Tag: Foreign Office

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 22 June 2025.

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

This is a pivotal moment for the region.

A further spiral of conflict poses serious risks to regional and international peace and stability. Our foremost priority must now be to support de-escalation.

We have long made clear that Iran must not have a nuclear weapon and their nuclear programme represents a serious threat to international peace and security.

The United States took action last night to alleviate that threat.

The United Kingdom did not participate in US or Israeli strikes.

But military action alone cannot bring a durable solution to concerns about Iran’s nuclear programme.

My Prime Minister has been clear. We urge Iran  now to show restraint, and we urge all parties to return to the negotiating table and find a diplomatic solution, which stops further escalation and brings this crisis to an end.

It is in the interests of all parties to pursue such a deal.

This was the joint call made by my Prime Minister, with his French and German counterparts earlier today. Together with our E3 partners, the UK has long pursued a diplomatic solution to address Iran’s nuclear escalation. On Friday, alongside E3 and EU colleagues, my Foreign Secretary met Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi in Geneva to press directly for a return to diplomacy. My Foreign Minister spoke to Foreign Minister Araghchi again today and stressed the urgency of this and we continue to engage partners across the region.

President, the UK reiterates its full support for the IAEA and Director General Grossi for their critical work, professionalism and impartiality. The IAEA and the Non-Proliferation Treaty are key pillars of international security. Threats against IAEA staff and the DG are unacceptable. We urge Iran to cooperate fully with the IAEA. Failure to do so will only further fuel escalation.

President, now is the time for de-escalation and a return to diplomacy. It is essential Iran chooses this path.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 19 June 2025.

Acting Ambassador, Deirdre Brown condemns Russia’s continued refusal to accept the full, unconditional ceasefire proposed by Ukraine 100 days ago. Innocent civilians continue to suffer from Russia’s choice to pursue a path of war.

Thank you, Madam Chair. I would like to add our thanks to you and other Troika members for your recent statement.

We currently find ourselves in a security situation that is more precarious, more unpredictable and more serious than any that we have experienced for decades.  We will be judged by future generations on the steps that we take to defuse tensions and restore stability to our continent and beyond.

At the heart of the global challenges we face is Russia’s illegal war against Ukraine and its assault on the UN Charter and Helsinki Final Act.  The United Kingdom will continue to stand resolutely with Ukraine as it seeks a just and lasting peace.

We remain convinced that an immediate and sustained ceasefire is the quickest route to stopping the killing and creating the space for negotiations on a framework for a lasting peace. As we have already heard, today marks 100 days since Ukraine offered a full, unconditional ceasefire on 11 March.  During this time, not only has Russia rejected Ukraine’s offer, it has killed over 550 civilians and injured around 3000 more.  It has launched its biggest aerial attacks of the war so far. And it has not just sustained its attacks, but increased them.

The brutal attack on residential buildings in Kyiv earlier this week, which killed 28 civilians and left a further 134 wounded, are the actions of an aggressor who thinks that the world is not watching.  They are wrong.

The Kremlin does this while trying to convince the international community that it is serious about peace.  All of us in this room know from bitter experience how much weight we should attach to Moscow’s words.  You only need to look at the days leading up to the invasion when we heard in this room that speculation of an invasion was “unsubstantiated conjectures”.  But let us analyse their words, nonetheless.

On 2 June in Istanbul, Russia presented its memorandum with its conditions for ending its illegal war.  In contrast to Ukraine’s own proposals, which are serious, reasonable and constructive, Russia’s memorandum calls for a complete surrender of Ukraine’s internationally recognised territory and limits on Ukraine’s armed forces.  President Putin knows that Ukraine cannot accept this: he is claiming territory his army has not been able to take in over three years of his illegal war, and trying to weaken Ukraine so he can continue the war in future.  The Kremlin’s maximalist position is clearly inconsistent with international principles enshrined in the UN Charter and Helsinki Final Act – including sovereign equality, the inviolability of frontiers, the territorial integrity of states and the non-intervention in internal affairs.  It is further evidence – in case any were needed – that President Putin is not yet serious about peace.

Madam Chair, today also marks the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict.  There is mounting evidence of conflict-related sexual violence committed by Russian forces against Ukrainian civilians and prisoners of war, including from successive Moscow Mechanism reports.  We will have more to say on this in our Joint Statement under the relevant agenda item later today.

Finally, Madam Chair, it has been 38 months since Russia detained our three OSCE colleagues, Vadym Golda, Maxim Petrov and Dmytro Shabanov.  The United Kingdom again calls for their immediate release. Thank you.

