Tag: Foreign Office

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 29 April 2025.

Statement by the UK’s Ambassador for Human Rights to the UN, Eleanor Sanders, at Guinea’s Universal Periodic Review at the Human Rights Council in Geneva.

Thank you, Madame Vice President.

We thank the Guinean delegation for setting out its efforts to protect human rights. And we welcome the steps taken to return to constitutional order. Presidential elections must be held by the end of 2025, as committed to by President Doumbouya.

Guinea must also take urgent action to tackle corruption in the judiciary and public administration, ensuring that international standards are upheld.

Freedom of expression and media freedom are vital. We urge the Government to decriminalise peaceful demonstration and lift the ban on mainstream private media. This will, in turn, strengthen legal protection for journalists, the media and civil society.

Steps should also be taken to tackle all forms of discrimination and inequality including against minority groups.

We recommend that Guinea:

Ensure electoral processes in 2025 are credible, including during September’s referendum on the constitution; and local, legislative and presidential elections

Promote freedom of expression by decriminalising defamation, lifting the ban on private media channels and allowing peaceful public demonstrations.

Take urgent action to tackle corruption in the judiciary and public administration, upholding due process in line with international standards.

Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 29 April 2025.

Statement by Lord Collins of Highbury, Minister for Africa and the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Ukraine.

Since Russia’s invasion over three years ago, this Council has met many times to discuss the death, destruction and misery Russia unleashed on Ukrainians.

It has displaced over three and a half million people within the country, and almost seven million have sought refuge abroad leaving over a third of the population in dire need of humanitarian help.

And its consequences have been felt far beyond Ukraine too, sending food and energy prices soaring which has hit the most vulnerable around the world the hardest.

We welcome the US’s efforts to end this war, yet it is impossible not to reflect on the sheer scale of the crisis – including the shocking attack on Kryvyi Rih in which 20 people were killed earlier this month.

Nine children lost their lives that day, and the UN reported that this was the largest number of children killed in a single strike since the start of the invasion.

Civilian casualties have increased by 50% since February and over 10,000 missiles and drones have been fired into Ukraine since the start of the war.

Such brutality has, sadly, continued – from the revolting strike in Sumy on Palm Sunday to the missiles raining upon Kharkiv and Kyiv, we do not need more evidence to prove that Putin is not serious about peace.

Putin’s latest announcement for a temporary ceasefire, yet again, rings hollow.

We need only look to the 30-hour pause in fighting over Easter as an example, during which there was no indication that a ceasefire on the frontline was observed.

President, I think we can all see through this pretence.

Russia must declare a ceasefire now.

Not in a day, not in a week. Ukraine stands ready to go the whole way – a durable and full ceasefire – right now.

So why wait? Why only for 72 hours?

If Putin were truly serious, he would agree today to an immediate, full and unconditional ceasefire, just as Ukraine has done – not simply announce a short pause from May 8th.

But Putin chooses not to.

Compare that to Ukraine, which agreed to the US ceasefire proposal over 40 days ago.

Make no mistake – the United Kingdom’s commitment to peace is clear.

As is the United Kingdom’s commitment to stand by Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression.

Together, with our allies and partners, we must continue to work with Ukraine and speak up with one voice in Ukraine’s support.

Because that remains the best way of achieving a just and sustainable end to Putin’s selfish war.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 29 April 2025.

Statement by Lord Collins of Highbury, Minister for Africa and the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on the Middle East.

The human cost on October 7th was horrific. And since that day, the hostages have endured unimaginable cruelty, and Palestinians have faced relentless death and destruction.

We welcome President Abbas’s call for the hostages to be released, and we echo that call. We also need a return to the ceasefire to end the terrible bloodshed.

We are deeply concerned by the World Food Programme’s announcement on Friday that its food stocks in Gaza have run out.

It is unacceptable that Israel has blocked humanitarian support from entering Gaza for nearly two months, meaning that Palestinian civilians, including one million children, are facing starvation, disease and death.

UN and other workers must be able to deliver life-saving assistance safely, and in line with humanitarian principles.

