serious threat to the OSCE area but also continues to blight the lives of Ukrainians caught up in the war.. This must command our full attention and we will continue to support the OSCE structures which contribute towards a peaceful resolution and to bringing accountability for the abuses the people of Ukraine have endured. The UK will offer unwavering support to Ukraine until it prevails – as it inevitably will.

We need and will need the OSCE more than ever. We note that vulnerable regions and progress towards peace will be topping your agenda and share your view that the OSCE’s versatile toolbox supports its unique role in early warning, conflict prevention and resolution. We continue to support efforts to ensure peaceful resolutions to the protracted conflicts in Georgia and Moldova, including through the valuable work of the Mission to Moldova. Field missions strengthen stability and governance in the OSCE region, including the Western Balkans and Central Asia and are a living representation of our shared OSCE principles and commitments.

Conventional arms control and confidence and security building measures remain crucial for security in the OSCE area. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has shown that the measures were not the issue, but that political will was. The UK remains committed to all confidence and security building measures, provided that all participating States fully abide by their commitments under international law, including the Helsinki Final Act and UN Charter.

Mr Chair – transnational threats, including transnational organised crime and cyber security, will remain security challenges in the OSCE area to which we need comprehensive, holistic responses. We also remain committed to strengthening economic resilience, through improved governance and cracking down on corruption which undermines our societies. Russia’s invasion has shown the interconnectedness of energy, food, infrastructure and climate to our collective security, and how the deliberate actions by one country can cause devastating ripples across the world. The UK supports the OSCE’s efforts to improve the region’s energy security and tackle climate change.

With democracy and human rights under attack in the OSCE region, we must continue to focus on the most egregious violations of our OSCE commitments using all available OSCE tools and mechanisms. The Moscow Mechanism has served us well in exposing abuses and violations. Recent events have shown that when a country fails to meet its domestic commitments, it sets the scene for external aggression. Your commitment to providing political support to the autonomous institutions will be invaluable to ensure that all participating States implement, and uphold, our human dimension commitments.

We share your determination to fight any kind of discrimination and intolerance. We look forward to continuing this work with you, including at the conference on anti-Semitism next month.

Your Excellency, in conclusion, the OSCE remains a critical multilateral institution for European and Euro-Atlantic security. As you said in Lodz, the OSCE needs to do its work as mandated and, as such, it is our duty to keep it fully functional and adequately funded. Agreement of the unified budget is essential to the smooth operation of the OSCE. Minister – At this vital time for our shared security, you can rely on the strong support of the UK as we collectively develop flexible solutions. We wish you and your very capable team here in Vienna all the best for your time as Chair-in-Office.

Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 12 January 2023.

The United Kingdom is contributing an additional £500,000 (BDT 60.6 million) in humanitarian support to respond to last year’s flooding in the Sylhet region, in which 7.2m people were affected. Delivered by BRAC, this funding will provide water, shelter, livelihoods opportunities, and improved nutrition for people affected in Sunamganj, Sylhet.

UK Development Director in Bangladesh, Matt Cannell, said

“Last year’s devastating floods in the Sylhet region underline that Bangladesh remains vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. This new funding provides vital water, nutrition, shelter and livelihoods opportunities to some of the worst affected communities in Sunamganj, Sylhet. The UK is proud to partner with BRAC to deliver this support.”

This new UK support will ensure safe water and shelter for nearly 1,000 affected households and restore livelihoods and food security for more than 5,000 affected households.

BRAC Executive Director, Asif Saleh, said

“The floods in northeastern Bangladesh, which affected over 7.2 million people in June 2022, were the worst to hit Bangladesh in the last two decades. They left a trail of destruction in nine districts, with Sunamganj being the worst affected. Significant efforts were undertaken to provide emergency response to meet immediate needs, but sustained humanitarian support is direly needed to help people recover and rebuild their lives. This partnership between the British High Commission and BRAC will be crucial in standing beside the people in Sunamganj and being a partner in their journey to build back better.”

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 11 January 2023.

Minister for Americas and the Caribbean David Rutley gave a statement at the UN Security Council meeting on Colombia.

Thank you President, Special Representative Massieu.

The UK Government remains committed to supporting the consolidation of peace in Colombia through the full implementation of the peace agreement with the FARC.

We welcome the Colombian Government’s commitment to implement the 2016 agreement as a fundamental part of its work to secure a broad and lasting peace.

We have been pleased to see renewed momentum over the past three months, including the government purchase of 3 million hectares from the Cattle Ranchers Association; the reactivation of the National Reintegration Council, and the concluding resolutions passed by the Special Jurisdiction for Peace.

We welcome today’s Council’s decision to expand the mandate of the UN Verification Mission, to cover progress on the rural reform and ethnic chapters of the peace agreement. It is clear that progress on these two chapters is vital.

As the Secretary-General set out in his recent report, violence remains the greatest threat to the consolidation of peace in Colombia.

We welcome the decisive action taken by the Government to strengthen public security forces in new reintegration areas, and the Vice-President’s announcement of increased funding to safeguard women leaders and human rights defenders.

We share the Government’s concern about attacks on human rights defenders, environmental advocates, and other civil society activists. We are committed to tackling these threats together in order to secure a better future for the Colombian people. We also welcome the continued close cooperation between Colombia and its international partners on tackling drugs and organised crime.

In this context, we welcome Government-led efforts to secure a ceasefire, in order to reduce insecurity and alleviate the suffering of conflict-affected populations.

We also welcome Special Representative Massieu’s support for the Government’s ongoing dialogue with the ELN.

President, Colombia remains an example to the world of the transformative potential of dialogue and leadership. I’ve seen that commitment first-hand on a recent visit.

As the Colombian people seek to overcome the remaining barriers to a broad and lasting peace, the UK is proud to stand with them.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 11 January 2023.

The Foreign Secretary has urged the Iranian authorities to release British-Iranian national Alireza Akbari.

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said:

“Iran must halt the execution of British-Iranian national Alireza Akbari and immediately release him.

This is a politically motivated act by a barbaric regime that has total disregard for human life.”