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

Joint statement from Minister of State for the Overseas Territories Stephen Doughty and Cayman Islands Premier André Ebanks, following a meeting in London on 17 June 2025.

Minister of State for the Overseas Territories Stephen Doughty and Cayman Islands Premier André Ebanks met in London yesterday to discuss key areas of partnership and UK support for the Cayman Islands Government’s priorities following their recent elections.

The wide-ranging discussion covered areas of mutual collaboration, including the environment, security, financial services and sanctions. Minister Doughty welcomed the Cayman Islands’ commitment to preserving its pristine marine environment and thanked Premier Ebanks for Cayman’s support to other Overseas Territories in times of need, most recently in Anguilla. Recognising the importance of UK funded programmes, including the Darwin Initiative, the UK and Cayman Islands governments will continue their partnership on environmental protection, including their work together in the Blue Belt Programme.

Premier Ebanks and Minister Doughty also re-affirmed their shared desire to tackling illicit finance and sanctions evasion. Minister Doughty recognised that the Cayman Islands are a world leader in high quality, modern and resilient financial services. Minister Doughty praised the Cayman Islands’ leading regional role in implementing UK sanctions, including freezing over $9 billion of Russia-linked assets.

Minister Doughty welcomed the important steps taken by the Cayman Islands to promote greater corporate transparency, including launching a register of beneficial ownership information in February 2025 accessible to those with legitimate interest such as accredited journalists, academic researchers, and members of certain civil society organisations. Minister Doughty also welcomed Premier Ebanks’ commitment to make further enhancements to their beneficial ownership register – on a legitimate interest basis – with more streamlined processes for multiple search requests, including on fees. They agreed to continue work to enhance greater cooperation through reciprocal information sharing by competent authorities (including law enforcement). We will review these changes together in the coming weeks, in line with the parameters for registers of beneficial ownership agreed between Overseas Territory leaders and the UK Government at the Joint Ministerial Council in November 2024.

Premier Ebanks and Minister Doughty confirmed their desire to further deepen the modern UK-Cayman Islands partnership and looked forward to Minister Doughty’s upcoming visit to the Cayman Islands in September 2025. Minister Doughty reiterated the firm commitment of his government to the sovereignty, security and defence of the Overseas Territories.

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

The UK Government welcomed the sustained ceasefire between Pakistan and India, both important partners to the UK, with the Foreign Secretary asserting the importance of continued stability for the region during a visit to Pakistan.

• David Lammy visits Pakistan to welcome ceasefire and make clear that further conflict is in nobody’s interest
• Visit used to reassert that peace and security are the cornerstones of the UK’s relationship with Pakistan that will protect growth and prosperity for Brits, Pakistanis and the wider region
• Foreign Secretary meets and thanks consular staff who provided support and advice to Brits during peak of tensions

The UK Government welcomed the sustained ceasefire between Pakistan and India, both important partners to the UK, with the Foreign Secretary asserting the importance of continued stability for the region during a visit to Pakistan.

The Foreign Secretary praised the steps taken by both Pakistan and India to secure an agreement to cease hostilities. In meetings with senior counterparts, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the Foreign Secretary highlighted the immeasurable contribution people of Pakistani descent have made to British life and he acknowledged how distressing the past few weeks have been for people in both countries, and for those with Pakistani and Indian heritage in the UK. The Foreign Secretary reflected that the British Pakistani and British Indian diasporas would particularly welcome news of the ceasefire and increased stability for Pakistan and India.

Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, said:

“The images of conflict between India and Pakistan were distressing for all of us in Britain: but in particular the millions of Brits with Indian and Pakistani heritage, and the many British nationals living in both of these countries. Ever since the horrendous terrorist attack in Pahalgam, the UK has done all it can to play a supportive role to reduce tensions, get to a ceasefire and condemn terrorism.

“It’s positive that India and Pakistan – both great friends to the UK – have agreed to a pause in hostilities and that the ceasefire is holding.

“Because of the deep and historic links between our populations and our governments we are determined to play our part to counter terrorism and ensure this fragile ceasefire becomes a durable peace.”

The UK and Pakistan have an important history of working closely together on ensuring regional security and stability. This relationship is key to the Government’s mission to deliver the Plan for Change and unlock growth and prosperity for Brits and Pakistanis alike.

The Foreign Secretary has also been in frequent contact with the Government of India, having engaged with his counterpart yesterday (15th May), and will look to travel to New Delhi soon to build upon the strength of the UK-India relationship.

