Tag: Foreign Office

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 18 July 2025.

Exercise Haraka Serpent provided over 3,000 residents with preventive, diagnostic, and curative medical services, along with healthcare education.

• • • The medical outreach provided vital medical services to communities living in Lokusero, Musul, Nosorai, Laresoro, Sereolipi, Archer’s Post, Suguroi, Mathira and Kanduturai who have limited access to medical diagnosis and treatment.
    • The team offered a range of healthcare services such as nutrition screening, maternal health services, ENT check-ups, family planning services, health education sessions, and voluntary counselling and testing for HIV and AIDS, cervical screening and children’s immunisations.

Friday 18 July 2025: British Army medical troops provided free medical services to over 3000 residents of Laikipia and Samburu Counties in the month of July 2025 in partnership with the Kenyan Defence Forces, Samburu County Government, and Beyond Zero.

Exercise Haraka Serpent delivered a comprehensive range of preventive, diagnostic, and curative medical services, along with healthcare education, across nine locations—three in Laikipia North, three in Laikipia West, and three in Samburu County.

Additionally, 202 MMR conducted a Defence Engagement with the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) at Kahawa Garrison in Nairobi. During this engagement, 202 MMR clinicians provided specialised training focused on austere pre-hospital treatment, fostering a valuable exchange of experiences and best practices with KDF troops.

Speaking at the end of Exercise Haraka Serpent, Robert Mathews, from 202 Multi Role Medical Regiment, said:

This has been an extremely challenging yet worthwhile exercise for our deployed medics. To come to Kenya and assist our host nation medical staff and the medical staff from the Kenyan Defence Forces in providing outreach health care to remote parts of Samburu and Laikipia Counties has been extremely rewarding.

We have worked closely with Kenyan led teams and together we have treated over 3000 people, this has also been a great learning experience for my medics for the vast majority of whom this is their first time in Kenya.

Kenya Defence Forces Nursing Officer, Lt. Brian Kiplimo, said:

We had three objectives for the exercise: offering healthcare to the marginalised communities who are not able to easily access healthcare facilities, learning, and enhancing our co-operation with BATUK.  The learning objective saw 45 KDF personnel trained on medical readiness during operations especially of casualty care. Through the exercise, we have been able to share experiences and knowledge with BATUK which is vital for future cooperation.

British High Commissioner to Kenya Neil Wigan, said:

This is a powerful demonstration of our mutual partnership between Kenya and the UK.  Through this medical outreach, we’ve seen the very best of what our partnership can achieve – bringing vital healthcare to remote communities, sharing knowledge between our armed forces, and strengthening the bonds between our people. Kenya remains a vital strategic partner to the UK. We have a shared history—and more importantly, we have a shared future. We’re going far, together.

The medical outreach provided vital medical services to communities living in Lokusero, Musul, Nosorai, Laresoro, Sereolipi, Archer’s Post, Suguroi, Mathira and Kanduturai who have limited access to medical diagnosis and treatment. The team offered a range of healthcare services such as nutrition screening, maternal health services, ENT check-ups, family planning services, health education sessions, and voluntary counselling and testing for HIV and AIDS, cervical screening and children’s immunisations.  Among those who turned up for the free medical care, many locals presented with respiratory tract conditions and received appropriate medication.

Notes for editors:

• • 202 MMR is specially trained and equipped to provide an integrated healthcare system within a single unit by integrating Deployed Primary Healthcare, Pre-Hospital Emergency Care, Medical Evacuation and Deployed Hospital Care capabilities. MMRs provide improved tactical flexibility, agility, clinical continuity and credibility throughout the Operational Patient Care Pathway (OPCP); by combining traditional Field Hospital General Service Medical Regiment roles into a new type of medical unit, MMRs integrate medical capability at the lowest level.
  • Under an agreement with the Kenyan Government, up to six infantry battlegroups per year, including Haraka Serpent, carry out up to eight-week exercises in Kenya, in preparation to deploy on operations or assume high-readiness tasks.
  • British Army Training Unit Kenya is a permanent training support unit based in Nanyuki. BATUK runs a wide range of training events and exercises for British and Kenyan troops including infantry, artillery, logistics, engineering, and medical specialists.  Every exercise includes the completion of projects to support the local communities amongst which BATUK live and work.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 17 July 2025.

Deputy Ambassador James Ford thanks Director of OSCE’s Conflict Prevention Centre for the institution’s work across the region, which remains crucial in the face of Russia’s malign activities.

