Tag: Foreign Office

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 29 June 2026.

Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Chargé d’Affaires to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Palestine.

The United Kingdom is clear that a two-state solution remains the best way to bring lasting peace to the region and end the cycle of violence that has scarred generations of Palestinians and Israelis.

As we have said numerous times in this Council, the implementation of President Trump’s comprehensive peace plan, endorsed by resolution 2803, is an important step forward towards ending that violence.

Both sides must meet their commitments, with Israel removing restrictions on humanitarian aid, and Hamas decommissioning its weapons.

Today, we focus on the West Bank, where Israel’s policies are eroding the prospects for peaceful co-existence.

And I will highlight three areas.

First, settlement expansion continues in violation of resolution 2334, including the E1 project that aims to cut the West Bank in half and separate East Jerusalem.

This is accompanied by demolitions, evictions, and the displacement of Palestinian communities.

In early June, we saw the approval of over 2,000 settlement housing units across the West Bank, bringing the total approved this year to over 6,000.

On 24 June, Israel declared another 465 dunams of private Palestinian land as state land to make way for a settlement outpost.

My Prime Minister has been clear that we categorically oppose expansion of settlements, which are a violation of international law.

We join this Council in rejecting any attempt at annexation.

Second, as we’ve heard today from the briefers, violence and lawlessness on the ground remain alarming.

According to the UN, there has been an average of six attacks every day against Palestinians in the West Bank since the start of 2026.

The Secretary-General’s recent report highlighted the staggering rise in attacks by settlers on Palestinian children, reportedly often supported by Israeli security forces. 

On 17 June, extremist settlers launched arson attacks on two mosques.

These are not isolated incidents but coordinated attacks on civilians, livelihoods, and religious sites, facilitated by a culture of impunity.

The Government of Israel must uphold its obligations under international law and take urgent steps to halt this violence and hold those responsible accountable.

The UK, alongside partners, has imposed sanctions on individuals and entities that finance and enable settler violence.

And as my Foreign Secretary has made clear, we stand ready to take further action if the Government of Israel does not take urgent steps to address the situation on the ground.

Third, economic conditions in the West Bank are deteriorating sharply.

Israel has withheld over 5 billion USD of Palestinian revenues, placing severe strain on the Palestinian Authority and its ability to sustain essential services, particularly healthcare and medical supplies.

The Government of Israel also continues to attack and undermine Palestinian financial institutions, which risks undermining economic stability more broadly, with consequences for livelihoods and regional stability.

So President, to return to where I started, this Council has given its support to the Comprehensive Peace Plan for Gaza. 

We cannot allow progress toward peace to be undermined by this deeply concerning trajectory in the West Bank. 

We must redouble efforts to stabilise the West Bank and inject renewed momentum into implementation of Resolution 2803 in Gaza. 

Both Israel and Hamas must meet their commitments.

These are essential steps towards a just and lasting peace, in which Israelis and Palestinians can live in security and dignity.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 29 June 2026.

UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue on Burundi. Delivered at the 62nd Human Rights Council in Geneva.

Thank you Mr Vice President.

The United Kingdom thanks the Special Rapporteur for his update. We recognise the importance of his mandate and encourage the government of Burundi to grant the Special Rapporteur access.

The UK is concerned by ongoing reports of shrinking civic space, and the suppression of opposition voices in Burundi. As we approach the 2027 election, we ask the government of Burundi to ensure all Burundian people can exercise their democratic rights, and express their views peacefully, without fear of intimidation.

We note with concern the broader humanitarian and regional context, including pressure arising from displacement. We welcome Burundi’s efforts to host refugees from the Democratic Republic of the Congo; and the UK has provided £2.3million through the World Food Programme to support these efforts.

Mr Vice President, the recent Ebola outbreak in the region is of deep concern. The UK has announced £800,000 of financial support to strengthen preparedness, as any spread to Burundi would pose a serious risk to its people.

Special Rapporteur, ahead of next year’s elections and in the context of regional conflict and health insecurity, how can the international community support Burundi to uphold civil liberties and democracy?

Thank you

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 29 June 2026.

UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper announced over $15 million of funding to support Egypt’s humanitarian response and economic resilience, as the UK and Egypt prepare to conclude a Strategic Partnership.

The UK Foreign Secretary, Yvette Cooper, made her first visit to Egypt from 17 to 18 June. During her visit, the Foreign Secretary met with interlocutors including Foreign Minister Dr Badr Abdelatty and Chief Commissioner of the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG) Dr Ali Shaath.

