Tag: Foreign Office

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 3 April 2025.

Statement by Jess Jambert-Gray, UK Deputy Political Coordinator, on peace consolidation in West Africa.

I will make three points today. First, the United Kingdom urges support for democracy, constitutional order and the protection of civic space in the region. We welcome the steps taken towards a return to constitutional order in Guinea and Mali and note recent developments in Niger.

We urge the authorities to maintain progress in their transitions, and call on them to lift restrictions on political parties, civil society and media institutions and on peaceful public demonstrations

We note the upcoming Presidential elections in Cote D’Ivoire and Guinea Bissau this year and call on the governments to ensure these are inclusive and align with their constitutions.

Second, the United Kingdom is concerned by the security situation in the Sahel, including terrorist groups controlling territory and wreaking havoc on local populations. We reiterate our condemnation of terrorist attacks across the region, including in Niger on 21 March, and express our condolences to the families of the victims.

We encourage UNOWAS to continue its critical role in supporting inclusive dialogue processes, which respond to and address, root causes of violence, to prevent further breaches of international humanitarian law.

Regionally led security co-operation remains vital, and the UK welcomes efforts such as the ECOWAS standby force which will enable Member States to deploy rapidly to counter shared threats. We also encourage careful consideration of security partners in the region to avoid worsening the threat posed.

Third, the United Kingdom is concerned at the worsening humanitarian situation in the region. Since 2019, the UK has provided life-saving assistance to over 16 million people in the Sahel. We encourage all parties to ensure rapid and unimpeded access for humanitarian assistance and protect the safety of humanitarian convoys.

To conclude, given the significant challenges the region is facing, including challenges which transcend national borders. It is imperative, therefore, that there is cooperation, coordination and communication between the states and peoples of the region with the international community.

The United Kingdom welcomes the efforts made to bridge the differences between the Alliance of Sahel States and ECOWAS. The United Kingdom also expresses its thanks to UNOWAS for its work in aiding African states to promote freedom, security, and prosperity.

Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 3 April 2025.

From 9 April 2025, the government will introduce new fees for emergency travel documents (ETDs) and emergency passports.

An ETD lets you travel from abroad if you need to travel urgently and cannot use your British passport. It is usually only valid for one single or return journey. The new fee includes the cost of couriering the emergency travel document to you. Previously, this was an additional separate cost.

Emergency passports are issued in exceptional circumstances, usually when an ETD cannot be issued.

Service		Current fee up to 8 April 2025	New fee from 9 April 2025
Administering an application for, and if successful providing, an emergency travel document (in addition to direct costs, if any)		£100	£125
Exceptionally, administering an application for, and, if successful, providing an emergency passport, on occasions when it is not possible to provide an emergency travel document (in addition to direct costs, if any)		£75	£125

Consular fees are reviewed in line with His Majesty’s Treasury guidance Managing public money. The last time fees were increased was in 2016.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 3 April 2025.

Ambassador Holland questions Russia’s seriousness about peace when it continues to attack Ukraine with hundreds of drones and refuses to commit to a full, immediate ceasefire.

Thank you, Mister Chair. It is now a full 22 days since Ukraine expressed its readiness to accept an immediate 30-day ceasefire. The only condition that Ukraine attached was that Russia should agree to it too. Rather than grasp this opportunity for peace, