Tag: Foreign Office

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 10 April 2025.

UK sanctions four Georgian officials, including Georgia’s General Prosecutor, as part of latest action against serious human rights violations.

• UK becomes first state to sanction Georgia’s General Prosecutor as part of latest action against serious human rights violations.
• Georgian Head of the Special Investigatory Service also targeted for failure to properly investigate crackdown on protesters.
• Designations build on five Georgian individuals sanctioned under the UK’s Global Human Rights regime in December 2024.

The UK has sanctioned four more high-ranking Georgian officials for their role in allowing serious human rights violations in response to legitimate protests in Georgia since 2024.

Last year saw a series of public protests erupt across the country, triggered by the actions of Georgia’s ruling party, Georgian Dream. In response, the authorities began an aggressive crackdown on demonstrations, attacking and arbitrarily detaining members of civil society, media and opposition figures.

With today’s action, the UK is the first state to sanction Georgia’s General Prosecutor and the Head of the Special Investigatory Service for failing in their positions to properly investigate those responsible for serious violence.

These measures support the UK Government’s work internationally to protect human rights, to reduce global instability and deter threats to UK national security – one of the foundations of the Prime Minister’s Plan for Change.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy said:

“The scenes of brutal violence against protestors, journalists and opposition figures in Georgia were truly shocking. More than 100 days on, its authorities have failed to hold those responsible to account, flying in the face of Georgian Dream’s claim to be delivering a democratic future for its citizens.

“Our sanctions show the UK will not accept such a blatant lack of accountability by those in charge, and will continue to consider all options available to us until Georgia reverses its current trajectory. We stand with the people of Georgia and their constitutional right to fundamental freedoms and to pursue a European path.”

Individuals sanctioned today are:

1. Giorgi Gabitashvili, General Prosecutor
2. Karlo Katsitadze, Head of the Special Investigatory Service
3. Shalva Bedoidze, First Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs of Georgia
4. Mirza Kezevadze, Deputy Chief of the Special Task Department

All four are excluded from the UK and its economy through UK travel bans and asset freezes.

Since the beginning of this year, Georgia’s ruling party – Georgian Dream – has attempted to push through legislation for a series of new repressive laws which critics say will be used to silence civil society and opposition parties, with the prospect of hefty prison sentences for non-compliance.

Today’s announcement adds to UK sanctions against five Georgian officials in December for their roles in the violent attacks against demonstrators, media and opposition figures following the government’s decision to pause the country’s move towards a European future in – a key tenant of Georgia’s constitution.

The UK previously paused its annual flagship strategic dialogue, the ‘Wardrop Dialogue’, suspended governmental programme support and restricted engagement with Georgian Dream in response to an increase in anti-western rhetoric and democratic backsliding which restrict media freedoms and limits equality for the Georgian people.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 10 April 2025.

Ambassador Holland calls out Russia’s hollow words about peace while it continues to terrorise Ukraine’s civilian population and infrastructure.

Thank you, Madame Chair. It is now 29 days since Ukraine expressed its readiness to accept a full, unconditional and immediate 30-day ceasefire. If Russia reciprocated, we would be a huge step closer to ending this terrible war. They are yet to take this step.

Instead of showing a commitment to peace, President Putin has chosen to dither, delay and destroy. We have heard desperate and false accusations about the legitimacy of Ukraine’s democratically-elected President. This week the Kremlin said there remained questions “hanging in the air”, including what they say is Ukraine’s lack of control over those defending their homeland and its so-called militarisation. These accusations come from a government that has deployed North Korean troops to the front line and has just ordered the biggest conscription since the war began. They are absurd.

While the Russian state delays a ceasefire, it continues to terrorise Ukraine’s civilian population with indiscriminate aerial attacks. Earlier this week we met to condemn Russia’s awful missile attack on Kryvyi Rih, which claimed the lives of 20 people, including nine children, on 4 April. This attack came only a day after a further five civilians were killed by Russian drone strikes in Kharkiv and was followed by further civilian casualties during aerial attacks over the weekend. Since Ukraine committed to pursue a full ceasefire, Russia’s aerial attacks have increased.

