Tag: Foreign Office

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 30 July 2026.

Ambassador Holland commends the OSCE Mission to Serbia for its sustained work and continued focus on democratic governance, rule of law, media freedom, security sector reform and minority rights.

Thank you, Mr Chair.

I welcome Ambassador Peško to the Permanent Council and thank him for his comprehensive report. We commend the OSCE Mission to Serbia for its sustained work and continued focus on democratic governance, rule of law, media freedom, security sector reform and minority rights.

The report illustrates both the value of the Mission’s work and the challenging operating context. The UK remains concerned by the deepening political polarisation and tensions that have accompanied the ongoing protest movement. It is important to protect freedom of peaceful assembly, freedom of expression and the independence of democratic institutions, including the judiciary.

We are particularly concerned by the deterioration in media freedom, and the rise in the number of attacks against journalists described in the report. We welcome the Mission’s efforts to keep the Permanent Working Group on the Safety of Journalists functioning and its support for practical mechanisms that protect media professionals. Independent media and the safety of journalists are essential safeguards of democratic accountability. We encourage the Serbian government to facilitate the better operation of institutions dealing with attacks on journalists.

The United Kingdom welcomes progress towards re-establishing the Council of the Regulatory Authority for Electronic Media, and is grateful to the Representative on Freedom of the Media for his active engagement on this issue. A credible, independent and effective regulator is vital for public confidence, media pluralism and the implementation of electoral reforms. The Council should be allowed to carry out its mandate and resolve outstanding issues without interference.

On elections and democratic governance, we note the Mission’s support for reforms to electoral legislation and the Unified Voters’ Register. These are important steps. However, as ODIHR have underlined, significant recommendations remain outstanding. Comprehensive electoral reform, implemented well in advance of future elections and in consultation with opposition parties and civil society, remains essential.

We thank the Mission for its valuable work to improve the rights of minority communities and increase their representation in public institutions. These programmes help build trust between communities and strengthen Serbia’s long-term resilience. We also commend the Mission’s work on community policing, youth engagement and women’s participation in security institutions.

We reiterate our call for Serbia and Kosovo to engage constructively in the EU-facilitated Dialogue and to implement their existing commitments. We also urge public officials to refrain from provocative, revisionist or harmful language in public statements, which risks deepening divisions and undermining reconciliation. We continue to call for full accountability for the 2023 Banjska attack.

Finally, we thank Ambassador Peško and his team for their professionalism and dedication. The Mission remains an important partner and a valuable contributor to security and stability across the region.

Thank you, Mr Chair.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 30 July 2026.

Ambassador Holland argued that Russia’s war against Ukraine reflects a long-standing pattern of challenging the sovereignty and territorial integrity of neighbouring states. Russia’s actions in Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia demonstrate a disregard for OSCE commitments and the principle that borders cannot be changed by force.

Thank you, Mr Chair.

Last week, a group of my colleagues and I visited Ukraine. We saw the reality of Russia’s war first hand. We visited communities where Russian strikes have destroyed homes. We met former prisoners of war and the families of civilians arbitrarily detained by Russia, including the families of OSCE staff members whom Russia has unlawfully detained for more than four years. We again call for their immediate and unconditional release.

The visit was an opportunity to see the consequences of Russia’s actions at first hand. Understanding those consequences also requires an honest assessment of their causes, something which I will offer today.

Russia has argued that we should look beyond 2022 to understand its war against Ukraine. We agree that context and history matter, so let us examine them.

Russia’s behaviour prior to 2022 is part of a broader pattern, extending beyond Ukraine.

In Moldova, Russian military forces became involved in the conflict on the left bank of the Nistru more than three decades ago. Russia later committed at the Istanbul Summit to withdraw its forces, yet military personnel remain on Moldovan territory without the consent of the Moldovan Government.

In Georgia, Russian forces crossed internationally recognised borders in 2008. Russia subsequently recognised Abkhazia and South Ossetia as independent states and entrenched its military presence there occupying 20% of Georgian sovereign territory.

Ukraine is part of the same story.

In 1994, Russia committed to respect Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and existing borders. Twenty years later, following political upheaval in Kyiv, Russia seized Crimea and attempted to annex it. It then supported and sustained armed conflict in eastern Ukraine for the following eight years.