We are outraged by recent attacks, including the killing of Palestinian Red Crescent workers and the hit on a UN compound on 19th March. Israel has admitted that this was caused by one of their tanks, despite the compound being known to the IDF as a UN humanitarian facility.

This is inexcusable.

We urge Israel to ensure accurate public statements on such grave incidents. It must conduct full and transparent investigations into these incidents, hold those responsible to account and reinstate an effective deconfliction system to prevent such tragedies.

President, the UK believes that lasting peace and security can only be achieved through a two-state solution.

And we thank France and Saudi Arabia for their leadership in preparing for the conference in June. We should build on the Arab plan for Gaza’s future and develop credible security and governance plans acceptable to both Israelis and Palestinians. Hamas must no longer govern Gaza or pose a threat to Israel and we should build the capability of the Palestinian Authority, which will be central to a future State.

Finally, we must seize the opportunity to build lasting peace across the region. There has been important progress in Lebanon, where the government has committed to crucial reforms, and in Syria, with moves towards an inclusive political transition.

The United Kingdom will continue to support the Lebanese and Syrian people to build on this momentum and we urge all parties to avoid destabilising actions and abide by their international obligations.

President, a better future in the Middle East is possible.

To realise it, we must return to a ceasefire in Gaza, reinvest in efforts to achieve a two-state solution and pursue wider normalisation of relationships for the benefit of Palestinians, Israelis, and all those living in the region. I thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 28 April 2025.

The Youth Mobility Scheme allows 500 visas, both for Uruguayan and British nationals, to live, study, work and travel in the UK and Uruguay respectively.

In 2025, 500 British and 500 Uruguayan nationals aged 18 to 30 years old will be able to experience life and culture in each other’s country for up to 2 years, as established in the agreement that came into effect in both countries on 31 January 2024.

Uruguayan citizens who would like to travel to the UK under this scheme need to apply for a Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS) visa. British citizens who would like to travel to Uruguay should apply for a Working Holiday temporary residency.

The scheme desires to foster close relations between British and Uruguayan nationals, intending to promote and facilitate access to opportunities that enable youth to gain a better understanding of the other participant’s culture, society, and languages through travel, work, and life experience abroad.

This is the first YMS between the UK and a South American Country. The agreement was signed in August 2023 at the Uruguayan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, during the visit of FCDO Minister for the Americas and Caribbean David Rutley MP to Uruguay.

UK has YMS agreements in place with Andorra, Australia, Canada, Republic of Korea, Hong Kong, Iceland, Japan, Monaco, New Zealand, San Marino, Taiwan and Uruguay.

Uruguay has Working Holiday programmes with Australia, France, Germany, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Sweden, and United Kingdom.

Find below information about the scheme and how to apply, for British and Uruguayan nationals.

Information for British nationals

British citizens interested in applying for a Working Holiday temporary residency must attend the Uruguayan Consulate in London and submit the following documents:

• valid passport in good condition, with an expiry date at least one year in the future
• a medical certificate from the country of residence where it states that you do not have medical conditions that would make it impossible for you to reside in Uruguay
• evidence of a Police Certificate from the country of origin and from any country that you have lived in for the past 5 years. This should be apostilled or legalised, whichever is appropriate. In the UK you can apply for this at: http://www.gov.uk/copy-of-police-records. The six must have been issued within the 6 months prior to the filing of the application
• documents that demonstrate that they have sufficient financial resources to meet their needs (such as salary payslips, bank statements, pensions, etc.) issued within 30 days of the application date
• declaration of the intended time they will remain in Uruguay, which will be up to 2 years
• apostille or legalised birth certificate (whichever is the case, if the person was born outside the UK) and translated (by a certified Uruguayan translator, by Consul or by consular intervention, depending on the case) will be required in Uruguay in order to obtain the Uruguayan National Identity card

Once the documentation is submitted, the Consulate will inform the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ International Migration Direction, which will notify the National Migration Office. A decision will be made within a maximum of 15 working days.