Russia claims to have been respecting an energy ceasefire since 18 March, but it continues to launch attacks which result in damage to energy infrastructure, including two in the last week which left 50,000 people without power. Even when it appeared that Russia had agreed to the proposed Black Sea ceasefire, it immediately backtracked, imposing new and unwarranted conditions. And yet Russia has the cheek to accuse Ukraine of not being serious about peace.

Killing civilians and destroying civilian infrastructure is not the behaviour of a state genuinely willing to pursue meaningful peace talks. These attacks on the people of Ukraine, including its children and most vulnerable citizens, demonstrate the Russian Government’s true intentions. Their words of peace are so far hollow. We urge the Russian government to commit to peace, end the barbaric attacks on Ukraine’s civilians, and finally demonstrate the sincerity of its words.

Thank you, Madame Chair.

STORY

At a United Nations Security Council meeting on April 10, 2025, the United Kingdom formally welcomed the establishment of Syria’s new transitional government, marking a significant step in the nation’s political transition following the fall of the Assad regime. Jess Jambert-Gray, the UK’s Deputy Political Coordinator at the UN, acknowledged the progress made, stating, “The UK welcomes the announcement on the formation of the new Syrian government.” She emphasised the importance of inclusive representation in state institutions and future appointments, including the Legislative Committee, and called for a clear timeline for the next phases of the transition.

However, the UK expressed concern over ongoing violence threatening Syria’s stability, particularly Israeli military actions resulting in civilian casualties. Jambert-Gray urged all parties to uphold the 1974 Disengagement Agreement, respect Syrian territorial integrity, and prioritise diplomacy over force. Highlighting the humanitarian crisis, she noted that after fourteen years of conflict, Syrians continue to face immense challenges. The UK has pledged up to $207 million in humanitarian assistance to support the Syrian people. Jambert-Gray called on all parties to ensure humanitarian access across Syria and the protection of civilian lives.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 10 April 2025.

Statement by Jess Jambert-Gray, UK Deputy Political Coordinator, at the UN Security Council meeting on Syria.

I will make three points.

First, since this Council last met, Syria has made further positive progress in its political transition.

The UK welcomes the announcement on the formation of the new Syrian government.

And we look forward to the protection of human rights, unfettered access of humanitarian aid, the safe destruction of chemical weapons and the combatting of terrorism and extremism.

The government’s formation marks an important milestone in the transition.

We hope this spirit of inclusive representation will be carried forward in state institutions and in any further appointments, including to the Legislative Committee, and to a clear timeline for the next phases of the transition.

The UK stands ready to work with the Syrian government to this end and to support an inclusive, stable and prosperous future for the Syrian people.

Second, this opportunity for stability is being threatened by the continued violence.

We are concerned by Israeli strikes and incursions into Syria, with reports of civilian deaths.

These actions risk destabilising Syria and the wider region.

And this is in no one’s interest.

We recognise Israel’s focus on protecting the security of its borders and its people, but the actions it takes must be proportionate and in line with international law.

We call on all actors to uphold the 1974 Disengagement Agreement, respect Syrian territorial integrity and prioritise diplomacy over force.

Third, it is the Syrian people who will suffer the most from this worrying escalation.

After fourteen years of tyranny and conflict at the hands of the Assad regime, the Syrian people still face a staggering humanitarian crisis.

And that is why the UK has recently pledged up to $207 million in critical humanitarian assistance.

Our focus should now be on supporting Syrians to rebuild their country.

Therefore we call on all parties to ensure that humanitarian access remains possible across Syria and that civilian lives are protected.

The UK will continue to work with our international partners to support Syrians as they look to build a better future.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 10 April 2025.

Mr Stephen Hitchen has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in succession to Mr Neil Crompton. Mr Hitchen will take up his appointment during August 2025.

Curriculum vitae

Full name: Stephen Charles Hitchen

Year	Role
2023 to 2025	Baghdad, His Majesty’s Ambassador
2019 to 2023	FCO, Director, Counter Terrorism Department
2016 to 2019	FCO, Director, Middle East and North Africa (National Security)
2013 to 2016	Amman, Counsellor Regional Affairs
2012 to 2013	FCO, Head of Middle East Reporting, Middle East and North Africa Directorate
2009 to 2012	FCO, Head of Iran Political Team, Middle East and North Africa Directorate
2006 to 2009	Kuwait, Head of Regional Affairs
2004 to 2006	Cairo, First Secretary, Political
2004	Joined FCO
1996 to 2004	Ministry of Defence, including 18 months full time Arabic Language Training

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

Statement by the UK Youth Delegate, at CPD 58.

