Tag: Foreign Office

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 4 July 2025.

UK and others call for immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners.

Madam Chair, I am delivering this statement on behalf of the following participating States, who are members of the Informal Group of Friends of Democratic Belarus: Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Czechia, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxemburg, Montenegro, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Ukraine, the United Kingdom and my own country, Germany.

The following participating States are also joining this statement: Albania, Andorra, Bosnia and Hercegovina, Liechtenstein, Malta, Moldova, North Macedonia and San Marino.

We welcome the release of several political prisoners, including Siarhei Tsikhanousky, in which the United States of America played a crucial role.

While these are positive steps, we are deeply concerned that as of 26 June at least 1 170 political prisoners still remain in custody in Belarus according to the human rights organization Viasna. Many are subjected to torture and ill-treatment, including prolonged isolation and denial of essential medical care. Tragically, at least eight of them died in detention due to these inhumane conditions.

We are also mindful of those who, upon release, are forced to flee Belarus or are compelled to remain under continuous repression that effectively prolongs their punishment beyond imprisonment.

Moreover, the Belarusian authorities continue to arrest and detain opponents or people perceived as such and to suppress independent media, in disregard of international obligations and OSCE principles and commitments.

Against this background, we reiterate our call for the Belarusian authorities to: stop persecuting individuals for exercising their rights to freedom of expression, to freedom of association and to peaceful assembly; immediately and unconditionally release all political prisoners, most urgently those with health issues and disabilities, the elderly and single parents and to ensure their rehabilitation; and, ensure fair and humane treatment of all prisoners, in particular by allowing prisoners who have been prevented from communicating with their families to do so, and by granting prompt access to appropriate medical care for those in need.

We will continue to support the Belarusian people’s aspiration for a free, democratic and independent Belarus.

Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 4 July 2025.

Deputy Ambassador James Ford delivers a statement on behalf of the UK and Canada on the increasing malign activity faced by OSCE States across our region.

Thank you, Madam Chair. I am delivering this statement on behalf of Canada, and my own country the United Kingdom.

I would like to thank the US for the opportunity to address this important topic. The principle that security is comprehensive and interconnected across the politico-military, economic and environmental, and human dimensions sits at the very heart of the OSCE. But this is not the first time that this Council has had to address hybrid threats faced by participating States across our region.

Hybrid activity can include espionage, transnational repression, foreign information manipulation and interference, malicious cyber activity, political interference, and sabotage – including of critical national infrastructure. These tactics are used to target all parts of societies, our citizens, institutions, journalists, universities, and businesses with the aim of undermining our national security.

In recent years, such activity has increased in both frequency and intensity. As the UK has raised before, this includes arson in London, malign activity in various NATO and EU countries, and attempts to undermine Moldova’s democratic institutions in the leadup to last year’s October presidential elections.

Moreover, the line between state and non-state actors is blurring as certain states increasingly use proxies, illicit finance and organised crime groups to facilitate and conduct hybrid attacks. Last week’s Economic and Environmental Committee highlighted the serious threat posed by the so-called ‘shadow fleet,’ an example of destabilising actions in the OSCE region in the wake of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The next Security Committee will examine how illicit financial networks enable transnational organised crime.

As the UK, we will continue to press for effective OSCE action to tackle reckless hybrid attacks and malign influence aimed at destabilising our society and the shared security principles on which this organisation is based.

Thank you, Madam Chair.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 3 July 2025.

Canada delivers a joint statement on behalf of the UK and other OSCE participating States to mark World Refugee Day.

Madame Chair, I am delivering this statement on behalf of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, the United Kingdom and my own country, Canada.

In marking World Refugee Day, we stand in solidarity with millions of refugees and renew our commitment to addressing their humanitarian needs, addressing the root causes of forced displacement and finding lasting solutions.

According to UNHCR’s Global Trends report, global displacement has nearly doubled over the past decade. Persecution, conflict, violence, human rights violations, and natural disasters have forcibly displaced more than 123 million people. Within the OSCE region alone, nearly 25 million people are either forcibly displaced or stateless.

