Tag: Foreign Office

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

Lord Ahmad, the UK’s Minister of State for the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia, the UN and the Prime Minister’s Special Representative on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict, has undertaken a two-day official visit to Israel during which he met interfaith leaders, members of the tech sector and held bilateral talks with Government of Israel Ministers.

On Tuesday, the Minister visited Ahmadia Mosque, where he met with Imam Mohammad Sharif Oudeh, Rabbi Golan Ben Horin, Reverent Hatim Shihade, Sheikh Kassem Bader, Haifa’s Mayor Einat Kalish Rotem, and discussed co-existence in Haifa. Lord Ahmad then continued on a tour to the Baha’i Gardens, to hear about the history of the Baha’i faith and the role Haifa has played as the heart of the Baha’i community.

The Minister visited the Technion – The Israeli Institute of Technology – where he was briefed about Israel’s top tier scientific innovation. He was hosted by Professor Hosam Hayek, a recipient of the BIRAX grant for UK-IL scientific collaborations, who presented the results of his research in early-stage disease detection to the Minister.

Lord Ahmad also met with leading stakeholders in the Arab-Israeli tech ecosystem before visiting the ESIL innovation and venture lab, where he met with Moshe Kaplinsky, Chairman of Bazan Group and ESIL CEO, Amir Horowitz, who presented him with Israeli start-ups developing innovative solutions to climate challenges.

Today (Wednesday) Lord Ahmad held bilateral meetings with the Israeli Foreign Minister, Eli Cohen, and the Economy Minister, Nir Barkat. Lord Ahmad and Minister Cohen discussed regional security issues including Iran, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the opportunities presented by the Abraham Accords. Lord Ahmad and Minister Barkat discussed the ongoing Israel-UK free trade agreement negotiations and the possibilities held for Israeli companies in the UK.

At the end of his visit, Lord Ahmad said:

I am pleased to be back in Israel and meet with members of the new government. Israel is a valued partner for the UK, and I am excited to continue strengthening our bilateral relations and trade partnership and taking it to new heights.

With counterparts, I discussed the UK and Israel’s shared security threats, including Iran’s destabilising actions in the region and Russia’s unprovoked, premeditated invasion of Ukraine.

I also encouraged all efforts to avoid provocative unilateral actions in Jerusalem and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, which only serve to undermine prospects for a lasting and peaceful solution.

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

Ms Jan Thompson CMG OBE has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Norway in succession to Mr Richard Wood. Ms Thompson will take up her appointment during April 2023.

Curriculum vitae

Full name: Jan Thompson

Year	Role
2018 to present	New Delhi, Deputy High Commissioner, including one year as Acting High Commissioner
2018	Ottawa, Deputy High Commissioner, Temporary Duty
2013 to 2018	Prague, Her Majesty’s Ambassador
2012 to 2013	Full Time Language Training (Czech)
2011 to 2012	FCO, Project Leader, The Future of FCO Climate Diplomacy
2011	FCO, Head, Libya Unit
2010 to 2011	FCO, Short project on diplomacy and transparency
2010	FCO, Head, Strategic Defence and Security Review Team
2007 to 2010	Secondment to Department of Energy Climate Change, UK Lead Negotiator, International Climate Negotiations
2005 to 2007	FCO, Comprehensive Spending Review Programme Director
2005	FCO, Senior FCO Representative in Scotland for G8 Summit
2005	Phuket, Head British Embassy Office
2002 to 2005	FCO, Head Afghanistan Group
2000 to 2002	FCO, Deputy Head, United Nations Department
1997 to 2000	UK Permanent Representation to the United Nations New York, First Secretary (Security Council)
1994 to 1997	FCO, Head of Section, Eastern Adriatic Unit
1994	Berlin, Temporary Duty
1992 to 1994	Bonn, Second Secretary (Political)
1991 to 1992	Secondment to German Ministry of Foreign Affairs
1990 to 1991	FCO, Desk Officer El Salvador, Honduras and Costa Rica, Latin America Department

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

Ms Katy Ransome has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Mali in succession to Mr Barry Lowen, who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment. Ms Ransome will take up her appointment during January 2023.