Thank you Chair, Excellencies.

The United Kingdom remains committed to the Sustainable Development Goals and to working towards a world where every pregnancy is safe, where every child lives a healthy life, and where all people are empowered to make decisions about their bodies and their futures.

I celebrate that we are here today.

And I am proud to be here as a young woman from the UK, as part of the many youth delegates working alongside with their governments to create solutions and push for change.

I am encouraged by the participation of the young people here because we are making our voices and our needs heard.

We cannot achieve sustainable development by leaving young people out of conversations and decision-making that directly impacts us.

Today, I want to talk directly to you about the key issues young people are met with around the world.

Sadly, on every continent, including in Europe, groups that are hell-bent on rolling back rights and denying women and adolescents’ choices are sowing the seeds of division.

Women and girls are being met with barriers that keep them out of school, trapped in poverty cycles and in harmful relationships.

Adolescence is a critical time for young people’s health and development.

However, instead of getting the support they need, they are particularly at risk with girls being exposed to harmful practices, including child marriage and female genital mutilation.

Adolescent mothers and their children bear increased risk of poor health outcomes but often face additional barriers to accessing quality support and services.

Restrictive laws and policies, parental or partner control, limited knowledge, distance and cost, all stop adolescents from getting the care they need to grow and develop in good health.

I’d like to also recognise the women and girls that are being left behind in humanitarian crises, dying unnecessarily in pregnancy, left unprotected and at a high risk of violence, and suffering the indignity of being unable to manage their period.

But what I’d like to say is that it does not have to be this way.

By strengthening health systems and improving the provision of quality and comprehensive sexual and reproductive health and rights, including access to safe abortion and comprehensive sexuality education even in times of crisis, girls will have greater opportunities to access and thrive in their education.

Both boys and girls should learn about their rights, respectful relationships, safe sex, and how to stop violence before it begins.

Young people can take control over their bodies and their futures and make informed choices in all aspects of their lives.

Girls around the globe are already leading the way as changemakers, advocates and leaders.

The evidence is clear that when women, girls and other marginalised groups are empowered, they lift up whole families, communities and economies.

As recently said by the UN Secretary-General, when all girls can rise, we all thrive.

It is vital that we all work together, including with men and boys, to break the stigma and attitudes that hold women and girls back.

Each and every one of us here has our own powerful part to play, and together, we can really make a difference.

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

Mr Paul Brummell CMG has been appointed British High Commissioner to the Republic of Mauritius in succession to Ms Charlotte Pierre who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment.  Mr Brummell will take up his appointment during July 2025.

Curriculum vitae

Full name: Paul Brummell

Year	Role
2021 to present	Riga, His Majesty’s Ambassador
2018 to 2021	FCDO, Head of Soft Power and External Affairs Department
2014 to 2018	Bucharest, Her Majesty’s Ambassador
2013 to 2014	Pre-posting training (including Romanian language training)
2009 to 2013	Bridgetown, British High Commissioner to the Eastern Caribbean
2005 to 2009	Astana, Her Majesty’s Ambassador
2002 to 2005	Ashgabat, Her Majesty’s Ambassador
2001	FCO, Afghanistan Emergency Unit
2000 to 2001	FCO, Deputy Head of Eastern Department
1995 to 2000	Rome, First Secretary (Political, Press and Public Affairs)
1993 to 1994	FCO, Environment, Science and Energy Department
1992	New York, Conference Support Officer, UK Mission to the United Nations
1989 to 1992	Islamabad, Third later Second Secretary (Political)
1988 to 1989	FCO, South America Department
1988	FCO, Research Department
1987	Joined FCO

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

The Clean Power for Growth roundtable took place at the Mattatoio in Rome on 9 April 2025.

The Rt Hon. David Lammy, UK Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, and the Italian Vice-President of the Council of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Antonio Tajani, co-chaired a roundtable in Rome today focused on clean power for growth, in the presence of His Majesty The King and the President of the Italian Republic, Sergio Mattarella.

