Tag: Foreign Office

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

Ambassador Holland reflects on the framework for stability that we have collectively built since the end of WW2 which, when respected, has the potential to prevent further conflict.

Thank you, Madam Chair.  This week marks the 80th anniversary of the end, on the European continent, of the most devastating conflict in human history.  The scale of human loss and suffering during the Second World War was vast: tens of millions of people killed; a Holocaust resulting in the destruction of Europe’s Jewish communities; entire cities and regions totally flattened; and, populations permanently displaced.

This week is an opportunity to pay tribute to the brave men and women who fought to end this war and who made peace possible.  It is an opportunity to reflect on the terrible costs of conflict.  But it is also an opportunity to recall and cherish what we have collectively built since this dark episode in our shared history.

Because, from the ashes of war, a new epoch was born, one with international collaboration and shared values at its core.  It led to the creation of new institutions, principles and commitments that have played a pivotal role in maintaining peace and stability across our continent and beyond for decades.  In declaring a vision to make war between historic rivals not merely unthinkable, but materially impossible, Robert Schuman captured the spirit of the time.

Key elements of this framework include the UN Charter, the Helsinki Final Act and the Charter of Paris.  They clearly set out how we should expect countries to behave towards each other and to their citizens.  These fundamentals – such as sovereignty, territorial integrity and respect for human rights – have proven, when respected, to be a recipe for stability, prosperity and mutual security.  It should be no surprise that, when we examine the conflicts that have taken place on our continent since 1945, all of them can trace their origins to a violation of one or more of these fundamental principles.

Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine is a clear example.  Russia invaded Ukraine without provocation, in violation of the UN Charter and Helsinki Final Act.  This war, and the disinformation campaign that seeks to justify it, disrespects the memory of those who died fighting genuine tyranny.  It could end tomorrow if Russia made the right choices and lived up to its commitments.  Instead of tokenistic ceasefires drawn up at whim, it could choose to engage seriously and agree to an unconditional 30-day ceasefire, as Ukraine has done, to create space for talks on a just and lasting peace.  As the post-Second World War record shows, a just peace that lives up to these principles would be the best guarantee of our mutual security, including Russia’s.

The sacrifices made by previous generations compel us to protect and stand by the principles we have all signed up to. It is our duty to preserve the legacy they fought so hard to achieve.  And to spare our own and future generations from the burden of picking through the ashes of conflict to rebuild our continent once again.

Thank you, Madam Chair.

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

Statement by the UK’s Permanent Representative to the WTO and UN, Simon Manley, at Kuwait’s Universal Periodic Review at the Human Rights Council in Geneva.

Mr President,

Let me welcome the Minister and the delegation to Geneva, and welcome too the role Kuwait has played as a member of the Council.

We recognise the positive steps Kuwait has taken to improve and protect women’s rights. These include the abolition of Article 153 of the Penal Code and raising the marriage age to 18.

However, some areas warrant attention, including the nationality campaign’s disproportionate effect on women, the reported re-emergence of capital punishment and shrinking space for public debate.

We recommend that Kuwait:

1. Implements policies to ensure that ’Article 8’ women, whose Kuwaiti nationality has been revoked, continue to receive access, without discrimination, to employment, justice and social services.

2. Strengthens protections for migrant workers.

3. Returns to a position of non-application of the death penalty.

4. Ensures that freedoms of opinion and expression are protected in line with Kuwaiti law.

Thank you.

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

UK Statement on Guyana, delivered at Guyana’s Universal Periodic Review at the Human Rights Council in Geneva.

Thank you, Mr Vice-President,

We welcome the steps taken by Guyana to improve the legal framework for human rights, including efforts to advance gender equality.

Yet challenges remain, particularly in protecting the rights of vulnerable groups, including LGBT+ individuals and persons with disabilities, as well as safeguarding fundamental freedoms such as press freedom and civic space.

Ongoing efforts to strengthen human rights must be complemented by tangible action to address these concerns and ensure that all citizens, including marginalised communities, can fully enjoy their rights without fear of discrimination or violence.

We recommend that Guyana:

1. Takes steps to safeguard press freedom and ensure the independence of the media, by refraining from intimidation, ensuring equitable access to state resources for all media outlets and committing to international press standards.
2. Strengthens civic participation by establishing formal and transparent mechanisms for regular consultations with civil society organisations on policy development.
3. Continues to strengthen legal protections for LGBT+ individuals, by decriminalising consensual same-sex relations between adults, and combatting discrimination and violence based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

Thank you.