Thank you, Mr Chair.  And thank you, Director for this report and presentation.  You hold a crucial and busy role in what you accurately described as a volatile and unpredictable security environment.  Also, for several weeks in this period, you executed these responsibilities while also ably deputising as Officer-in-Charge.  We are grateful to you and the many colleagues who have supported you.

The operating environment for the Conflict Prevention Centre (CPC) is more challenging today than it has been at any point since it was created in 1990.  Russia’s war in Ukraine and its malign activities across the Euro-Atlantic area continue to be the primary challenges.

Through the CPC and its tools, over many years, the OSCE sought to reduce tensions and contribute to a lasting peace in Ukraine.  Regrettably, Russia consistently undermined and stymied this work before launching its full-scale invasion in 2022.

It is essential that the OSCE supports Ukraine to deal with the consequences of Russia’s illegal war and to build its democratic and societal resilience.  We are grateful, therefore, to the CPC’s role in coordinating the Support Programme for Ukraine.

Mr Chair, the Russian Federation has a long track record of establishing frozen conflicts on its periphery which it uses as tools to manipulate and control.  Georgia has been under hybrid attack from Russia since the 2008 war which saw 20% of Georgian territory effectively annexed. We reaffirm our full support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. In Moldova, the UK is strengthening its commitment to defend democratic institutions from increasing levels of malign interference from Moscow.

We call on Russia to respect the territorial integrity of Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova, and rebuild the trust that underpins the OSCE and our common security.

More positively, we congratulate Armenia and Azerbaijan on the progress made towards a peace agreement and the normalisation of relations, including the meeting between both leaders held on 10 July in Abu Dhabi.  It is important that both parties maintain and build upon this dialogue. Finalisation of this peace treaty is the best route to delivering security and stability in the South Caucasus, and we urge both parties to seize this historic opportunity.

Mr Chair, we welcome the technological advancements described in the Director’s report and the suggestion that the CPC explores the use of emerging technology to enhance its capabilities.  The CPC has pioneered the use of technology to support confidence-building measures, transparency and peace agreements.  It is right that the OSCE should continue to be at the forefront of these innovations and to be ready for the day when they are needed.

However, the CPC needs to be adequately resourced if it is to do this work and fulfil its mandate.  The assessment in Ms Fearon’s report on how the chronic lack of financial sustainability is negatively impacting the work of the CPC is sobering and concerning. The lack of agreement on a Unified Budget continues to severely constrain all parts of the organisation in delivering their mandates. And we again urge all participating States to engage constructively with budget proposals and ensure the organisation is resourced to carry out its work effectively in line with the OSCE principles we have all signed up to.

Director, your report is a reminder of the value and necessity of the OSCE’s unique conflict cycle toolbox.  I would like to thank you, your staff, and the field presences for your ongoing support to participating States facing conflict situations. Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 17 July 2025.

Ambassador Holland welcomes the OSCE Mission’s engagement with the Government of Serbia during the reporting period, and its continued focus on democratic governance, rule of law, media freedom and minority rights.

Thank you, Mr Chair.

I would like to welcome the Acting Head of the OSCE Mission to Serbia to the Permanent Council for the first time. Welcome, Carolina, and thank you for this comprehensive Report on the Mission’s activities and achievements.

Your Report clearly sets out the political context for the Mission’s work over the last 12 months. The UK welcomes your engagement with the Government of Serbia throughout this period, and the Mission’s continued focus on democratic governance, rule of law, media freedom and minority rights.

We are closely following ongoing protests in Serbia, which have been largely peaceful and well-policed. We commend the police for their professionalism but note with concern some recent reports of excessive force. As the Foreign Secretary made clear in his visit in April, it’s important that all action is proportionate, legal, and upholds fundamental rights.

The UK welcomes the engagement of the OSCE Mission in support of media reforms and journalist safety. We share the concerns set out in your report about the delays in media law reforms and the concerning number of attacks against journalists. We thank the Mission for its proactive role in the Permanent Working Group for the Safety of Journalists.

We regret that Serbia was not able to re-elect a new Council for its Electronic Media Regulator (REM) in line with the 2023 Law on Electronic Media. We are grateful for the ongoing work of the Mission, and personal involvement of the OSCE’s RFOM in ensuring the current selection process is inclusive, and hope that a new, more effective, Council can be formed swifty.

The UK also particularly appreciates the Mission’s continued commitment to mainstreaming a gender equality perspective across all areas of Mission activity. We also thank the mission for its work on improving the representation of minority communities in public institutions, especially the Police, where the Mission’s work has resulted in key improvements to the selection process.