While in Islamabad the Foreign Secretary also met with consular staff working at the UK’s High Commission who helped British nationals in Pakistan during the tensions, to ensure they had access to accurate, up to date information and advice.

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

Mr Javed Patel has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Croatia in succession to Mr Simon Thomas OBE. Mr Patel will take up his appointment during August 2025.

Curriculum vitae

Full name: Javed Patel

Date	Role
2024 to 2025	Full time Croatian language training
2024	Head of Gaza Consular Cell
2023	FCDO, Deputy Director, North East Asia Department and SRO for Republic of Korea State Visit
2020 to 2023	Dhaka, Deputy High Commissioner
2019	FCO, Deputy Director, National Security Directorate
2018 to 2019	Brussels, Head of Counter Terrorism and Extremism Network for Europe
2015 to 2018	FCO, Deputy Head Consular Assistance Department
2012 to 2014	Baghdad, Political Counsellor
2010 to 2012	FCO, Head of Iraq Policy Team
2010	FCO/DFID/MoD, Stabilisation Unit
2007 to 2010	FCO, Head of Counter Terrorism and Radicalisation Programme, Counter Terrorism Department
2005 to 2007	Home Office, Office for Security and Counter Terrorism
2003 to 2005	Government Office for London
2000 to 2003	Home Office, UK Borders and Immigration Service

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 18 June 2025.

UK Defence Minister Lord Coaker, Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz pay tribute to the extraordinary courage displayed by Polish paratroopers during one of the most famous allied operations of the Second World War.

• UK honours Polish courage during Second World War in first-of-its-kind commemoration in Poland
• Historic event reinforces UK and Poland relationship and Britain’s commitment to European security
• New security deal between the two countries to be signed later this year The United Kingdom has recognised the contribution of Polish personnel as part of the allied war effort during the Second World War at a moving ceremony in Poland.

Today, during an historic ceremony at Wilanów Palace in Warsaw, UK Defence Minister Lord Coaker, Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz paid tribute to the extraordinary courage displayed by Polish paratroopers during one of the most famous allied operations of the Second World War.

The event is the first formal standalone commemoration to mark the heroism of the 1st Polish Independent Parachute Brigade, during Operation Market Garden in 1944 – the allied operation which aimed to hasten the end of the Second World War by opening up new routes for advancing troops into Germany.

The event symbolised the enduring bond between British and Polish forces forged during the darkest days of the Second World War. During the ceremony Lord Coaker and Deputy Prime Minister Kosiniak-Kamysz inspected troops and received a salute, before giving speeches focussed on the shared values and sacrifices that have bound the two nations together.

Speaking from Wilanów Palace, Defence Minister Lord Coaker said:

At a time when Britain and Poland’s Armed Forces are once again working together to protect Europe’s security and deter those who threaten peace, the generation of heroes from both countries who fought side-by-side during the Second World War remain an enduring source of pride and inspiration.

Today, we acknowledge the extraordinary contribution of the 1st Polish Independent Parachute Brigade which Major General Sosabowski created and led into battle.

During the events of 1944, Allied forces aimed to seize a series of crucial bridges in the Netherlands through a combination of airborne attack and ground advances, often regarded as one the of most daring and ambitious operations of the entire war.

Major General Ollie Kingsbury, Colonel Commandant of The Parachute Regiment, presented a banner to Brigadier General Michał Strzelecki, Commander 6th Polish Airborne Brigade – the proud descendants of the 1st Polish Independent Parachute Brigade – signifying the enduring and historic bond between our armed forces. Members of The Parachute Regiment, British Army and the Polish 6th Airborne Brigade also formed a guard of honour during the ceremony.

Polish Deputy Prime Minister, Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, said:

General Stanisław Sosabowski and his soldiers, fighting side-by-side with British paratroopers, laid the foundation for today’s cooperation, also military, as well as for strong ties between our nations. On my own behalf and on behalf of the soldiers of the Polish Armed Forces, I thank you for honouring our heroes. It constitutes an important gesture, which demonstrates our unity and shared values that have connected us for over 80 years.

The event comes at a time of unprecedented cooperation between the UK and Poland on defence and security matters. Announced by the Prime Minister in January, the two nations are set to sign a new security and defence treaty later this year, building on strong bilateral ties which have seen over 20 British operational deployments to Poland since February 2022.

Both countries remain steadfast allies in supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression and are working together to strengthen NATO’s eastern flank.

Lord Coaker’s visit also follows the publication of the UK’s Strategic Defence Review, which underscores Britain’s commitment to European security.