If the application is successful, the Consulate will let you will know. You will then need to enter Uruguay within 180 days from the notification day. If you need a visa, the Consulate will issue a tourist visa without consulting with the National Migration Office, referring to the temporary residency granted.

Once you are in Uruguay, you will need to go in person to the National Migration Office and the National Civil Identification Office to apply for the National Identity card and pay the required fees. If youneed more information, please contact the Uruguayan Consulate or Uruguayan Embassy: cdlondres@mrree.gub.uy or urureinounido@mree.gub.uy, or call: +44 (0)207 584 4200

Information for Uruguayan nationals:

• applications to the Youth Mobility Scheme are online. You can apply from any country in the world, except from the UK
• you can apply if you are a Uruguayan National aged 18-30 years old and hold a Uruguayan passport
• you can spend up to 2 years in the UK, with multiple entries
• you can work but it is not compulsory. You can travel, study short courses or volunteer
• you do not need any language, job or skill requirements
• you must apply for a visa and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge
• you need to demonstrate you have the equivalent to £2,530 in a bank account for at least the past 28 days before applying
• you need to get a Criminal Record Certificate. Please request it for Consulate- Ministry of Foreign Affairs, not the British Embassy
• you cannot apply if you have any dependants living with you or who are financially dependent on you at the time of application
• you must not have not previously taken part in the scheme

Applicants will usually get a decision on their visa within 3 weeks.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 28 April 2025.

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

Thank you, Mr President,

The United Kingdom warmly welcomes the delegation. We recognise the Government of Kiribati’s positive engagement with this process and progress made since the last Universal Periodic Review. The United Kingdom commends ambitious reforms to social protection systems, including support provided to senior citizens and persons with disabilities.

We urge the Government to enhance efforts to address the high levels of gender-based violence, advance work to end discrimination, and guarantee the protection of all individuals.

We recommend that Kiribati:

1. Ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.
2. Ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women.
3. Renew efforts to enshrine protection from discrimination on the basis of gender, gender identity and expression and sexual orientation; and to decriminalise consensual sexual relations between adults of the same sex within the Constitution.

Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 28 April 2025.

Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council briefing by the UN High Commissioner for Refugees.

I want to start by underlining our wholehearted support for UNHCR and High Commissioner Grandi’s passionate leadership. You have steered the organisation through a decade of global change.

A decade of increasing conflict, climate shocks and instability.

All these factors continue to push people from their homes, driving displacement ever higher.

In the world today, over 123 million people are forcibly displaced.

In the face of such challenges, we must focus on solutions.

I will highlight three that are priority areas for the UK.

First, we will continue to do all we can to tackle the root causes of displacement, including war, instability, and repression.

We will work at all levels, including through this Council to protect the rules-based international system and promote peace.

We will work with international partners to tackle people smuggling and human trafficking, which exploits vulnerable people for financial gain.

Just this month, the UK led a successful Border-Security Summit, where we secured agreements between participating countries, to drive efforts to disrupt organised immigration crime and save lives.

Second, we will seek solutions to regional and country-specific crises.

Many of which, from Ukraine to the Middle East, are the focus of this Council.

This month, the UK hosted a conference on Sudan with humanitarian and political objectives, including support for an end to the conflict and easing the impact on the region and we were grateful for the participation of Commissioner Grandi along with other parts of the UN leadership.

In Cox’s Bazar, we have funded UNHCR to support refugees’ access to healthcare, clean water and hygiene.

We will continue to advocate for safe, dignified and sustainable solutions for refugees, including at the UN Rohingya Conference in September.

And third, we continue to push for innovative approaches to addressing displacement.

We support the High Commissioner’s Sustainable Responses Initiative, which supports refugee inclusion and self-reliance, and ownership of solutions by host countries.

We look forward to the Global Compact for Refugees meeting in December – a key moment to review progress on pledges we made in 2023, to deliver better outcomes for displaced people and host communities.

And we encourage others to join and sustain our collective efforts to achieve the Compact’s goals.

In conclusion, President, to reverse the growing trend of displacement, we need to focus on solutions to the causes we have all discussed today.

The UK is committed to working with UNHCR and other international partners and institutions to achieve this.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 28 April 2025.