The Russian Federation’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine remains the main driver of mass displacement in the OSCE region, resulting in the largest cross-border movement of people in Europe since the Second World War. UNHCR’s May report notes that nearly 5.6 million individuals have fled Ukraine, with over 3.7 million internally displaced.  Continued large-scale attacks, including strikes on energy infrastructure and continued aerial assaults on residential areas are fuelling urgent humanitarian needs and preventing Ukrainians from returning to their homes and families.  Women and children make up the majority of the refugee  population who have fled the conflict, with 63 per cent being women and girls, and 33 per cent being children. This demographic profile raises specific protection concerns, particularly around gender-based violence, trafficking, and exploitation.

In the 1999 Istanbul Document, participating States reaffirmed our commitment to respect the right to seek asylum and to ensure the international protection of refugees as set out in the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees and its 1967 Protocol, as well as to facilitate the voluntary return of refugees and internally displaced persons in dignity and safety.

In times of uncertainty, we must continue to uphold these commitments.

In addressing forcible displacement, we must strive to reach the most in need and the most vulnerable, including women and girls, LGBTQI+ people, religious minorities and others directly affected by conflict or displacement.  We must also confront parallel risks and challenges, including trafficking, exploitation, discrimination, and intolerance.

We must also remember that inclusive societies are secure societies and recognize the positive impact that newcomers have on our societies and economies.

As we mark World Refugee Day, we honour the strength and resilience of refugees and we recognize their valuable contributions to the communities that welcome them.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 3 July 2025.

UK Chargé d’Affaires, Deputy Ambassador James Ford, underlines the UK’s full support for Montenegro’s Euro-Atlantic integration and welcomes the Mission’s work in support of the government’s national strategic objectives.

Thank you, Madam Chair.

Firstly, I would like to welcome Ambassador Haukaas to the Permanent Council for the first time as Head of Mission. Thank you, Ambassador, for the work of your team over the last year, and for this report.

Madam Chair, the United Kingdom continues to fully support Montenegro’s Euro-Atlantic integration. We recognise the progress on legislative reforms approved by Montenegro’s parliament during the reporting period, and the positive interim benchmark assessment from the European Commission. The UK continues to strongly support Montenegro’s reform agenda. This was something UK Special Envoy to the Western Balkans Dame Karen Pierce underlined during her recent visit to Podgorica, which included signing a Strategic Partnership with Foreign Minister Ibrahimovic, enhancing UK-Montenegro cooperation on priority issues.

The UK positively notes the Mission’s work in support of the government’s national strategic objectives, in line with the Mission’s mandate and OSCE commitments and principles. The Mission’s focus also combines well with the UK’s own engagement in support of reforms in Montenegro.

In particular, we commend the Mission’s continued cooperation with Montenegro’s parliament on strengthening institutional capacity and the skills of parliamentary staff. We support your continued focus on electoral reform, including on voter education ahead of elections in April. And we welcome the Mission’s ongoing engagement in combatting serious and organised crime and corruption, including through training to law enforcement agencies on specialised investigative methods and forensics.

Ambassador Haukaas, we also particularly commend the Mission’s continued focus on gender, including your support to the Gender Equality Committee in drafting a new gender action plan for Montenegro’s Parliament.

Madam Chair, OSCE field operations continue to deliver excellent work despite increasingly constrained funding. It is vital for the work of all OSCE structures that participating States agree a Unified Budget for 2025 and beyond. The continued non-agreement of budgets makes it hugely challenging for field missions to deliver their mandates. We urge all participating States to engage constructively with budget proposals and ensure all OSCE structures are adequately funded.

Thank you again, Ambassador Haukaas, for your leadership of the OSCE Mission to Montenegro, and I wish you continued success in the role.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 3 July 2025.

Ms Kathy Leach has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Latvia in succession to Mr Paul Brummell CMG, who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment. Ms Leach will take up her appointment during August 2025.

Curriculum vitae

Full name: Kathy Leach

Date	Role
2021 to present	Astana, His Majesty’s Ambassador
2019 to 2020	FCDO, Deputy Director, Constitution and Devolution, Europe Directorate
2015 to 2018	FCO, Head then Deputy Director, Policy Unit, Strategy Directorate
2012 to 2015	Yerevan, Her Majesty’s Ambassador
2007 to 2011	Tokyo, Head, Energy and Environment Team
2005	FCO, Deputy Head, Passport and Documentary Services, Consular
2001 to 2004	Moscow, First Secretary Security Policy, then Internal Political
2000 to 2001	FCO, Desk Officer, EU Trade and Development Policy, Europe Directorate
2000	Joined FCO

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 3 July 2025.