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

The ceremony involved wreath laying by invited guests, including the Governor General of Solomon Islands, His Excellency David Kapu and other dignitaries.

On Thursday 8 May, the British High Commission in Solomon Islands celebrated Victory in Europe (VE) Day 80 years on from when the Second World War ended in Europe.

Held at the High Commissioner’s official residence at Tanuli in Honiara, the ceremony involved the laying of wreathes by invited guests, including the Governor General of Solomon Islands, H.E David Kapu; Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands H.E Rod Hilton and his Acting Defence Advisor Bret Verity and New Zealand High Commissioner to Solomon Islands H.E Jonathan Curr.

Others included the Japanese Ambassador H.E Keiichi Higuchi; United States Chargée d’Affaires Ms Kristine Marsh, Reverend Wilfred Kekea from the Anglican Church of Melanesia; Westminster Foundation for Democracy Country Director Vatina Devesi; Rosalind Manekaea from the Guides and Joe Billy Oge from the Scout Movement.

Speaking at the service British High Commissioner to Solomon Islands and Non-Resident High Commissioner to Nauru, His Excellency Paul Turner said:

More than ever, it is important to remember and honour those who sacrificed their lives to fight fascism in Europe. The war in Ukraine and the unprovoked attack by Russia showed that peace and security in Europe and across the world was in a perilous state. Systems of international law and justice – which we had grown up with since the end of World War II – were now under attack from regimes such as the one in Russia.

The war in the Far East did not end until 15 August 1945, when Japan surrendered, which was celebrated across the world as ‘Victory over Japan’ (VJ Day). The 80th anniversary of VJ Day takes place on Friday 15 August 2025, commemorating the end of the Second World War.

The Second World War touched every aspect of life and had a devastating impact on those who experienced it, and for the generations after. From the sailors, soldiers and aviators who fought, to children who were evacuated, and all those who stepped into essential roles on the home front, we owe it to the Second World War generation who 80 years ago fought for our freedom and paid the ultimate sacrifice in giving generations lasting peace.

Through a series of national and local events, we unite to pay tribute to the millions of people across the UK and Commonwealth who served in the Second World War as well as echoing the same celebrations 80 years ago as the population welcomed the end of the war.

While VE and VJ Day 80 have been an opportunity for celebration, as it was across the streets of Britain in 1945, these commemorations were also one of the last opportunities to honour our living Second World War veterans.

There is also a younger generation for whom the events of the Second World War – the sacrifices made, and the reasons for them – seem like distant history. It will be a time for us to come together to listen to their stories and reflect on their values that ensured the Allied victory – service and selflessness across our nation.

In an increasingly uncertain and fragmented world, this anniversary has never been more important. It is only by learning from conflicts such as the Second World War and listening to their devastating effects from those who experienced them, that we bring to life the realities of war, especially for younger generations, so that they can learn about the horrors that it entailed and the sacrifices necessary to preserve peace and freedom.

This year is particularly poignant, as it is one of the last opportunities to honour the living Second World War veterans, who fought so hard to preserve peace and freedom that enables our shared way of life.

It is vital that we learn from their stories and ensure they are told to generations to come, in order that younger generations understand what they were fighting for and the horrors that conflicts on this scale can bring.

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

Foreign Secretary David Lammy will visit Lviv today in joint show of support for Ukraine, as the UK announces sanctions on 100 ships in the Russian shadow fleet.

• Foreign Secretary David Lammy will visit Lviv today [Friday 9 May] in joint show of support for Ukraine’s future in Europe
• visiting Lviv, European partners will reaffirm their commitment to securing a just and lasting peace
• for the first time, ministers will also confirm their support for the establishment of a Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine

Visiting Lviv to stand in solidarity with Ukraine in their defence against Russia’s illegal invasion, Foreign Secretary David Lammy will join European ministers in the city to hold further talks on securing a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.

He will also, alongside representatives of the Core Group of at least 37 countries, announce united and ardent support for the establishment of a Special Tribunal, to hold those responsible for the crime of aggression against Ukraine to account.

Today’s events come as the Prime Minister announced a major package of sanctions to target the decrepit and dangerous shadow fleet carrying Russian oil. Our world-leading sanctions have plunged Putin’s ships into crisis. According to some estimates, sanctions have crippled 200 ships – almost half of Putin’s entire fleet.