Russia has sought to justify those actions by claiming that the events of 2014 amounted to an “unconstitutional coup”. This is false. Despite the unprecedented situation, Ukraine’s institutions continued to function. Presidential and parliamentary elections were held, and Ukrainians freely chose successive governments after 2014 through democratic processes recognised by the international community. There was no line in the sand moment. Just a democratic process. Whatever interpretation Russia offers of Ukraine’s domestic politics, it cannot justify violating Ukraine’s sovereignty or redrawing its borders by force using the pretext of a coup.

When we take the longer and broader view of Russia’s behaviour, it becomes clear that the roots of the war relate to a fundamental question: whether countries that Russia regards as falling within its “sphere of influence” have the right to determine their own future. The full-scale invasion was the latest and most devastating manifestation of Russia’s answer to that question.

This war was not caused by a single political crisis, nor by a breakdown in diplomacy. It reflects a deeper disagreement about the rules that govern relations between states in the OSCE area.

Russia helped to shape those principles and freely subscribed to them. From Helsinki to Paris, from Budapest to Istanbul, the record is clear. States are sovereign. Borders cannot be changed by force. Those principles are not new. Nor is there any ambiguity to them.

The question is whether Russia is prepared to abide by those commitments it has repeatedly undertaken. Until it does, discussions about the roots of this war will continue to lead to the same conclusion: the problem was never the rules themselves, but Russia’s decision to disregard them.

Finally, Mr Chair, I condemn Russia’s continued bombardment of Ukraine, including the mass attack overnight that killed multiple civilians, and a recent strike that damaged the Latvian Consulate in Sloviansk. Russia’s reckless actions continue to have consequences beyond Ukraine. On three consecutive days beginning on 24 July, drones entered Romanian airspace and were subsequently shot down by Romanian F-16s. The first was identified as a Shahed-type drone used by Russia; investigations into the other two incidents are ongoing. We stand in full solidarity with Romania, Latvia and Ukraine. Russia’s continued attacks against Ukraine, and the repeated violation of NATO airspace, are unacceptable.

Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 29 July 2026.

Senior Military Advisor, Col Joby Rimmer, marks the close of the trimester by condemning Russia’s continued war against Ukraine, its drone incursions into Romanian airspace and the strike on Latvia’s Consulate in Sloviansk, and reaffirms the UK’s ironclad support for Ukraine.

Thank you, Mr Chair. Another Trimester has passed. But Russia’s war of aggression continues. Too little progress has been made towards the just and lasting peace that the people of Ukraine deserve.

The Russian Federation continues to wage an illegal war against another participating State. It continues to bring death and destruction to Ukraine, while creating wider risks for security across our region. And it continues to violate the UN Charter and the Helsinki Final Act, the 51st anniversary of which is this Saturday.

We saw those risks again over the weekend. On three consecutive days, Romanian F-16s shot down drones which had entered Romanian airspace. The first was identified and verified as a Shahed type used by Russia. Investigations into the other two continue. Furthermore, a Russian strike on Ukraine damaged the Latvian Consulate in Sloviansk. We stand in full solidarity with Romania, Ukraine and Latvia. The strikes on Ukraine and the incursions into NATO airspace are unacceptable. They show how Russia’s war threatens security far beyond Ukraine.

The Russian government appears to believe that time is on its side. It is not. Another trimester has not made Russia’s aggression lawful. Another trimester has not made Russian victory more likely. Ukraine continues to defend its sovereignty, its territory and its people with extraordinary courage. And as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom said during his meeting with President Zelensky in Portsmouth on Monday – “We are with Ukraine 100%”. The Russian Federation cannot turn a futile war of aggression into a legitimate or sustainable victory simply by prolonging it. Too many lives have already been needlessly lost.

The path towards peace is clear. The Russian government should agree to a full, immediate and unconditional ceasefire. The Russian government should engage seriously in efforts towards a just and lasting peace. And the Russian government must respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, in accordance with the principles to which it and every other participating State has committed.

Mr Chair, another trimester has passed. But the fundamental truths have not changed. Russia’s victory is not inevitable. A just and lasting peace remains possible. And Ukraine will continue to have the United Kingdom’s ironclad support.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 28 July 2026.

An FCDO statement on recent declarations by the Nicaraguan authorities about elections.

An FCDO spokesperson said:

“The UK Government remains deeply concerned by the continued deterioration of democratic governance, civic space and human rights in Nicaragua.