The vulnerability of Cameroon’s rich plant biodiversity, with over 850 endangered species is highlighted in the book “Important Plant Areas of Cameroon”.

In a powerful moment for conservation, the book “Important Plant Areas of Cameroon” was officially launched on 18 June during UK – Cameroon Climate Week. This groundbreaking publication reveals a stunning yet sobering reality: over 850 endangered plant species are spread across 49 critical biodiversity hotspots in Cameroon.

Co-authored by experts from Cameroon’s Institute of Agricultural Research for Development (IRAD) National Herbarium, and the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, the book positions Cameroon as Africa’s most tropically diverse nation. From lush rainforests to arid deserts, the country’s ecosystems are as varied as they are vital. Yet, this rich biodiversity faces mounting threats. 10% of Cameroon’s plant species are now endangered, and the country holds the highest number of threatened trees on the continent.

The culprits? Expanding mining operations, aggressive logging, and the relentless spread of palm oil plantations are rapidly eroding Cameroon’s forests. These activities not only endanger plant life but also jeopardize the ecological balance of the entire Congo Basin.

British High Commissioner Matt Woods used the book’s launch to spotlight Cameroon’s critical role in global climate discussions. He urged the international community to amplify Cameroon’s voice at major forums like COP30 and called for stronger global support to safeguard the Congo Basin’s irreplaceable biodiversity.

Speaking during the book launch, the representative of Royal Botanical Gardens in Kew, Prof. Philip Stevenson said:

It’s been a fantastic week of new collaboration. We’ve been working with IRAD National Herbarium and developing opportunities to extend our reach and do more work here in Cameroon.

This book is more than a catalogue of rare plants; it is a call to action. As the world grapples with climate change and biodiversity loss, Cameroon’s green treasures remind us of what’s at stake and what we still have the power to protect.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 3 July 2025.

UK Chargé d’Affaires, Deputy Ambassador James Ford, condemns Russia’s intensification of attacks against civilians in Ukraine, including its largest aerial assault of the war. This and inflammatory comments that run counter to Russia’s international commitments are further evidence that Moscow is still not serious about peace.

Thank you, Madam Chair. It is now nearly four months since Ukraine agreed to the US proposal for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire. By contrast, Russia has not only refused to accept the proposal but has continued to intensify its attacks against Ukraine.

In fact, since direct talks began on 16 May, Russia has launched its biggest aerial attacks of the war.  It broke its shameful records again at the start of this week, when it launched more than 500 aerial weapons at Ukraine.

As well as being the most intense aerial attacks of the war, these recent assaults have also been among the most deadly for Ukraine’s innocent civilians. The attack on the Dnipro region on 24 June killed 20 civilians, left more than 270 others wounded and damaged schools and hospitals. And the horrific attack against Kyiv on 16-17 June, which destroyed a civilian residential building, killed 30 civilians and left a further 172 people injured. This was the second deadliest attack on Kyiv since the full-scale invasion began. So far in 2025, Russian attacks have killed more than 1000 civilians in Ukraine.

These are not the actions of a government that is serious about peace. They are the actions of those who believe they can take advantage while the world is distracted by events elsewhere. It is our collective responsibility here to dispel this notion, to remind them that the world is watching and to ensure that Moscow understands that there will be a cost for frustrating peace and attacking innocent civilians.

Madam Chair, when it comes to peace, we have learnt to assess Russia’s actions rather than Russian rhetoric. But if we needed further evidence that Moscow is not currently serious about compromise or ending the war, we can look at the recent comments made by the President of the Russian Federation, as our Ukrainian colleague also highlighted.

On 18 June he said that, if Ukraine did not agree to Russia’s terms, “we will achieve our goals by military means.” On 20 June he said that “the Russian and Ukrainian peoples are essentially one people. In that sense, we see Ukraine as ours.” He also described as a long-standing principle that “wherever the foot of a Russian soldier steps is Russian land.”

Clearly, such statements run directly counter to the Helsinki commitments to which we have all agreed. And, alongside the escalation in attacks against Ukrainian civilians, they underline Moscow’s lack of seriousness about peace talks.