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

Let me welcome the Minister and his delegation, and salute his government’s efforts to implement the recommendations from its last review. Not least, we commend its efforts on gender equality and welcome their constructive role on this Council.

Let me also urge his Government to uphold its obligations under the ICCPR and the commitments accepted at its last review.

We recommend that the Kyrgyz Republic:

1. Ensure the treatment of NGOS is in line with international human rights obligations, and that it removes regulations for NGOS to provide information not stipulated by the ‘Law on Non-Commercial Organisations’.
2. Maintain the National Centre for the Prevention of Torture as an independent and separate National Preventative Mechanism and provide adequate resources to the Centre to continue to effectively carry out its mandate.
3. Adhere to the principles enshrined in the Kyrgyz Constitution by amending the Code of Offences to decriminalise defamation and insult, and instead use civil litigation in line with international human rights obligations.

Thank you, Mr President.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 28 April 2025.

Mrs Victoria Busby OBE has been appointed British High Commissioner to the Republic of Malta in succession to Ms Katherine Ward LVO OBE who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment. Mrs Busby will take up her appointment during September 2025.

Curriculum vitae

Full name: Victoria Alice Markland Busby

Year	Role
2020 to present	FCDO, Director of Protocol and Vice-Marshal of the Diplomatic Corps
2019 to 2020	Cabinet Office, Chief Operating Officer, COP26
2012 to 2019	No10, Deputy Director, Events and Visits
2010 to 2012	DCMS, Head of Communication, Government Olympic Executive
2009 to 2010	Home Office, Senior Communications Manager, Office for Security and Counter-Terrorism
2008 to 2009	Ministry of Defence, Senior PR Manager
2006 to 2008	Department for Work and Pensions, Marketing Manager
2006	Joined Civil Service
2005 to 2006	Head London (communications consultancy), Account Manager
2003 to 2005	Christie’s (auction house), Proposals Writer

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 28 April 2025.

Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary host Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa, demonstrating the UK’s steadfast support for the Palestinian Authority.

• UK hosts Palestinian Authority (PA) Prime Minister Mustafa in first official visit to the UK since 2021.
• UK and PA to sign Memorandum of Understanding reiterating support for a two-state solution to help secure long-term peace and security in the Middle East.
• New UK funding announced to support people in Occupied Palestinian Territories and to help reform and empower the PA.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Foreign Secretary David Lammy will today host Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa in London, marking the first official Palestinian Authority Prime Ministerial visit to the UK since 2021.

The invitation reflects the UK’s steadfast support for the Palestinian Authority and the Palestinian people at a critical juncture in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, and desire to further strengthen bilateral relations.

The Foreign Secretary and Prime Minister Mustafa will sign a landmark Memorandum of Understanding enshrining their commitment to advancing Palestinian statehood as part of a two-state solution. It will also stress that the Palestinian Authority is the only legitimate governing entity in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, and underlines the importance of reunifying Gaza and the West Bank under its authority. The MoU will also underscore the commitment of the Palestinian Authority to deliver its reform agenda as a matter of priority.

Alongside this, the UK will announce a package of support for the Occupied Palestinian Territories, expected to include £101 million directed at humanitarian relief, support for Palestinian economic development, and strengthening Palestinian Authority governance and reform.

The UK and PA will also agree on a coordinated approach to Gaza’s future, building on Arab and Palestinian-led initiatives. The UK will make clear that Hamas must immediately release the hostages and relinquish control of Gaza.

The strengthening of the UK-Palestinian partnership represents a key component of the UK government’s Plan for Change, as it works to support long-term peace and security in the Middle East. By working even more closely with the Palestinian Authority, the UK is demonstrating its commitment to the two-state solution as the best option for a safe and secure Israel alongside a viable and sovereign Palestinian state.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy said:

This visit marks a significant step in strengthening our relationship with the Palestinian Authority – a key partner for peace in the Middle East – at a critical moment.