The UK has been clear that the security of the UK, which underpins this government’s Plan for Change, starts in Ukraine. Securing a just and lasting peace in Ukraine and combating Russia’s malign influence around the world mean a safer Britain at home. We are boosting our defence spending , with an increase of £13.4 billion year on year, to respond to these challenges.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy said:

Today – and every day – we stand with Ukraine. We stand for a just and lasting peace, for a secure Europe, and for accountability and justice. I have been supportive of a Special Tribunal to prosecute Russia’s leaders for their war of aggression since March 2022, just weeks after Putin’s full-scale invasion. This was a key manifesto commitment and as soon as we came into government, we made it a top priority.

We stand against Putin, against his stalling and backtracking on peace, and against his dodgy shadow fleet of oil tankers. We are determined to sink his failing ambition to fund his illegal war through them – that is why we have today unleashed the largest package of sanctions against them, with 110 targets.

We call on Russia to drop the gimmicks and agree to an unconditional ceasefire as Ukraine has done. Those standing with Putin today in Moscow should reflect on the lessons of history: peace will always prevail and aggressors will never be allowed to succeed.

Through our 100 Year Partnership, this government’s Plan for Change and our ongoing military and diplomatic support, the UK’s commitment to Ukraine is stronger than ever.

The Foreign Secretary will join 17 other foreign ministers and Ukrainian Minister for Foreign Affairs Andrii Sybiha to discuss the next steps for an enduring peace in Europe. European ministers will make clear that they are united in support of Ukraine and its clear commitment to peace, and condemn Putin’s stalling, backtracking and ongoing bombardment of Ukrainian civilians.

The Special Tribunal meeting is a milestone moment, as we now have the legal foundations for a Tribunal, following the culmination of more than two years of careful and complex negotiations among at least 37 states to deliver a united position on justice and accountability. The government is delivering on its manifesto, and the UK is building on its commitments as part of the UK-Ukraine 100 Year Partnership.

The UK will also provide nearly £25 million in new funding to support local Ukrainian organisations protect the most vulnerable who continue to suffer from Russia’s ongoing aggression.

This includes £10 million to HAVEN to protect and evacuate civilians in frontline areas where Russian attacks continue and £5 million to Mercy Corps so they can support local organisations to meet people’s basic needs as quickly as possible in an emergency. £9.4 million will go to the Ukrainian Red Cross who continue to build up Ukraine’s country-wide emergency response to urgent humanitarian needs. Some of this funding will improve access to and the quality of recovery and rehabilitation services, including for veterans.

The Foreign Secretary’s visit comes as Ukrainian grain and other food produce, supported by £3 million provided by the UK for the World Food Programme to send produce to Syria, arrives in Türkiye to be distributed worldwide. This Ukrainian produce provides a lifeline to the most vulnerable around the world including in Syria with Ukrainian grain crucial for global food security. In stark contrast, Russia repeatedly attacked Ukrainian port infrastructure and ships and has imposed conditions on a Black Sea ceasefire.

Today’s meeting in Lviv highlights the strength of European unity. Today, and its historical importance, should service as a reminder that peace, respect of sovereignty, and justice will always prevail.

The British people have never once wavered in their support for Ukraine. Supporting them means defending our shared democratic values and Ukraine’s right to determine its own future in a free and peaceful Europe.

Background

• negotiations on the Special Tribunal will now move to the Council of Europe, where the next stage will involve finalising the legal framework and discussions around how to operationalise the Tribunal. Once established, the Tribunal will complement the International Criminal Court’s active investigation and Ukrainian efforts to hold perpetrators of war crimes to account in their own courts

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 8 May 2025.

The FCDO has released a statement following ballistic missile launches by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) on 8 May.

An FCDO spokesperson said:

DPRK’s ballistic missile launches on 8 May are another breach of multiple UN Security Council resolutions (UNSCRs). Unlawful ballistic missile launches continue to destabilise the peace and security of the Korean Peninsula.

The UK strongly urges the DPRK to stop such provocations and return to dialogue.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 8 May 2025.

UK and others call for action to safeguard media freedom across the OSCE.

Madam Chair,

I am delivering this statement on behalf of the following participating States that are members of the informal Group of Friends on Safety of Journalists: Austria, Canada, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Greece, Latvia, Lithuania, Montenegro, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and the United Kingdom and my own country France.

Last week, on 3 May, we marked the World Press Freedom Day. This day serves as a reminder for States to respect their commitments and obligations regarding press freedom. It is also an opportunity for us all to show our support for media that are affected by restrictions of press freedom, and a day of remembrance of journalists and media actors who lost their lives in the line of duty.