Recent declarations by the Nicaraguan authorities about elections represent a further assault on democratic principles and the Nicaraguan people’s right to choose their leaders freely and fairly

We urge the Nicaraguan authorities to uphold their international human rights commitments, restore democratic guarantees, and create the conditions for meaningful political participation, peaceful dissent and respect for fundamental freedoms.”

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 28 July 2026.

Statement by Ambassador Kate Foster, UK Chargé d’Affaires to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on the Middle East.

Last November this Council adopted UN Security Council Resolution 2803, endorsing President Trump’s Comprehensive Peace Plan for Gaza. 

It continues to offer a historic opportunity to achieve lasting peace. But eight months on, implementation risks stalling. 

Now is the time for all parties to fulfil their commitments under the plan, in full.  

In that context, I will highlight three priorities to reinvigorate implementation. 

First, we need further action to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza. 

Civilians continue to endure horrendous conditions surrounded by sewage and rubble. 

We welcome the progress that has pulled Gaza back from the levels of famine seen last year. 

However, according to the IPC’s latest snapshot, 1.2 million people still face significant food shortages, with projections indicating 90% of the population will remain dependent on humanitarian aid to survive. 

While food may be available in some private markets, it remains unaffordable or inaccessible for many Palestinians, particularly the most vulnerable. 

Averting famine cannot be a benchmark for success. Nor can improving the humanitarian situation be conditional on progress on other tracks.  

Israel must fulfil its commitments under the Comprehensive Plan by ensuring unimpeded humanitarian access. 

This includes opening more crossings into Gaza, streamlining the dual-use approvals process, and allowing life-saving and essential recovery items to enter. 

We are also deeply concerned by reports of Hamas obstructing humanitarian operations, as Deputy Special Coordinator Alakbarov set out today. 

That includes the recent incident at a World Food Programme distribution centre.

Actions that disrupt the lifesaving assistance are unacceptable.

The UN, including UNRWA, and NGOs must be able to operate safely and at scale so that they can help alleviate the suffering.  

Second, we need renewed momentum on security, governance, and recovery in Gaza. 

We reiterate that Hamas must fulfil its commitments to decommission its weapons and dismantle its terrorist infrastructure.  

This should be phased and verified alongside a strengthened Palestinian security presence, deployment of an International Stabilisation Force, and a sequenced Israeli withdrawal.  

At the recent Palestinian Donor Group, the UK joined the Team Gaza Initiative and announced over 13 million dollars for the UN Horizon Fund.  

These commitments should support Palestinian-led delivery across all of Gaza. 

There can be no permanent arrangements that entrench Gaza’s division or leave millions of people living under Hamas control.   

Thirdly, the trajectory in the West Bank and East Jerusalem remains deeply alarming.  

We are appalled by the violence in the West Bank on 24 July, in which four Palestinians and two Israelis were killed. 

We condemn violence on all sides and call for de-escalation. 

We urge the Israeli government to exercise restraint, to uphold stability and international law, and to ensure accountability for crimes. 

We are also alarmed by the mass incursion at the Haram al Sharif Temple Mount on 23 July by thousands of Jewish worshippers. 

The Status Quo on Jerusalem’s holy sites is clear and should be respected. 

We are further concerned by reports of an incursion by Israeli forces on an UNRWA training centre near Kalandia refugee camp yesterday morning.  

These incidents form part of a broader deterioration in the stability and security of the West Bank, fuelled by settler violence and Israeli government policies.

104 Israeli settlements have been approved in four years, and billions of dollars allocated to speed up construction. Together, these represent a deliberate attempt to erode the possibility of a two-state solution. 

Madam President, the path to peace requires the parties to demonstrate the political will needed to realise the promise of the comprehensive peace plan.  

We must now renew momentum across all tracks and deliver positive change on the ground. 

That is the only route to a future based on a two-state solution that delivers peace, security, and dignity for Palestinians and Israelis alike.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 27 July 2026.

Statement by Ambassador Kate Foster, UK Chargé d’Affaires to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Ukraine.

As we have heard today, Russia continues to escalate in its violence against Ukraine. 

Russia is on track to fire well over 300 missiles at Ukraine in July, a grim war record.

Around half have been directed at Kyiv alone.

And the consequences are clear in the rising civilian casualty figures, but also in Russia’s continued attacks on civilian and commercial infrastructure.

On 19 July, three cruise missiles struck a cargo ship carrying grain from Odesa, killing ten civilians.

On 24 July, further attacks killed and injured civilians in Kyiv and damaged the Latvian Honorary Consulate in Sloviansk. 