The review sets out the UK’s vision to move to warfighting readiness, create a more lethal integrated military force, and strengthen UK leadership in NATO. Additionally, it will put service personnel at the heart of our defence plans by renewing the nation’s contract with those who serve and having a whole of society approach to our national resilience.

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

Joint statement for the Interactive Dialogue with the Commission of Inquiry on the OPTs. Delivered by the UK’s Human Rights Ambassador, Eleanor Sanders.

Mr President, this statement is on behalf of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Norway and the UK.

We regret that the Commission of Inquiry was established on an open-ended basis, against usual practice. Nevertheless, we remain committed to upholding human rights, and we support the Commission in undertaking proportionate scrutiny of the situation in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

We oppose the Israeli Government’s escalating military action in Gaza, and reject its intention to take control of the Gaza strip. 55,000 Palestinians have been killed, including many women and children. The Israeli hostages held by Hamas continue to suffer an unimaginable ordeal.

The human suffering in Gaza is intolerable; all of Gaza is at risk of famine. We strongly urge Israel to enable food and other critical supplies to reach people safely, and at scale, to address increasing urgent needs. Attacks on UN and other aid workers are outrageous and must be investigated.

In the West Bank, violent settlers assault and abuse Palestinians. We have announced further sanctions on individuals and entities promoting violence against these communities and will continue to take appropriate action.

We continue to call on all parties to urgently agree to a ceasefire/hostage deal; the best hope of ending the agony of the hostages and their families, alleviating civilian suffering in Gaza, ending Hamas control and supporting a two-state solution.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 9 June 2025.

Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on UNOCA.

First, the United Kingdom welcomes Gabon’s continued progress toward democratic governance and commends SRSG Abarry’s support for a credible, inclusive and transparent transition.

The peaceful conduct of the April 2025 presidential elections was a positive step and we are encouraged by Gabon’s readmission to the African Union. The legislative and senatorial elections in September will be an important milestone.

And we encourage the government of Gabon to remain committed to transparency and due process as they look to deliver for the Gabonese people.

Second, the United Kingdom remains concerned by ongoing violence in Cameroon’s North-West and South-West regions and its impact on civilians. We note that UNOCA is well-placed to support a Cameroonian-led dialogue and resolution to the conflict.

We also note that the long-standing crisis in the Lake Chad Basin is affecting Cameroon’s Far North region, with government forces fighting Boko Haram and Islamic State.

Given the cross-border nature of this threat, we urge greater regional cooperation through the Lake Chad Basin Commission and the Multinational Joint Task Force.

Third, we recognise the completion of Chad’s political transition. We welcome the increased representation of women and the increased diversity of the National Assembly.

But we note concern at reports of corruption, harassment and the intimidation of opposition parties during the electoral process. We urge Chad to increase political and media freedoms to ensure a more peaceful, pluralistic, and transparent democracy.

Finally, President, the United Kingdom maintains its steadfast support for the work of UNOCA and its good offices. UNOCA’s role in early warning, preventive diplomacy, and regional coordination is more vital than ever.

We encourage continued collaboration with ECCAS and other regional actors to address cross-border threats and promote sustainable peace for the region.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 6 June 2025.

Joint statement from the UK and 29 other donor countries on attacks against civilians and humanitarian workers in Sudan.

Joint donor statement condemning attacks against civilians and humanitarian workers in Sudan by the European Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.

“We condemn in the strongest terms the attack on a humanitarian convoy of 15 trucks from the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in Al Koma, North Darfur, on the night of 2 June, which resulted in the death of five members of the convoy and injuring several others. Four of the 15 trucks in the convoy were destroyed in the attack and five more sustained partial damage. These trucks were carrying about 100 metric tons of essential nutrition, health, education, and WASH supplies, intended to support children and families in El Fasher town.

The deliberate targeting of humanitarian personnel is a violation of international law. Civilians and humanitarian workers must not be targeted by parties to the armed conflict. We urge all parties to allow civilians to safely exit areas with ongoing hostilities, and to guarantee immediate, unconditional, safe and unhindered humanitarian access to deliver assistance to those in urgent need throughout Sudan.

We repeat our call to the Sudanese Armed Forces, the Rapid Support Forces and their militias to immediately cease hostilities and uphold their obligations towards international humanitarian law, which includes the obligation to protect civilians and civilian objects – as also reiterated in the UN Security Council resolution 2730 (2024). Once again, we stress the civilian character of humanitarian agencies, the neutral and impartial nature of their life-saving operations, and the need for them to operate across all of Sudan, regardless of area of control.