The Foreign Secretary and Foreign Minister Abdelatty co-chaired the third meeting of the bilateral Association Council. The 2 ministers took stock of the bilateral relationship, and discussed ways of deepening co-operation on growth, migration, and regional security, looking forward to the agreement of an Egypt-UK Strategic Partnership later in the year.

On the region, the ministers discussed how to further align the 2 countries’ efforts to secure lasting stability and peace, including in relation to the Strait of Hormuz, Iran, Gaza, Sudan, and Lebanon.

In her meeting with Dr Ali Shaath, the Foreign Secretary reiterated the UK’s firm belief that the future of Gaza must be Palestinian-led. The Foreign Secretary welcomed the NCAG’s vital role in leading Gaza’s recovery and reconstruction, as Gaza transitions to Palestinian Authority governance as part of a pathway towards a two-state solution. She discussed the importance of Palestinian policing in Gaza as a first step towards implanting the 20-point Peace Plan, and the vital importance of rapid shelter provisions for displaced people.

Egypt continues to play a crucial role in addressing the desperate humanitarian situation in Gaza. This is why the Foreign Secretary announced an additional £3 million ($3.9 million) in UK funding, including to support the Egyptian Red Crescent in scaling up aid delivery, by providing logistics support to the Egyptian Red Crescent’s humanitarian aid operations, through the IFRC’s Middle East appeal.

On bilateral issues, the Foreign Secretary acknowledged the impact of regional conflicts on Egypt’s economy, and announced a new £8.7 million ($11.5 million) partnership with the World Bank to provide technical assistance for Egypt’s ambitious economic reform agenda and longer-term economic development. The programme will provide advice and analysis to the Government of Egypt to boost inclusive private sector-led growth, making it easier for businesses to invest, trade and expand, ultimately boosting Egypt’s economic resilience.

Meeting Sudanese migrants – at the International Organization for Migration (IOM) – who have escaped the world’s largest humanitarian crisis, the Foreign Secretary described migration as “a global challenge requiring global co-operation” and announced £9 million ($11.9 million) of UK funding to help countries across North Africa – including Egypt – deal with the migration impacts of regional conflicts.

British Ambassador to Egypt Mark Bryson-Richardson said:

The Foreign Secretary’s visit demonstrates the UK’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and working closely with Egypt during this time of regional uncertainty. The UK and Egypt work together to drive stability, support prosperity, and build the foundations for lasting peace across the region and we look forward to the formal elevation of the UK-Egypt relationship into a Strategic Partnership later this year.

On Gaza, the UK provided over £80 million in humanitarian and early recovery support to Gaza last year. This has helped deliver food to 650,000 people and improved water and sanitation access for 300,000.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 26 June 2026.

Statement by Jennifer MacNaughtan, UK Minister Counsellor, at the Security Council meeting on the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

I will make three points.

First, the United Kingdom is concerned by the impact of the Ebola outbreak in eastern DRC, which is worsening an already dire humanitarian situation. 

We commend the swift response of the Democratic Republic of Congo, and we welcome MONUSCO’s efforts to ensure that critical supplies can reach affected areas. 

The United Kingdom has committed up to $26 million to support the Ebola response. 

We are working with the DRC, international partners, including the World Health Organisation, and Africa CDC, and regional governments, to support a coordinated response and to strengthen surveillance, containment, and preparedness. 

We call on all parties to provide full and unhindered humanitarian access, in line with international law, to enable this vital public health response.

Second, the UK welcomes the commitments made by the DRC and by Rwanda at the Joint Oversight Committee Meeting in London on 24 June. 

It is vital that the agreed steps to de-escalate tensions are taken without delay, in accordance with Security Council resolution 2773.

We welcome the commitment to support a successful conclusion to the Doha Process, and we call on all parties to engage constructively with negotiations on the protocols. 

We also urge all parties to support the swift deployment of the Enhanced Joint Verification Mechanism, and to ensure that MONUSCO has freedom of movement to support ceasefire monitoring and verification efforts, as well as to fully implement its mandate. 

Finally, the United Kingdom expresses deep concern over the scale of human rights violations and abuses in eastern DRC, highlighted in the Secretary-General’s latest report. 

This includes widespread conflict-related sexual violence and grave violations against children. 

We note with concern increased drone strikes, aerial bombardments, and heavy artillery shelling in densely populated areas, undermining the safety of civilians. 

The United Kingdom underscores the need for all parties to respect international humanitarian law and protect civic space.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 26 June 2026.

The UK is releasing an initial £2 million in humanitarian funding to support the response to devastating earthquakes in Venezuela, including a deployment of specialist search and rescue personnel.