Madam Chair, as the UK – along with the vast majority of participating States here at the OSCE – we continue to call on Russia to agree to a full, immediate and unconditional ceasefire to create the space for negotiations on a framework for a just and lasting peace. Regrettably, we see no evidence that Russia will engage meaningfully without further pressure to do so. We are therefore ready to act with partners to introduce new sanctions if Moscow continues to ignore these widespread calls for a ceasefire. Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 3 July 2025.

UK Statement for Iraq’s Universal Periodic Review Outcomes Session. Delivered at the 59th session of the HRC in Geneva.

Thank you, Mr President.

We welcome the government of Iraq’s engagement with the UPR process, and their continued commitment to advancing justice and accountability for survivors of Daesh’s international crimes, following the closure of the United Nations Investigative Team to Promote Accountability for Crimes Committed by Daesh/ISIL (UNITAD) in September.

We are pleased to support Iraq’s efforts in building the capacity of the judiciary to investigate and prosecute cases of sexual violence, modern slavery and human trafficking. And we continue to advocate for the full and survivor-centred implementation of the Yazidi Survivors’ Law.

Mr President, the UK remains concerned by the shrinking civic and political space in Iraq which continues to restrict the freedoms of peaceful assembly and expression. We encourage the authorities to ensure that protestors, journalists, the media, and civil society are protected from interference and harassment, and that perpetrators of violence are held to account.

Likewise, minorities should be protected to freely practice their religion or belief, without fear of persecution.

The UK is closely assessing the implications of the amendment to Iraq’s Personal Status Law and will continue to stay engaged on this matter.

Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 3 July 2025.

The Minister for International Development, Latin America and Caribbean and Peruvian Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs co-chaired the 6th session of the Peru-UK Political Consultations in London on 3 July.

The Rt. Hon Baroness Chapman of Darlington, Minister for International Development, Latin America and Caribbean welcomed Peruvian Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Felix Denegri to London on 3 July, where the two Ministers co-chaired the 6th session of the Peru-UK Political Consultations.

A historic relationship rooted in shared values dating back over 200 years, the UK and Peru reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening their modern partnership.

Successes celebrated since the last meeting include the successful ratification of the UK’s CPTPP accession; the signing of a Double Taxation Agreement; and signing a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Climate Change. The two countries celebrated the  culmination of the 200-year anniversary of Peru-UK relations in 2023 and numerous high-level visits both ways.

1. On security and defence, the parties reaffirmed their commitment to a rules-based international order and willingness to jointly tackle global insecurity. The UK and Peru agreed to drive collaboration through a Memorandum of Understanding on Security cooperation, addressing transnational drug trafficking, illicit financial flows, corruption and environmental crime.
2. On growth, the parties celebrated the strengthening of bilateral trade and investment, supported by a growing framework of trade and government-to-government agreements (G2Gs). Peru acknowledged the UK’s valuable contribution to Peru’s infrastructure on health, education and flood defences. This includes the UK’s position as the largest foreign direct investor in mining in Peru. The UK also presented its recently launched Industrial Strategy and the two sides discussed collaboration on Peru’s clean energy transition, including unlocking green hydrogen potential.
3. The parties highlighted their joint efforts to address climate change, protect the Amazon Rainforest, promote green investment and tackle environmental crime. They celebrated the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on Climate and Biodiversity and discussed Peru’s leadership as a key partner in Latin America ahead of COP30. The UK offered to continue supporting Peru in developing a National Bioeconomy Strategy by 2026.
4. Lastly, the UK and Peru stressed the value of shared cultural experiences as a foundation to the bilateral relationship. They celebrated the promotion of English Language learning through the British Council and academic excellence through the UK’s Chevening scholarships programme. The parties will soon drive this further through the signing of two Memorandum’s of Understanding to collaborate on quality higher education in Peru delivered by the British Council.

Speaking after the Consultations, Baroness Chapman said:

The UK and Peru share a warm and historic friendship – over 200 years strong,  grounded in our values, mutual respect and common ambitions.

Today we are working closer than ever for shared growth and prosperity. The UK is already Peru’s largest foreign investor and I had a fantastic discussion with Ambassador Denegri today on how we can build on this, from trade, to climate and security.

Vice minister of Foreign Affairs of Peru, Félix Denegri said:

We had very fruitful discussions with Baroness Chapman, in which we ratified our commitment to continuously expand and strengthen our bilateral agenda, based on our shared principles, values and interests.