As the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media has consistently highlighted: there is no security without media freedom. There can be no media freedom if journalists and other media actors cannot work safely and freely. Despite ample commitments and obligations in the field of human rights, media freedom and the safety of journalists, the challenges in the OSCE area are manifold. Journalists and media actors are being harassed, threatened, imprisoned or even killed. Legislation seeking to restrict the space for civil society, journalists and media actors is being implemented in several participating States. Challenges in the digital sphere, such as disinformation, information manipulation and smear campaigns, adverse impacts of AI, and online violence and harassment spurring physical attacks, all  pose additional pressure on the safety of journalists and media freedom in the OSCE area. As highlighted by the RFoM, female journalists face a double burden as they are being attacked as journalists and as women.

More than three years into Russia’s unprovoked and unjustifiable war of aggression against Ukraine, with the complicity of Belarus, media freedom and the safety of journalists continue to be severely affected. According to Reporters Without Borders, 13 journalists have been killed by Russian forces, at least 47 Ukrainian and foreign journalists have been injured while reporting due to attacks by Russian armed forces. According to the International Press Institute, at least 20 Ukrainian journalists are currently in Russian captivity. The Moscow Mechanism report of April 2024 also found that journalists are among the thousands of Ukrainian civilians arbitrarily detained by Russia. We continue to be deeply concerned about the treatment of Ukrainian journalist Viktoriia Roshchyna. Russia continues attacking media facilities in Ukraine. On 13 April 2025, several media offices in Sumy were damaged as a result of a Russian strike. On the night of 6 April 2025, an office building in Kyiv used by Inomovlennya, Ukraine’s state service for foreign broadcasting, was damaged as a result of Russian strikes on the city.

In Russia, the systematic, state-sponsored repression is intensifying, including through the silencing of dissenting voices, civil society and independent media. Also in Belarus, the systematic and widespread repression continues unabated and intensifies. At least 38 journalists and media actors are currently detained in Russia, and 45 in Belarus. We call on Russia and Belarus to immediately and unconditionally release all those arbitrarily detained and imprisoned, including journalists and media actors.

We are following with deep concern the developments regarding media freedom and how it is affected by the spread of so-called “foreign agents” laws and other legislation restricting the possibilities for journalists and media actors to operate. In Georgia, the rushed adoption of repressive legislation is fundamentally incompatible with core democratic principles. We repeat our call on Georgia to immediately and unconditionally release all journalists and media actors arbitrarily detained or arrested, and to engage in genuine dialogue with the RFoM and ODIHR. In Azerbaijan, there has been a concerning increase in cases against independent journalists and free media outlets. We call on Azerbaijan to honour its OSCE commitments and ensure all its citizens due legal process and access to free and independent media. All those detained for exercising their fundamental rights should be released. Regarding Türkiye, we echo the statement by the RFoM calling for the swift release of journalists arrested while covering recent demonstrations.

Madam Chair,

Let us take the opportunity of the World Press Freedom Day to honor those journalists and media actors that risk their lives and safety to keep us informed, and to reiterate our commitment to implementing our joint commitments and international obligations in the field of human rights and media freedom.

I thank you and request that you attach a copy of this statement to the Journal of the Day.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 8 May 2025.

Ambassador Holland welcomes the work of the OSCE Mission towards preventing escalation and finding practical solutions to issues, amid the challenging backdrop of energy shortages during the reporting period.

Thank you, Mr Chair.

I would like to offer a warm welcome to Ambassador Keiderling for the final time at the Permanent Council as Head of the OSCE Mission to Moldova. Thank you to you and your team for the Mission’s work over the last six months, and for the comprehensive presentation this morning.

The United Kingdom fully supports the work of the Mission towards preventing escalation, mitigating a deterioration of relations between Chisinau and Tiraspol and finding practical solutions to the challenges of everyday life for all citizens on both banks of the Nistru. We regret Russia’s continued instrumentalisation of the Mission’s mandate and reiterate our call for a return to a full 12-month directive to ensure the Mission has the stability and predictability it needs to fulfil its vital role.

The UK commends the Mission’s efforts across its three lines of action during the reporting period, amid the challenging backdrop of energy shortages on both banks. We appreciate the constructive engagement between Chisinau and Tiraspol and the Mission’s role in facilitating dialogue through the Chief Negotiators and Working Groups. We also welcome the engagement of Special Representative Thomas Lenk during this period.

The UK again notes the lack of progress Russia has made in withdrawing its illegally stationed troops from Moldovan sovereign territory, which runs in direct contradiction to other efforts. Russia must remove its forces without delay and present a considered proposal to resume the process of removal and destruction of ammunition from the Cobasna site.