And Russia’s reckless actions have also resulted in repeated drone incursions into Romania over the past four days.

The United Kingdom stands in full solidarity with Ukraine, as well as with Latvia and Romania.

Russia seeks to draw a parallel between its sustained bombardment of Ukrainian cities, its illegal and brutal occupation of Ukrainian territory, and Ukraine’s efforts to defend itself. 

But there is no equivalence. 

Ukraine is exercising its Article 51 right to self-defence under the UN Charter. 

And we welcome the announcement on 13 July of the Anti-Ballistic Missile Coalition, which will help Ukraine better protect civilians from Russian attacks. 

As the General Assembly has declared repeatedly, Russia’s invasion is a violation of international law. 

And for what benefit? 

Russia now spends more on compensation for the families of dead soldiers than it does on salaries for the living. 

Civilians are queuing for fuel across Russia. 

Forty-two per cent of refining capacity has been disabled, and a country with some of the largest oil reserves in the world is now importing fuel. 

Growth has fallen. The deficit has doubled. And the real incomes of ordinary Russians continue to decline. 

I urge Russia to heed global calls for an immediate, unconditional and comprehensive ceasefire.

We all want a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, one that upholds the core principles of the UN Charter and is backed by security guarantees to prevent renewed aggression. 

Colleagues, as my Prime Minister has made clear ahead of his meeting today with President Zelenskyy, the United Kingdom remains resolute and unwavering in its commitment to Ukraine.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 22 July 2026.

UK Senior Military Adviser, Colonel Joby Rimmer, warns that Russia’s missile and drone attacks endanger civilians, violate neighbouring states’ airspace and increase the risk of miscalculation and escalation across Europe.

Thank you, Mr Chair.

Overnight, on 18–19 July, the Russian Federation launched 41 missiles and 125 drones against Ukraine in one of the largest ballistic missile attacks on Kyiv since the beginning of the full-scale invasion. Ukrainian air defences intercepted 18 missiles and 108 drones, but nevertheless strikes and falling debris affected residential buildings, a supermarket, a dormitory and other civilian infrastructure.

Across the country, these attacks killed at least 20 civilians. Those interceptions did save lives, but we should be clear: Ukraine should not need to deploy air-defence systems to protect apartment blocks, supermarkets, hospitals and schools. Russia’s reckless use of drones and missiles has repeatedly resulted in civilian casualties and damage to civilian infrastructure.

And the legal framework is not ambiguous. Parties must always distinguish between civilians and combatants, and between civilian objects and military objectives. Attacks may be directed against only military objectives. Indiscriminate attacks are prohibited, as are attacks expected to cause incidental civilian harm excessive in relation to the concrete and direct military advantage anticipated.

But Russia’s aerial campaign also creates risks beyond Ukraine. On 29 May, during a Russian attack on Ukraine, a Russian drone entered Romanian airspace and struck a ten-storey apartment building in Galați. Two civilians were injured and approximately 70 residents evacuated. This is not a theoretical risk. A live weapons system crossed sovereign airspace and struck civilians in a NATO country.

Moldova has likewise experienced repeated Russian drone incursions. Furthermore, on 13 July, a Shahed-type drone crossed into Moldovan territory and exploded near the village of Copanca during Russian attacks on southern Ukraine. No casualties were reported, but the incident again demonstrated the consistent danger posed to neighbouring states. And NATO condemned Russia’s reckless behaviour in both cases.

This Forum exists to reduce misunderstanding, miscalculation and unintended escalation. Yet every Russian missile or drone launched near an international border could create an uncertain track. Every missile or drone launched near an international border could and has resulted in a possible airspace violation. Every Russian missile or drone launched near an international border could result in the scrambling of military aircraft, further escalating the risk of miscalculation.

Stronger European air and missile defence, surveillance and coordination are therefore necessary, defensive and proportionate responses to a threat solely created by Russia’s aggression, not acts of hostility.

Air defence, however, treats the symptoms rather than the cause. Russia must cease its reckless attacks, comply fully with distinction, proportionality and precautions, prevent further airspace violations and communicate promptly and honestly when incidents occur.

The greatest contribution Russia could make to European security would be to end its aggression, agree an immediate ceasefire and engage seriously towards a just and lasting peace.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 21 July 2026.

An FCDO statement on recent Houthi threats against Saudi Arabia, including plans to impose a maritime blockade.