Curriculum vitae

Full name: Katharine Marjorie Ransome

Year	Role
2020 to 2022	FCDO, Head of Gender Equality Unit, Multilateral Policy Department, later Head of Gender and Conflict, Conflict, Stabilisation and Mediation Directorate
2016 to 2020	Gaborone, British High Commissioner and UK Special Representative to the Southern African Development Community
2013 to 2016	FCO, Head, Network Resources Team, Europe Directorate
2010 to 2012	British Office for Somalia, Deputy Head of Mission
2009 to 2010	Antananarivo, Political Officer
2007 to 2008	Kabul, Head of Military & Political Team
2006 to 2007	Kabul, Regional Affairs Advisor
2004 to 2006	FCO, Head of European Defence Policy, Security Policy Department
2004	Madrid, First Secretary
2001 to 2003	FCO, Head, Turkey Team, EU-Mediterranean Team
1997 to 2001	Budapest, Second Secretary
1995 to 1996	FCO, Desk Officer, G7/8 Team
1995	Joined FCO

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

On his first visit to the region since his appointment as the UK Minister for the Middle East, Lord Ahmad will visit the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPTs) to understand the challenges facing Palestinians, reinforcing the importance of the bilateral relationship and see first-hand the impact of UK development and humanitarian support in the West Bank. He will engage with the Palestinian Authority leadership, the Palestinian public, faith leaders, young people and meet with inspiring Palestinians working to create thriving and profitable businesses.

During his visit Lord Ahmad will meet with key humanitarian partners and announce £3.7m of additional funding to UNRWA to support food assistance to 1.2 million of the most vulnerable Palestinian refugees in Gaza.

During his time in the Old City of Jerusalem, Lord Ahmad will tour Haram Al Sharif and meet with Sheikh Azzam Al Khatib Al Tamimi, Director General of Islamic Endowments in Jerusalem. He will also visit the Christian and Jewish Quarters of the city where he will reiterate the importance of the Status Quo and Jordanian custodianship over the Holy Sites in Jerusalem.

Lord Ahmad will also visit Hebron to hear about the impact of Israeli settler violence on Palestinian residents and visit an UNRWA school where he will meet with students and hear how UK aid supports the education of Palestinian boys and girls.

The Minister will visit the Royal Plastics Factory in Hebron to understand the challenges and opportunities for Palestinian businesses and see how the UK’s technical assistance programmes and diplomatic engagement are helping to support economic development. In a separate engagement he will also discuss what more the UK could do to unlock the potential of Palestinian companies with key businesspeople.

In Masafer Yatta in the South Hebron Hills, Lord Ahmad will see the impact of UK aid on vulnerable Palestinians living in Area C, who are facing the threat of eviction and demolition of their homes. He will reiterate the UK’s opposition to evictions and demolitions, which are illegal under international law in all but the most exceptional circumstances.

During the Minister’s engagements with representatives from the United Nations, Lord Ahmad will discuss the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the OPTs and reiterate the UK’s longstanding support to UNRWA which provides essential services to Palestinian refugees across the region.

The Minister’s own interest in theology and work to promote freedom of religion and belief will be channelled into informal discussions with religious leaders and key thinkers to discuss the contribution of interfaith dialogue towards conflict resolution.

Lord Ahmad is scheduled to hold a series of bilateral meetings with the Palestinian Authority to reiterate the UK’s continued support for the Palestinian people and for a negotiated two-state solution, based on 1967 borders, with Jerusalem as a shared capital, as the only way to ensure a just and lasting peace.

Ahead of his visit, Lord Ahmad said:

“My visit comes at a difficult but important time for the Palestinian people, and I want to re-emphasise UK support to the Palestinian people and our unwavering commitment to a negotiated two-state solution as the only means of ending this conflict.

“Visits to various parts of the West Bank, including East Jerusalem will allow me to witness first-hand the challenges facing Palestinians as well as to see the impact of UK funding to some of the most vulnerable.

“I look forward to discussing UK-Palestinian relations with a wide range of interlocutors over the coming days.”

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

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 10 January 2023.

The British Embassy in Beirut categorically rejects the unsubstantiated, erroneous and misleading claims made in a report on UK support for the IMPACT project published by Al Akhbar on 9 January 2023. We are and remain proud of our contribution to anti-corruption efforts in Lebanon, including the important work of the IMPACT platform, Central Inspection and Judge George Attieh.