As our Foreign Secretary stated during his visit to Moldova in November, the UK will not stand by as the Kremlin attempts to undermine democracy, stability and security across Europe. As shown by the signing last year of the UK-Moldova Defence and Security Partnership, the UK is strengthening its commitment to Moldova’s security. At the UK-Moldova Strategic Dialogue yesterday, our officials were proud to reaffirm UK support on cyber, counter-disinformation and judicial cooperation to help Moldova to defend its democratic institutions from malign interference.

To conclude, Ambassador Keiderling, the UK highly appreciates the energy and dedication that you have brought to the role and towards advancing a peaceful resolution. As we look ahead to parliamentary elections in September, the United Kingdom will continue to support the OSCE Mission in fulfilling its mandate, and to support peace and stability for the people of Moldova.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 8 May 2025.

Ambassador Holland urges Russia to respond substantively to the Moscow Mechanism recommendations and prove they are serious about peace by agreeing to a full and unconditional ceasefire.

Thank you, Mister Chair.  Minister Betsa, thank you for your address today.  What an excellent exposé of what is at stake.  Thank you being here and for reminding us once again.

We welcome Ukraine’s continued commitment to achieving a just and lasting peace, as you have reaffirmed in your statement.

President Zelenskyy has shown his commitment to peace by agreeing in principle to a full and unconditional ceasefire.  By contrast, President Putin has not only refused to agree to that but has further stepped-up attacks on Ukrainian cities with drones and missiles.  In April Russia intensified strikes on Ukrainian cities, killing at least 151 civilians. And just yesterday, as Russia spoke of yet another artificial ceasefire, Moscow launched a ballistic missile and drone attack on a residential area of Kyiv, killing at least 2 people and injury 8, including 4 children.

If President Putin were serious about peace, Russia would agree to a full and immediate ceasefire, as Ukraine has done. His 72-hour Victory Day proposal is another transparently cynical pause which does not create the necessary conditions for talks aimed at achieving a lasting peace.  It cannot be taken seriously, particularly given Ukraine’s experience of President Putin’s so-called truce over Easter: the UK’s Defence Intelligence found no indication that a ceasefire on the frontline was observed by Russia, despite President Putin’s promises.

We will judge President Putin by his actions not his words, and his actions suggest he has no interest in peace.  To prove he is serious about peace he must agree to the full and unconditional ceasefire offered by Ukraine and supported by the United States.

Mister Chair, earlier this week the Human Rights Centre Zmina organised a side event in the margins of the Supplementary Human Dimension Meeting on the issue of civil society resistance and losses during Russia’s war against Ukraine.  It placed a spotlight on the vital work of Ukraine’s brave civil society members and the high price that too many of them have tragically paid for their work amid Russia’s war.

Russia continues to arbitrarily detain thousands of Ukrainian civilians, including human rights defenders and journalists.  This was established by a mission of independent experts who, a little over a year ago, reported to the Permanent Council following the invocation of the Moscow Mechanism.

The Mission found that detainees had been subjected to torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, sexual violence and other forms of serious mistreatment.  The Mission also recorded cases of extrajudicial killings of arbitrarily detained Ukrainian civilians.

The expert mission made a range of recommendations to the Russian Federation.  A year later, these remain unanswered; just like those from the other four Moscow Mechanism reports.  We urge the Russian Federation to respond substantively to all these recommendations and release, without delay, all Ukrainian civilians who continue to be held arbitrarily.

Thank you, Mister Chair.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 8 May 2025.

Ms Kara Owen CMG CVO has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to Ireland in succession to Mr Paul Johnston.  Ms Owen will take up her appointment during September 2025.

Curriculum vitae

Full name: Kara Justine Owen

Year	Role
July 2024 to present	Projects/ pre-posting preparation with FCDO
2019 to 2024	Singapore, British High Commissioner
2016 to 2019	FCO, Director, Americas
2012 to 2016	Paris, Deputy Head of Mission
2011 to 2012	FCO, Head of Strategy and Network Department, Consular
2009 to 2011	FCO, Director for Diversity and Equality
2005 to 2009	Hanoi, Deputy Head of Mission
2003 to 2005	FCO, Private Secretary to the Foreign Secretary
2001 to 2003	FCO, Assistant Private Secretary to Junior Ministers
2000 to 2001	FCO, EU Policy Officer
1996 to 2000	Hong Kong, Vice Consul and later Vice Consul political
1995 to 1996	FCO, Cantonese language training
1993 to 1995	FCO, Joint Assistance Unit (Know How Fund)
1993	Joined FCO