The UK urges both Kosovo and Serbia to engage constructively in the EU-facilitated Dialogue and to deliver on their existing commitments. We also underline the importance of ensuring justice and accountability for all acts of violence. We continue to call on Serbia to cooperate fully with efforts to hold to account those responsible for the 2023 Banjska attacks.

Mr Chair, we regret that it is again necessary to underline the negative impact the continued non-agreement of the Unified Budget is having on the work of OSCE field missions, including through cancelled programmes and staff attrition. We again urge all participating States to engage constructively with budget proposals and ensure field operations have the resources they need to effectively deliver their mandates.

Acting Head of Mission, I would like to thank you once again for your leadership of the OSCE Mission to Serbia during the last 7 months. I wish you and your team success in your work over the coming year.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 17 July 2025.

Ambassador Holland condemns Russia’s appalling actions in Ukraine – including civilians deaths, CRSV and widespread use of torture – as detailed in ODIHR’s seventh interim report on reported violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law in Ukraine.

Thank you, Mr Chair.  Today I would like to address the issue of civilian casualties from Russia’s war in Ukraine.

Firstly, every death in this conflict is a tragedy.  These are people, not statistics, and for each life lost, many more are destroyed as a result.  We cannot allow the normalisation of such death and destruction here or anywhere else.

Secondly, we must remember that Russia chose to start this war.  There was no threat to Russia or Russians or Russian speakers in Ukraine.  What Russia feared was Ukraine escaping Moscow’s orbit.  It feared a prosperous, successful and sovereign Ukraine on its doorstep.  The responsibility for the increased risk to Russians, Ukrainians and our collective security sits squarely with Moscow.

But just as President Putin chose to start this war, he could choose to end it.  President Trump has called for the senseless killing to stop and proposed an immediate and unconditional ceasefire.  Ukraine agreed to it.  Russia rejected it.  Despite Moscow’s attempts to obfuscate, these are the facts.

Thirdly, Mr Chair, when it comes to civilian casualties, let us remember that Ukraine permits access to independent organisations who provide impartial reporting and verification of developments on the ground.  Many of these, including the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine, have requested equal access to Russia.  But these requests have been denied.  We strongly urge Russia to allow access by independent international bodies who can offer impartial analysis of incidents in the Russian Federation, which would be of benefit to all OSCE participating States.

A timely example of factual reporting from an independent organisation, this week ODIHR published their seventh interim report on reported violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law in Ukraine.  The report covers some of the deeply concerning issues that we have raised in this room.  For example, ODIHR reported that in the six months to 31 May 2025, the number of verified civilian casualties in Government-controlled areas of Ukraine was over 50% higher than in the corresponding period in 2024.

ODIHR’s report also covered the 4 April attack on Kryvyi Rih, which involved a Russian ballistic missile hitting a playground and killing 20 civilians, including nine children.  Colleagues will remember that we held a Special Permanent Council on this shocking incident.  ODIHR states: “Following analysis of photographs and videos, as well as eye-witness statements and other publicly available evidence, ODIHR has reasonable grounds to believe that, contrary to the Russian Federation’s claims, there were no military objectives in the area immediately prior to or at the time of the strike.”

There is much more of concern in ODIHR’s report, including testimony that conflict-related sexual violence is intensifying and increasingly cruel.  And the reconfirmation of ODIHR’s previous findings on the widespread and systematic use of torture by the Russian authorities against detained Ukrainian civilians and POWs. We are appalled by these findings and urge the full implementation of the recommendations within the report.

Thank you, Mr Chair.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 16 July 2025.

Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Gaza.

The United Kingdom, together with Denmark, France, Greece and Slovenia, called for this meeting out of deep concern for the Israeli government’s inhumane approach to the crisis in Gaza.

This week marks 650 days since the horrific Hamas attacks of October 7th.

With each day that passes, the hostages suffer yet more agony, in appalling conditions and deprived from contact with their loved ones.

And with each day that passes, the people of Gaza suffer death, desperation and displacement.

This conflict has gone on for far too long.

There is a deal to be done.

We urge the parties to engage in the spirit of compromise to secure an immediate ceasefire, the release of the hostages and a pathway towards lasting peace.

I will make three points.

First, it is imperative that Israel lift its restrictions on aid entering Gaza.

Without fuel, water systems and hospitals in Gaza are on the verge of collapse.

Without medical supplies, treatable illnesses are costing lives.

And without food, Palestinians are dying from malnutrition or forced desperately to scramble for supplies.

The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation has acknowledged that the UN has the unique capacity to meet the immense humanitarian need.