The British Embassy agreed a Memorandum of Understanding with Central Inspection on 20 August 2021 which detailed our Governance, Oversight, & Accountability Project. The Lebanese government mentioned the project in their financial plan issued on 30 April 2020. This project consists of technical assistance to Central Inspection. Despite baseless accusations, the project complies with the highest international standards for data protection and security using industry-leading providers.

We were disappointed that Al Akhbar’s editors did not contact us for comment ahead of publishing the article. This would have allowed us to correct a number of factual errors and misunderstandings.

IMPACT’s work is ground-breaking and the first of its kind in Lebanon. Improving access to e-governance provides much-needed transparency and accountability. IMPACT’s high profile achievements include enabling the COVID vaccine roll out and the World Bank Social Safety Net.

The UK is clear that Lebanon’s leaders should focus on establishing a government to deliver meaningful reforms, including to secure an IMF deal. This is a vital step to alleviate the economic crisis and improve the lives of the Lebanese people. We have consistently called out corruption in Lebanon’s governance systems, most recently in an article co-signed by G7 Ambassadors together with the EU Ambassador last month to mark World Anti-Corruption day. We will continue to work with our international partners in support of programmes and institutions committed to combatting corruption and promoting transparency, both of which are fundamental to a better future for Lebanon.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 10 January 2023.

Ambassador James Kariuki speaks at the UN Security Council meeting on West Africa and the Sahel.

Thank you, President. I am grateful to our briefers for their presentations. I also thank former SRSG Mahamat Saleh Annadif for his dedicated service.

President, I will make three points focusing on democracy, security and humanitarian issues.

First, the United Kingdom is concerned by the democratic backsliding, and the shrinking of civic space, that the region experienced in 2022. We urge progress towards the restoration of constitutional governments in Mali, Burkina Faso and Guinea within agreed timeframes. We commend ECOWAS and African Union efforts to make this happen.

2023 will be an important year for democracy in West Africa with Presidential elections in Nigeria, Sierra Leone and Liberia. UNOWAS has an important role to play, including through its good offices. The United Kingdom welcomes the focus we have heard today on boosting women’s participation in these processes.

Second, President, there has been a clear deterioration in the security situation in the region –– notably in Mali, Burkina Faso, Nigeria and the Lake Chad Basin. We share concerns raised today about the risk of instability spreading to the coastal states.

President, we cannot ignore the destabilising role the Wagner Group plays in the region. They are part of the problem, not the solution.

Tackling the region’s security challenges requires a holistic response. This includes the need to recognise the security impact of climate change, which multiplies the threats faced by vulnerable populations, for example, through changes in rainfall patterns.

We welcome UNOWAS’s efforts to enhance coherence and coordination, including by supporting the UN Integrated Strategy for the Sahel and the Accra Initiative. UNOWAS must use its new mandate to focus on tackling the root causes of conflict.

For our part, the United Kingdom is building our bilateral cooperation through security dialogues with Ghana and Nigeria. And we are enhancing multilateral cooperation through the UN Development Programme’s Regional Stabilisation Facility.

Third, the humanitarian situation in the Sahel remains dire, compounded by rising prices and floods. The United Kingdom remains committed to our humanitarian efforts in the region. We call on all actors to ensure full cooperation as well as safe and unimpeded access for humanitarian assistance.

In closing, President, we look forward to UNOWAS’s mandate renewal and the appointment of a new SRSG so that the Office can continue to support regional efforts towards peace and prosperity. Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 10 January 2023.

On 9 January 2023, the UK Government and the Securities and Exchange Commission of Thailand (SEC Thailand) signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Financial Services to further strengthen their partnership in the financial sector.

The MoU aims to promote inclusive economic growth and support Thailand on the transition towards low carbon and sustainable economy. It builds on the previous MoU under which the two parties have been collaborating for the past few years.

Under the previous MoU, the UK and the SEC Thailand worked together with the UK providing technical assistance in areas including accounting standards, the development of financial technology (FinTech) ecosystem, sustainable finance such as green bonds and climate risk disclosure for listed companies, e-Know Your Customer (e-KYC) and cybersecurity.

The new MOU will focus on supporting Thailand to further develop the regulatory environment for the FinTech sector, promote sustainable finance, and increase awareness of sustainable investment in Thailand and other ASEAN countries.