• UK deploying 68‑strong search and rescue team, including specialist dogs, to support life‑saving efforts in Venezuela
• £2 million UK humanitarian funding will support immediate response and coordination
• UK Emergency Medical Team (UK EMT) is also sending an advance team to assess urgent health needs and inform further UK medical support

The UK is releasing an initial £2 million in humanitarian funding to support the response to devastating earthquakes in Venezuela, including a deployment of specialist search and rescue personnel.

Supported by the Royal Air Force, the UK’s International Search and Rescue (UK ISAR) team of 68 personnel, including six specialist search dogs, departed today to assist efforts to locate and rescue people trapped in the wake of the earthquake.

The team set off from RAF Brize Norton on a Voyager aircraft, carrying specialist drones able to help assess structural collapses safely, identify hazards such as compromised roofs, and direct rescue teams. RAF personnel, including aircrew and logisticians, worked rapidly to prepare the aircraft and coordinate the deployment, helping deliver the much-needed support.

The flight also carries members of the UK’s humanitarian field team, including supply chain, humanitarian and security specialists, with further personnel joining in country to support the delivery and coordination of UK assistance.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

My thoughts are with the people of Venezuela following this week’s devastating earthquakes. The UK stands in solidarity with all those affected, particularly those who have lost loved ones, homes and livelihoods.

We are making £2 million of emergency humanitarian funding available and are working closely with international partners to ensure vital support reaches those most in need as quickly as possible.

The deployment brings together firefighters and specialists from 14 UK Fire and Rescue Services across the UK, led by Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service. The UK team is highly experienced and worked tirelessly on the ground in Türkiye and Morocco in 2023, helping to rescue survivors trapped under the rubble.

UK ISAR is part of the UK’s National Resilience capability and is on permanent standby to respond to disasters overseas. The team will work alongside local and international partners to support life-saving search and rescue operations.

Foreign Secretary, Yvette Cooper said:

The UK today has sent support to Venezuela following these devastating earthquakes.

Our specialist search and rescue teams are deploying to help save lives, and we are providing a £2 million package to support the humanitarian response.

We continue to work closely with international partners to ensure help reached those affected as fast as possible

FCDO funding ensures the UK ISAR team is trained, equipped and ready to deploy at short notice to support countries affected by natural disasters, helping to rescue those trapped, coordinate efforts on the ground and strengthen the wider international response.

Experts from the UK’s Emergency Medical Team are also travelling to Venezuela to determine how the UK can best help save lives in the crucial coming days and weeks as part of the FCDO‑funded response.

The UK EMT members are travelling to Venezuela to assess urgent health needs. Their analysis will inform any further UK medical deployment and support wider international coordination.

Minister for the Armed Forces Louise Sandher-Jones MP said:

Our Armed Forces have moved quickly to support the UK’s humanitarian response to the devastating earthquakes in Venezuela, transporting specialist search and rescue personnel and equipment to assist life-saving efforts on the ground.

The RAF plays an important role in getting people and capabilities where they are needed most, and our Armed Forces stand ready to support humanitarian missions around the world alongside our international partners.

The UK’s £2 million package will support immediate life-saving activity and the wider international response. The UK works in partnership to rapidly respond to humanitarian disasters and is a major contributor to global emergency funds, including the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies’ Disaster Response Emergency Fund (DREF) and the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), which underpin rapid multinational responses.

DREF has allocated funding for the Venezuelan Red Cross to deliver a fast and local response to by rapidly releasing funds to National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies to carry out their role as first responders following a disaster. An allocation has also been made by the CERF and will provide immediate, life-saving humanitarian assistance to address the most urgent needs of people affected by the earthquakes.

Notes to editors

• The UK International Search and Rescue team (UKISAR) respond to disasters on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. UK ISAR is a partnership between the FCDO and UK Fire and Rescue Services, providing a 24/7 deployable search and rescue capability for international emergencies.
• The team is made up of firefighters and specialists from 14 Fire and Rescue Services across the UK and this deployment is led by Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service.
• UK‑Med is the delivery partner of the UK Emergency Medical Team (UK EMT), funded by the FCDO.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 26 June 2026.

UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue on Venezuela. Delivered at the 62nd Human Rights Council in Geneva.

Thank you

We reaffirm our support to the Venezuelan people, who are in our thoughts following Wednesday’s devastating earthquakes and resulting casualties.

Mr Vice President,

We thank the High Commissioner for his recent report and the continued engagement of his Office in Venezuela.

Some encouraging measures have been implemented, including the release of political detainees and the announcement of reforms.

We also welcome recent dialogue between the Venezuelan authorities and representatives of the opposition, and encourage continued engagement to support progress towards a return to democratic norms.