Today, in the presence of His Majesty The King and of the President of the Italian Republic, we discussed the efforts of Italy and the UK to drive forward work on clean power for growth. We reiterated the commitments made in the Memorandum of Understanding on Bilateral Cooperation signed by the UK and Italy in April 2023, and the Joint Statement between Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the President of the Council of Ministers Giorgia Meloni in September 2024. We emphasised the importance for affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all, in supporting sustainable inclusive growth and development.

Energy security, accessibility, sustainability and affordability is important now and for future generations. We must embrace the opportunities we have to diversify energy systems, with all the benefits they bring. We recognise the important progress that Italy led during its G7 Presidency and through its Mattei Plan for Africa, and the UK’s new Global Clean Power Alliance. We will continue to promote this approach globally and through the International Energy Agency Summit on the Future of Energy Security in London.

We underline our commitment, in the context of a global effort, to accelerate the phase-out of unabated fossil fuels to achieve net zero in energy systems by 2050 at the latest, reaching Paris Agreement goals and COP28 Global Stocktake outcomes. We recognise that in a complex and changing geopolitical context, energy security, affordability and independence have become a priority. In this scenario, we underline that energy security is strongly linked to the energy transition and reiterate the need to take advantage of all decarbonisation solutions and technologies, while recognising different national pathways. We will work together to accelerate all opportunities offered by the transition to clean energy, including stimulating economic growth, unlocking new innovations, maximising clean alternatives and nature-based solutions, and creating new skills and jobs, to establish energy systems that are more resilient. This provides the most effective route to ensuring energy security and energy affordability, whilst also delivering long-term prosperity. We will demonstrate clean power leadership through the G7, G20, UN General Assembly, COP30 and beyond.

We are committed to working together on the challenges now and in the future around clean energy supply chain resilience and to promoting just, secure, sustainable and inclusive energy transitions. Both the UK and Italy are pushing economic growth opportunities through our vibrant clean energy industrial bases, recognising that new partnerships on clean power supply chains will be essential in supporting this. This is why Italy and the UK will work together on this agenda.  We also recognise the need to support Africa’s ambitions and efforts to develop adequate clean energy infrastructure and supply chains, in a spirit of equitable and strategic partnerships. We welcome the partnerships forged between UK and Italian energy companies. We are committed to deepening these further.

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

Government, industry, international organisations and institutions met in the Mattatoio, Rome, to discuss the global shift to clean power.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy joined forces with Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani to spearhead discussions with top British and Italian energy businesses, banks and international organisations in Rome today.

The Clean Power for Growth Roundtable took place against the historic backdrop of the Mattatoio in Rome, to galvanize global leadership and foster international cooperation on a clean energy transition, while unlocking clean growth, job opportunities and build robust clean energy supply chains, including for critical minerals.

Today’s meeting is supporting the government’s mission to become a clean energy superpower, protecting households from unstable fossil fuel markets and helping keep bills down for good, while at the same time unlocking job opportunities in the UK’s clean energy sector.

The high-profile event focused on the immense potential within the energy and financial sector to tackle climate change for the greater good of all and emphasise the urgent need for innovative solutions and collaborative efforts.

Senior representatives from the energy industry, finance, international organisations, and institutions from the UK and Italy attended the roundtable, including Centrica, Octopus Energy, the Royal Academy of Engineering, the Kings Trust International, the International Energy Agency, United Nations Development Programme, Barclays, Italian energy company Eni Plenitude and Milan based cable manufacturers Prysmian.

Today’s talks, moderated by the UK’s Special Representative for Climate, Rachel Kyte, addressed three core themes:

• the need for responsible global clean power leadership
• unlocking clean growth and jobs, particularly for young people in Africa
• and action to build resilient clean power supply chains

Foreign Secretary Lammy emphasised that a successful global clean power transition requires strong political leadership, international partnerships that deliver, a skilled workforce, and a robust supply chain.

The roundtable also highlighted the UK-Italy partnership on climate and energy, support for Italy’s G7 Energy for Growth in Africa Initiative and the UK’s leadership of the Global Clean Power Alliance. This collaboration aims to drive economic growth and jobs, create new business opportunities within the clean energy sector and establish energy systems that are more resilient.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy said:

The UK and Italy are strengthening our partnership to unlock growth opportunities, create jobs and accelerate the global transition to clean, secure, affordable energy, as part of our government’s Plan for Change.