The cooperation will be funded by the UK’s ASEAN Economic Reform Programme and the UK’s Partnering for Accelerated Climate Transitions Programme, which support knowledge and expertise sharing, and regular practices on financial technology and sustainable finance.

Ms. Ruenvadee Suwanmongkol, Secretary-General of SEC Thailand, said:

FinTech and sustainable finance are key areas emphasized by SEC Thailand. We strongly believe that the new MoU with the UK Government will support the enhancement of the financial ecosystem as well as promote the development for inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

Recognising the partnership, Mark Gooding, His Majesty’s Ambassador to Thailand, said:

Financial services are a key driver of the modern economy. We are proud to take another step in our long-time partnership with SEC Thailand with a particular focus on the cutting edge of finance: FinTech and sustainability.

The press release issued by the Home Office on 9 January 2023.

A £36 million Domestic Abuse Perpetrator Intervention Fund and new guidance will tackle domestic abuse and stalking.

The Home Office has committed up to £18 million per year over 2 years towards the next phase of the Domestic Abuse Perpetrator Intervention Fund, bringing the total fund to £36 million.

Police and crime commissioners (PCCs) will be given funding to increase the availability of domestic abuse perpetrator intervention schemes in their areas, such as behaviour change programmes, that aim to improve victim safety and reduce the risk posed by abusers.

Since 2020 the Home Office has awarded over £41 million to PCCs across England and Wales.

Minister for Safeguarding Sarah Dines said:

I am fully committed to tackling domestic abuse and protecting victims from suffering the lasting impacts of these horrific crimes.

Our vital Domestic Abuse Perpetrator Intervention Fund allows police forces to intervene early, and work with perpetrators to change their behaviour and reduce the risk they pose, in order to protect victims.

Previous iterations of the Domestic Abuse Perpetrator Intervention Fund have funded schemes such as the Drive Project, which works with high harm and serial perpetrators to prevent them from abusing again.

Recent evaluation from the Drive Project has shown that participation from dangerous perpetrators resulted in a reduction in abuse and risk amongst users of the service, with 82% fewer perpetrators using physical abuse.

Today (9 January 2023) the Home Office has also published 7 standards which provide commissioners with the guidance they need to commission effective interventions with perpetrators, whilst also ensuring that victims’ safety and welfare remains paramount. These have been created based on existing evidence of perpetrator interventions.

The standards outline the need for interventions to be conducted at the right time and by highly skilled staff. They also outline the importance of holding the perpetrator accountable for their actions, and highlight that the priority outcomes for such interventions should be enhanced safety and freedom for victims and survivors.

The publication of the standards and launch of the Domestic Abuse Perpetrator Intervention Fund is part of the government’s commitment to tackle domestic abuse, as laid out in the Tackling Domestic Abuse Plan.

The plan signifies the government’s continuous efforts to tackle domestic abuse through prioritising prevention, supporting victims, pursuing perpetrators, and building a stronger system. In addition, the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 gave clearer guidance as to what constitutes domestic abuse and provides stronger protection for victims of domestic abuse.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 9 January 2023.

Explanation of vote by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the adoption of Security Council resolution on cross-border aid in Syria.

Thank you, President. The UK welcomes the confirmation of the UN’s cross-border mandate, which will continue to provide lifesaving assistance to those in need in North West Syria.

We also strongly welcome the unity of Council in their clear support for this humanitarian lifeline, and thank Switzerland, Brazil, Ireland and Norway for their leadership.

4.1 million Syrians rely on the food, medical supplies and other humanitarian products that the mechanism provides. For now, they can breathe a sigh of relief – in the knowledge that this support will continue. But we must ensure that we provide more certainty to them – and to those UN and NGO workers who serve them.

The humanitarian community consistently warns that shorter mandates result in a perpetual cycle of contingency planning, which limits the capacity to help those in need. The Secretary-General has been clear – the humanitarian imperative demands a 12 month mandate. Let that humanitarian call be the guiding principle of our future discussions..

We are pleased that, today, the Council has played its role in supporting the Syrian people. But the people of Syria deserve more. A genuine political process, in line with Security Council Resolution 2254, is the only sustainable means of ending the suffering for the people of Syria.