These developments represent a positive step and have the potential to improve the human rights situation on the ground.

We hope that the coming months see continued progress on remaining challenges including restrictions on civic space, arbitrary detention and concerns around due process.

In this context, we reiterate our call on the Venezuelan authorities to release those who remain arbitrarily detained, to continue to strengthen the rule of law, and to ensure an environment in which civil society, media and political actors can operate freely and safely.

We also underline the importance of constructive cooperation with the Office of the High Commissioner and other international mechanisms, including by facilitating their full access, in support of accountability and sustainable reform.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 26 June 2026.

Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Chargé d’Affaires to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Sudan.

The United Kingdom is deeply concerned by developments in and around El Obeid, and the immediate and escalating risks they pose to the civilian population.

I will make three points.

First, civilians must be protected and able to leave El Obeid, as called for by this Council on June 20.
The Rapid Support Forces must halt their assault, and civilians must be able to leave.

And all parties, including the Sudanese Armed Forces, should ensure that they are able to do so.

All parties must comply fully with their obligations under international law to protect civilians.

We are deeply concerned at the risk of large-scale atrocities.

Civilians face increasing constraints on movement, deteriorating access to essential services, and the threat of intensified violence, including from continued drone strikes and attacks on critical infrastructure.

As my Foreign Secretary has made clear, El Obeid is on the precipice of an atrocity that would deepen the wounds already inflicted on Sudan in El Fasher.

All parties must act now to prevent further harm to civilians.

Second, humanitarian actors need to be able to operate safely and without obstruction.

All parties must facilitate rapid, safe, and unhindered humanitarian access, and provide the security guarantees needed for humanitarians to deliver lifesaving assistance.

Attacks on humanitarian personnel are unacceptable.

Without urgent action, those able to leave the city will not be able to access the aid they need.

And finally, this conflict cannot be resolved by military means.

Developments in El Obeid underscore the urgent need to halt the fighting and create space for a political pathway.

We support efforts towards a humanitarian truce as the most credible route to reducing harm and enabling progress.

We commend US leadership and Senior Advisor Boulos’s tireless efforts on this, as well as the work of the Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General, Mr Haavisto, to support de-escalation.

External support continues to sustain this conflict. 

And we call on those fuelling the conflict to cease, and those with influence must exercise it now to avoid further bloodshed.

The suffering of the Sudanese people cannot continue.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 26 June 2026.

UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue on Anti-Personnel Mines. Delivered at the 62nd Human Rights Council in Geneva.

Thank you, Chair.

Anti-personnel mines injure and kill long after conflicts have ended and continue to pose a threat to the full enjoyment of all human rights.

The Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention provides a key framework for addressing this issue. It bans the use, stockpiling, destruction and transfer of landmines and obligates their destruction. The Convention is one of the world’s most widely accepted treaties.

Strong national ownership and a whole of government approach are critical to implementing the Convention’s obligations. Mine action should be integrated into national development plans due to its potential to drive humanitarian and development outcomes – it saves lives, prevents injuries and is a vital enabler of SDGs in multiple contexts.

Through the UK’s Global Mine Action Programme, we expect to spend over £50m from April 2026 to March 2029. This will continue to fund demining and risk education, through partnerships, and technical support to mine affected states. Through this work we remain committed to innovative financing and support to Women and Girls.

The Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention’s Siem Reap Angkor Action plan provides a clear roadmap to face the threat of anti-personnel mines. The UK remains unwaveringly committed to the Convention – our support, its humanitarian purpose and its norms remain firm.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 26 June 2026.

Discussions focused on the UK’s support for the Lebanese Armed Forces and progress towards a durable ceasefire.

The Commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), General Rodolphe Haykal, ended a two-day visit to the United Kingdom 24-26 June, his first official visit to the country. The visit provided an opportunity to further strengthen collaboration on shared priorities, including regional stability, border security, and institutional resilience.

During his visit, General Haykal held meetings with UK counterparts, including the Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS), Sir Richard Knighton at the Ministry of Defence, and toured the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. He also met with Minister for the Middle East Hamish Falconer and UK National Security Adviser, Jonathan Powell. Discussions focused on the UK’s support for the Lebanese Armed Forces and progress towards a durable ceasefire, and the UK’s readiness to support LAF deployment to the south.

The UK continues to support the Lebanese Armed Forces as the sole legitimate defender of Lebanon. Since 2009, the UK has committed over £180 million to support Lebanon’s internal and border security, including £69 million to the Internal Security Forces and more than £120 million to the Lebanese Armed Forces in training, equipment, and capacity-building programmes.