The shift to clean energy is a global challenge that requires us all – governments, energy businesses and the financial sector – to work together. Our talks in Rome are a key moment to unlock clean growth and build robust clean energy supply chains, including for critical minerals – for the benefit of us all.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said:

Energy is a key driver of growth for our businesses, our economies and our societies. Italy and the United Kingdom share common objectives with regard to the energy transition, which are also clearly outlined in our 2023 Memorandum of Understanding on Bilateral Cooperation: technological neutrality, achieving net zero emissions by 2050, phasing out coal for energy production and increasing the role of renewables and new technologies for the production of clean energy.

We actively cooperated for the success of the CoP 26 in Glasgow, launching a major project at the 2021 pre-CoP in Milan for the involvement of young people committed to the fight against climate change. We also share the vision that inspired many initiatives promoted by Italy during its presidency of the G7, especially with regard to access to energy in Africa, where we are actively engaged also through the Mattei Plan.

His Majesty The King and Italian President Mattarella attended the end of the session and were briefed on the roundtable discussion on global progress towards clean power.

Today’s roundtable comes ahead of the UK hosting the International Energy Agency Summit on the Future of Energy Security in London on 24 and April, bringing together energy Ministers from across the world, and further highlighting the UK’s commitment to lead global efforts to put the energy transition at the heart of our approach to energy security.

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

Statement by Fergus Eckersley, UK Minister Counsellor, at the UN Security Council meeting on UN peacekeeping operations.

The UK remains a steadfast supporter of UN peacekeeping and of the unique contribution it makes to international peace and security.

Mr President, implementing and monitoring ceasefires has been a key function of UN peacekeeping from its very beginning and UN peacekeeping operations continue to effectively support ceasefire agreements around the world.

The UN will not always be the right body for this, but in many cases it is, with a unique status and legitimacy for monitoring ceasefires effectively.

This has historically been an important part of UN mandates across the world, for example in Cyprus or the Golan Heights.

We must consider each mandate on a case-by-case basis.

Today, we would like in particular to address the situations in Lebanon and the DRC given the briefings we’ve had.

In Lebanon, the UK has welcomed the US’ announcement of talks to resolve key issues between Lebanon and Israel.

This is a big step forward.

We urge all parties to use the talks as a pathway towards securing lasting peace and security for the citizens of Israel and Lebanon, rather than returning to conflict.

UNIFIL is playing a key role in deescalating tension and monitoring the cessation of hostilities across the Blue Line.

The UK welcomes UNIFIL’s role in supporting the Lebanese Armed Forces deployment to southern Lebanon, consistent with the November ceasefire agreement and with resolution 1701.

We welcome UNIFIL’s adaptation plan and urge it to be ambitious in implementing it.

The UK encourages consideration by this Council on conditions under which MONUSCO should be tasked to monitor a ceasefire.

The UK encourages an immediate cessation of hostilities and a return to dialogue via the EAC-SADC process, in line with resolution 2773.

Once agreed, we believe that MONUSCO would be well-placed to provide ceasefire monitoring as part of its mandate.

However, this also requires restoration of MONUSCO’s freedom of movement.

The UK condemns continued restrictions on MONUSCO which have constrained the mission’s ability to deliver key tasks mandated by this Council, including on the protection of civilians and the facilitation of aid.

Mr President, let me finish with two more general comments.

First, the safety and security of peacekeepers is essential to the successful monitoring of any ceasefire agreement.

The UK strongly condemns all attacks on UN peacekeepers, who must never be targeted.

Second, enhanced technology such as early warning systems and improved surveillance can help mitigate threats, including those arising from misinformation and disinformation, while allowing peacekeepers to carry out their mandates safely.

And technology must be harnessed to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of ceasefire monitoring capabilities.

So as we look ahead to the Peacekeeping Ministerial in Berlin next month, and building on the Pact of the Future, the UK reaffirms our commitment to strengthening peacekeeping operations, so that they remain capable of addressing the challenges they face in a changing world.