This attack represents yet another deadly and unacceptable attack on civilians and humanitarian workers since the beginning of this armed conflict two years ago, in blatant disregard of international humanitarian law. We remind the parties to the conflict to uphold their obligations to ensure the safety and security of humanitarian personnel and their assets.

Last April, the international community strongly condemned the attacks on Zamzam and Abu Shouk camps which resulted in the killing of hundreds of civilians and at least 12 aid workers. Just last week, a hospital was targeted in El Obeid, North Kordofan. On several occasions, UN and NGOs offices throughout the country have been directly hit, including WFP’s office in El Fasher only last week. These are just some of the many attacks over the past two years targeting civilians, aid workers and facilities, hospitals, and critical civilian infrastructure, which constitute direct violations of international humanitarian law.

We deplore all loss of civilian life resulting from acts of war throughout this conflict. The continuous attacks on humanitarian aid workers cannot be normalised. These serious and continued violations of international humanitarian law committed by the warring parties are unacceptable and must cease immediately.

We support the UN Secretary General’s call for an immediate and independent investigation into this attack and accountability of the perpetrators.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families and colleagues of those killed and those who have been injured while working to deliver humanitarian assistance under extremely dangerous conditions.”

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 6 June 2025.

Culture ministries from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia met today under the Berlin Process and, together with UK Special Envoy to the Western Balkans Dame Karen Pierce, adopted a Joint Declaration that puts the region’s creative economy at the centre of its economic and European future.

Kotor, Montenegro, 28 May 2025 – Culture ministries from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia met today under the Berlin Process and, together with UK Special Envoy to the Western Balkans Dame Karen Pierce, adopted a Joint Declaration that puts the region’s creative economy at the centre of its economic and European future.

Long championed by the United Kingdom, the creative economy of the Western Balkans has taken centre stage in Berlin Process discussions for the very first time, reflecting its growing contribution to inclusive growth, social cohesion and regional cooperation.

Co-hosted by Montenegro’s Minister of Culture and Media Dr Tamara Vujović, British Council Deputy CEO Kate Ewart Biggs and the UK Special Envoy to the Western Balkans Dame Karen Pierce, the forum explored how creative industries can generate skilled jobs, retain talented young people and deepen cross-border cooperation. Creative businesses already outpace many traditional sectors and are natural partners for the green and digital transitions the Western Balkans must complete on their path to EU membership.

At the close of the meeting, the six ministers committed to embed creativity in national growth agendas. The Declaration pledges governments to treat the creative economy as a strategic sector, align the work of culture, education and economy ministries, create stable public-finance lines and incentives that crowd-in private investment, and open access to EU and international funds such as the Western Balkans Growth Plan and Horizon Europe. Ministries aim to turn the region’s cultural richness into a lasting engine of prosperity and regional cohesion.

UK Special Envoy to the Western Balkans, Dame Karen Pierce said:

“The UK’s hosting of the Berlin Process this year underlines our commitment to strengthen cooperation with our partners in the Western Balkans. The discussions we’ve had today, focused on the creative economy, highlight the importance of regional collaboration and the need for long-term investments in areas that will drive sustainable growth, foster social cohesion, and deepen ties across the region.”

“The creative economy can be a driver for growth for all communities. It has immense potential in the Western Balkans. By working together, we can unlock the full potential of this sector, not just for economic benefits, but also as a means of strengthening cultural identity and heritage across the region.

“Today’s adoption of the joint declaration by the Ministries of Culture from the Western Balkans is an important step forward in shaping the future of the creative economy in the region. It’s a clear statement of our shared vision for fostering innovation, promoting sustainable development, and supporting our creative industries as vital contributors to the region’s growth. While each country has its own requirements and ideas, by working together, governments and creative industry across the region can bring even more benefits to their citizens across each and every community.

“We reaffirm our commitment to operationalising the creative economy as a strategic sector for growth. By strengthening collaboration between Ministries of Culture, Education, and Economy, we will ensure that culture and creativity are embedded in national economic plans, innovation strategies, and skills development. This is an investment in the future of the region and its citizens.”

British Council programmes such as Culture & Creativity for the Western Balkans have trained thousands of cultural professionals and financed scores of start-ups, while links with UK institutions have opened new export markets for film, music and design. Building on today’s commitments, the British Council will launch a regional fund later this year to help creative entrepreneurs scale their ideas and reach international audiences, reinforcing the people-to-people ties at the heart of the Berlin Process.