So we call on Israel to allow the UN to save lives immediately and without obstruction.

The United Kingdom welcomes the agreement between the EU and Israel, but we need to see words turned into action.

Second, we strongly oppose the expansion of Israel’s military operations.

We urge Israel immediately to implement and enforce robust measures to protect civilians.

In the past four months, more than 1,000 children have been killed.

Palestinians have also been fired upon by the IDF while desperately seeking food, with 800 people killed at aid sites.

This is abhorrent.

Third, the United Kingdom is appalled by the Israeli Defence Minister’s comments on forced displacement of Palestinians to Rafah.

This would contravene the fundamental principles upon which the UN was founded.

Palestinian territory must not be reduced, and civilians must be able to return home.

President, the path forward lies in diplomacy and compromise to deliver lasting peace for Israelis and Palestinians alike.

We commend the leadership of France and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in co-chairing the upcoming conference on a Two-State Solution, which offers us a crucial opportunity to advance this goal.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 16 July 2025.

The British Ambassador, Juliana Correa, met with the Manager of the National Forest Institute (INAB), Bruno Enrique Arias Rivas, to strengthen bilateral collaboration in the protection of biodiversity and sustainable forest management.

The meeting allowed for the exchange of priorities and exploration of new opportunities for technical and institutional cooperation, including within the framework of the UK’s environmental flagship project in Guatemala, the Biodiverse Landscapes Fund (BLF).

Among the topics discussed were INAB’s support for the BLF and other UK-funded projects, such as the Darwin projects, as well as the Aim4Forests programme, which seeks to strengthen forest monitoring through innovative technologies and sustainable solutions.

Progress was discussed in key areas such as Paso Caballos, in Laguna del Tigre National Park, and the Trifinio region, where forests conservation and ecosystem restoration are promoted.

The meeting reaffirmed the United Kingdom’s commitment to protecting biodiversity in Guatemala and promoting joint solutions to climate change, deforestation, and forest degradation.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 16 July 2025.

UK Military Advisor, Lt Col Joby Rimmer, says the UK, alongside the US and international partners, remains committed to providing the economic, diplomatic, and military tools Ukraine needs to defend itself.

Madame Chair, the United Kingdom reaffirms its unwavering support for Ukraine as it continues to defend its people and sovereignty against the Russian government’s escalating campaign of aggression. We remain resolute in our commitment to ensuring Ukraine has the tools and support it needs to prevail – diplomatically, economically, and militarily.

The urgency of this support was underscored by the most recent Russian attacks. On the night of 11-12 July, Russia launched 597 drones and 26 cruise missiles across Ukraine in a 10-hour assault. The attacks killed at least two civilians and injured over 20 others, with damage reported from Kharkiv to Lviv. Just days earlier, Kyiv endured a combined drone, ballistic, and cruise missile strike that damaged six districts and left multiple civilians injured.

These attacks mark a grim trend. Eight of the largest attacks of the war have been launched by Russia in the last two months. Russia launched ten times more missile and drone strikes in June 2025 than in June 2024. The impact on civilians has been appalling. According to the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine (HRMMU), June 2025 saw the highest civilian toll since the war began, with 232 killed and 1,343 injured, driven by a surge in long-range missile and drone strikes reaching far beyond the front lines. From December to May, the UN estimates that civilian casualties increased by 37% from the same period the previous year. Even more horrific is the alleged use of drones armed with enhanced warheads containing up to 90kg of metal shrapnel, designed to maximise civilian casualties. As President Zelenskiiy’s aide Andrii Yermak warned, the alleged use of these shrapnel-packed warheads marks an appalling new chapter in the war.

The growing frequency and intensity of these attacks underscore the urgent need for enhanced air defence support for Ukraine. We welcome President Trump’s decision to enable NATO Allies to purchase US military equipment vital for Ukraine to defend itself and protect civilians, including Patriot systems. The UK is pleased to be co-chairing, with Germany, a meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group meeting next week, to ensure that Ukraine gets the military support it needs to defend itself against Russia’s brutal attacks.

Finally, on 10 July, the United Kingdom was proud to co-chair the fourth meeting of the ‘Coalition of the Willing’ alongside President Macron, bringing together representatives from 38 countries, including over 30 heads of state and government. This gathering was a powerful demonstration of unity and a clear signal to Moscow that our support for Ukraine is enduring, coordinated, and intensifying. We welcome the presence of a US delegation at the meeting for the first time, and President Trump’s announcement that the US will impose sanctions if a peace deal is not reached in 50 days. We call upon the Russian Federation to abandon their maximalist objectives in Ukraine, agree to a full and unconditional ceasefire as Ukraine did five months ago, and engage in meaningful peace talks. Together with our partners we will continue to ratchet up the pressure on Russia until a just and lasting peace is reached.