The UK is clear that there can be no role for Hamas in the future of Gaza and we are committed to working with the Palestinian Authority as the only legitimate governing entity in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

We will not give up on the two-state solution, with a Palestinian state and Israel living side-by-side in peace, dignity and security. I reaffirm the UK’s commitment to recognising a Palestinian state as a contribution to that process, at a time that has the greatest impact.

During the visit Prime Minister Mustafa will outline the Palestinian Authority’s reform programme which focuses on strengthening financial sustainability, enhancing governance transparency, and improving service delivery to Palestinian citizens.

Background

• this is the first official Palestinian Authority Prime Ministerial visit to the UK since former Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh visited Glasgow in 2021 for COP26
• Memorandum of Understanding: the MoU establishes a new framework for UK-Palestinian cooperation which will reiterate both parties’ commitment to the two-state solution, and pursue further cooperation in areas including economic development, trade and security
• this comes as Lord Collins is also due to attend the UN Security Council Middle East Peace Process meeting on Tuesday where he will re-affirm the UK position on progressing towards a long-term peace in the region
• the funding announcement is single-year (financial year 2025 to 2026) and future funding is subject to the ongoing Spending Review

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 26 April 2025.

The Foreign Secretary visits Oman and Qatar to commit to expand cooperation with Gulf countries on trade, defence, and security.

• Visit to Oman and Qatar will commit to expand cooperation with Gulf countries on trade, defence, and security
• Foreign Secretary to use visit to underscore need for de-escalation and security within region including countering the threat posed by Iran
• Builds on mission to kickstart the economy and protect national security as part of Government’s Plan for Change

The UK is set to strengthen ties with key partners in the Gulf as the Foreign Secretary travels to Oman and Qatar to unlock new opportunities and push the need for greater security and stability in the region.

The Foreign Secretary’s first visit to Oman is an opportunity to celebrate 225 years of government to government relations, discuss how best to consolidate our shared efforts for green, sustainable growth and our cooperation on regional security challenges.

The Foreign Secretary will also discuss the recent US – Iran talks held in Oman. Alongside international partners we are clear that Iran must never develop a nuclear weapon which threatens international peace and security. We remain committed to seeking a negotiated solution to the issue and will use all diplomatic levers to make this happen.

He will discuss UK-Omani joint work on wider regional security, including the Israel-Gaza conflict and Houthi threats to international shipping in the Red Sea, a vital trade route for UK exports to the rest of the world with over a $1 trillion worth of global goods passing through each year.

In Qatar, the Foreign Secretary will build on the Government’s commitment to boosting the economy by overseeing the UK-Qatar Strategic Dialogue, a key forum which has assisted in fuelling previous investment into the UK in priority growth sectors including energy, real-estate and defence. This partnership builds on the success of the existing multi-billion pound Strategic Investment Partnership, helping to deliver on the Government’s growth mission and supporting Qatar’s own economic ambitions.

Foreign Secretary, David Lammy said:

The UK’s relationship with the Gulf continues to go from strength to strength. Our partnerships are unlocking huge investment opportunities in the UK and creating jobs in the industries of the future which is at the very heart of our Plan for Change.

But boosting growth is reliant on building stability. It’s vital we engage closely with partners like Qatar and Oman to strengthen security in the region, this includes countering Iran’s malign activity in the region and bringing the war in Gaza to end.

The Foreign Secretary will also discuss progress on the Free Trade Agreement with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which could increase bilateral trade by up to 16%, adding an extra £8.6 billion a year to trade between the UK and GCC countries in the long run, as well as supporting job creation across Britain.

As the impact of the devastating conflict in Gaza continues to be felt across the region,  the Foreign Secretary will use his visit to highlight that more bloodshed is in no-one’s interest, and the need for all parties in the conflict to return to a ceasefire. In meetings with counterparts, he will stress the need to build lasting peace in the region which is vital for security and prosperity in the Gulf and at home in the UK.

The visit to Qatar will also be an opportunity to further cooperation on defence and security matters. This includes discussing the close partnership between the RAF and Qatar Amiri Joint Squadron which helps train the next generation of pilots who will patrol the skies and maintain UK security interests in the Middle East.