I am greatly satisfied with the level of bilateral engagement between Peru and the UK, shown in reciprocal ministerial, vice-ministerial and high authorities visits in the last two years. We both highlighted the continuity of our Political Consultations Mechanism, being this the sixth since its establishment in 2018.

We look forward to welcome Baroness Chapman for our next round of Consultations, in Peru.

The UK and Peru will continue to strengthen bilateral ties across security, growth, climate and education, invigorated through their new agreements and MOUs. The parties agreed to reconvene in Peru in 2026.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 2 July 2025.

UK Military Advisor, Lt Col Joby Rimmer, says amid global crises, including war in Iran, the UK urges continued focus on Ukraine.

Thank you, Madame Chair. The United Kingdom remains steadfast in our commitment to support Ukraine for as long as it takes. This unwavering support is rooted in the defence of sovereignty, international law, and the multilateral system. As Ukraine continues to resist Russian aggression with resilience and determination, recent developments underscore both the urgency of sustained assistance and the growing strain on Russia’s military and economic apparatus.

On the battlefield, Ukraine continues to hold the line, and in several areas, it is pushing it back. In Sumy Oblast, Russian attempts to establish a buffer zone were reversed by Ukrainian forces in late June. On 30 June, Ukraine’s General Staff confirmed the liberation of Andriyivka and advances near Oleksiivka, halting Russia’s northern offensive. Across Kharkiv, Kherson, and Zaporizhia, Russian offensives remain stalled or inconclusive. Ukrainian counterattacks have blunted their momentum. Russia’s increasing reliance on small, dispersed assault groups, observed between 22-30 June, reflects not tactical ingenuity but strategic desperation. On 27 June, Ukraine’s Security Service and Special Operations Forces struck the Marinovka airfield in Russia’s Volgograd region, destroying two Su-34 fullback fighter jets and damaging two more.

While Russia may emphasise incremental battlefield gains, these claims frequently lack independent verification. What is verifiable reality is that Russia’s economy is buckling under the weight of its own aggression. Oil and gas revenues are falling, inflation is surging, and the rouble continues to depreciate. President Putin himself has admitted the economy is ‘overheating.’ Sanctions are biting hard, damaging Russia’s industrial base, widening the gap between military demand and production capacity, and forcing the Kremlin to rely on a dwindling National Wealth Fund to plug a ballooning deficit. Arms exports have collapsed, and production of advanced systems like the Su-57 fighter jet has been suspended due to parts shortages. This has driven Russia to search for sources elsewhere – China remains the decisive enabler of Russia’s war, and Iran has provided drones and ballistic missiles. In addition, over half of the artillery shells used by Russia since 2024 have come from North Korea. A telling sign of Moscow’s increasing dependence on foreign support.

So how does Russia respond? President Putin has escalated his campaign of terror from the skies. On June 29, Russian forces launched the largest air assault since the start of the full-scale invasion, firing over 500 aerial weapons in a single night. While most were intercepted, the attacks caused civilian casualties and widespread infrastructure damage. President Zelenskyy rightly condemned these strikes as further proof that Russia is not seeking peace, but destruction.

Finally, the Russian delegation will no doubt highlight recent NATO defence announcements as provocative. To clarify, again, in response to Russia’s increasing aggression across the Euro-Atlantic area, its illegal actions in Ukraine and its irresponsible nuclear rhetoric, the United Kingdom is reinforcing its own defence and deterrence posture. Our procurement of F-35A aircraft and participation in NATO’s dual-capable aircraft nuclear mission represent the most significant enhancement of our nuclear readiness in a generation. This is a strategic move to ensure NATO’s credibility and preparedness to respond to an increasingly volatile security environment.

Madame Chair, while the world faces multiple crises, from instability in the Middle East to tensions in the Indo-Pacific, we must not lose sight of the ongoing war in Ukraine. Russia’s invasion is not just a conflict against Ukraine; it is a direct assault on the principles that underpin global peace and security. Let us be clear: Russia’s aggression will not succeed. Its economy is faltering, its military is overstretched, and its international isolation is deepening. Ukraine, by contrast, stands strong, resilient, united, and supported by a global coalition of democracies. The United Kingdom reaffirms its enduring commitment to Ukraine. We will stand with the Ukrainian people for as long as it takes.