The UK will continue to stand firm with our Allies and Partners, to ensure Ukraine’s defence, uphold international law and secure a future of peace and stability in Europe – principles enshrined in the Helsinki Final Act, including the inviolability of frontiers, territorial integrity of states, and the peaceful settlement of disputes. Thank you, Madame Chair.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 15 July 2025.

Most main applicants travelling to the UK on study or work-related visas will no longer need a physical sticker visa in passports from today (15 July).

The UK Government is replacing physical immigration documents for most student and worker visas with a digital proof of immigration status, an eVisa. An eVisa is an online record of a person’s immigration permission in the UK, and any conditions which apply, which can be viewed by creating and accessing an online UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account.

eVisas are part of an enhanced border and immigration system that will not only make the visa process easier, but is more secure, digital and streamlined. eVisas are tried and tested, with millions of people already using them on select immigration routes.

British High Commissioner, Jane Marriott CMG OBE, said:

These changes to the UK visa system will make it much simpler for students and workers to prove their identity and visa status. It also means applicants can hold onto their passports, saving them time.

Updating from a physical document to an eVisa does not affect anyone’s immigration status or the conditions of their permission to enter or stay in the UK.

E-visas are being rolled out for the main applicants for:

• Students, including short term study for 11 months
• Global Business Mobility routes (specifically, Senior or Specialist Worker, Graduate Trainee, UK Expansion Worker, Service Supplier, Secondment Worker)
• Global Talent
• International Sportsperson
• Skilled Worker (including Health and Care)
• Temporary Work routes (specifically, Charity Worker, Creative Worker, Government Authorised Exchange, International Agreement, and Religious work routes)
• Youth Mobility Scheme

Holders can link their travel document (such as passport) to their UKVI account to facilitate straightforward international travel. People who have created a UKVI account will be able to use the view and prove service to prove their status securely with third parties, such as employers or landlords (in England).

Applicants applying as a dependant, or as a main applicant for visas other than study or work, e.g. general visitor visas, will still need a physical sticker visa. Anyone with existing, in date, physical visa stickers do not need to take any action.

This will eventually be rolled out to all visa routes meaning a more secure and streamlined process for all UK visa customers.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 15 July 2025.

Ms Alexandra Cole has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Armenia in succession to Mr John Gallagher.

Ms Alexandra Cole has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Armenia in succession to Mr John Gallagher who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment.  Ms Cole will take up her appointment during September 2025.

Curriculum vitae

Full name: Alexandra Pamela Cole

Year	Role
2024 to present	Pre-posting training
2023 to 2024	FCDO, Head of Contingency Planning, MENA
2020 to 2023	Doha, Deputy Head of Mission
2018 to 2020	Tbilisi, Deputy Head of Mission
2013 to 2018	UK Mission to the UN in Geneva, Counsellor Specialised Agencies
2011 to 2013	FCO, Policy Unit
2008 to 2010	Cairo, Consular Regional Director
2006 to 2008	FCO, Engaging with Islamic World Group
2004 to 2006	Islamabad, Second Secretary Human Rights
2002 to 2004	Sarajevo, Second Secretary Political
2001 to 2002	Pre-posting training (including Bosnian language training)
1999 to 2001	FCO, Personnel Management Unit
1996 to 1999	Tehran, Entry Clearance Officer
1994 to 1995	FCO, Trade Union Side
1992 to 1994	FCO, Finance Department
1990 to 1992	FCO, Migration and Visa Department
1990	Joined FCO

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 14 July 2025.

Explanation of vote by Ambassador Barbara Woodward, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, after the adoption of UN Security Council resolution 2786.

We welcome the Council’s extension of UNMHA’s mandate until January 2026.

We thank Council colleagues for their engagement in the negotiation.

We will closely engage with the UN on their review to identify opportunities for further efficiencies, coherence and coordination across United Nations Missions in Yemen.

As the expiry of this mandate approaches early next year, we look forward to leading further discussions with this Council on the full range of options for UN operations in Hodeidah, including assessing the future viability and sunsetting of UNMHA.

We remain committed to ensuring the UN is able to operate across its Missions in Yemen, with a view to supporting humanitarian needs, promoting long-term stability and preserving space for a future UN-led peace process.

We will continue to work closely with the UN Special Envoy, regional and Yemeni stakeholders to achieve this.