An FCDO spokesperson said:

The UK strongly condemns recent Houthi threats against Saudi Arabia, including plans to impose a maritime blockade. These provocations risk further regional instability, endanger freedom of navigation in the Red Sea, and undermine efforts to secure peace in Yemen.

We stand firmly with Saudi Arabia, and other partners within the region, in the face of these threats and call on the Houthis to immediately cease their escalatory actions.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 21 July 2026.

Statement by Ambassador Kate Foster, UK Chargé d’Affaires to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Syria.

I will make three points. 

First, the United Kingdom welcomes the inaugural meeting of the Syrian People’s Assembly on 12 July. 

This is an important step towards establishing Syria’s new political settlement. 

The UK stands ready to support the efforts to strengthen Syria’s institutions and to help build long-term peace, stability, and security. 

And we look forward to working with the Assembly as it seeks to build an inclusive, prosperous future for all Syrians. 

Second, Syria’s security situation remains fragile. 

There is a real risk that wider regional conflict could undermine the country’s long overdue recovery. 

And we urge all parties to de-escalate and to focus on rebuilding regional stability. 

We condemn the egregious Iranian-claimed attacks against Syria last week.

And we also call on Israel to set out a timeline for their withdrawal from areas in southern Syria.

And we urge the Israeli Government to return to negotiations with the Syrian Government. This is in all parties’ interests.  

We also condemn the recent terrorist attacks in Damascus and offer our deepest condolences to those affected. 

There can be no justification for such violence. 

The UK will continue to work closely with the Syrian Government to support its counterterrorism efforts, and we remain an active member of the Global Coalition against Daesh. 

President, this month marks one year since the violence in the southern province of Suwayda, in which many innocent lives were lost, and tens of thousands of people displaced. 

We continue to support efforts to find a negotiated solution for Suwayda: one that upholds Syria’s sovereignty and unity, while addressing accountability, social cohesion, access to essential services, and humanitarian assistance. 

Finally, we welcome the landmark decision by the Executive Council of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons to restore Syria’s rights and privileges. 

This recognises the leadership and commitment of the Syrian Government in locating and destroying the stockpile of chemical weapons left by the Assad regime. 

President, Syria has made important progress in its efforts to build peace and security for its people, and in its commitment to play a positive and constructive role in its neighbourhood. 

The Council should continue to support Syria in these efforts and to help forge a safer and more prosperous future.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 21 July 2026.

Statement by Ambassador Archie Young, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Haiti.

I want to start by welcoming the Secretary-General’s recent visit to Haiti, which comes at a critical time for the Haitian people. 

Nearly 1.5 million people are currently displaced, more than half the population is food insecure, and access to essential services is severely restricted. 

Within the most recent reporting period, BINUH documented 853 survivors of sexual and gender-based violence, in which collective rape accounted for 84% of cases.

I will outline three urgent priorities to help address these intersecting crises.

First, we welcome the deployment of the Gang Suppression Force, whose success will be key to addressing instability in Haiti.

It is vital that operations are fully compliant with the human rights framework set out in resolution 2793 and include robust child protection measures. 

In this context, the UK has committed up to $7.5 million to the Human Rights Compliance Mechanism for the Gang Suppression Force, delivered by the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.

This builds on our support for the human rights elements of the GSF’s predecessor, the MSS mission and reflects our firm conviction that accountability and civil protection are fundamental to restoring trust and stability in Haiti.

Second, we remain deeply concerned by the high proportion of children recruited by gangs. We need to take action to break the cycle of violence and prevent future lost generations.

We welcome the visit in May to Haiti of the SRSG for Children and Armed Conflict and the clear message that she has underlined today: that children associated with gangs must be treated as victims.

We urge the Haitian authorities to implement the handover protocol for children associated with gangs without delay, including establishing the promised task force and framework.

We also call on the Government to develop credible and resourced disarmament, demobilisation, and reintegration programmes that tackle the drivers of instability and protect the most vulnerable.

Thirdly, recent progress on Haiti’s electoral timetable is welcome. We encourage continued momentum towards holding credible elections, which are vital for Haiti’s transition.

Madam President, listening today, many have referred to this being a critical moment, a window of opportunity. The United Kingdom remains committed to supporting a Haitian-led pathway to sustainable peace, where improved security is matched by strengthened rule of law and respect for human rights.

We will continue to work with all Haitian stakeholders and our international partners to this end, for the benefit of all the people of Haiti.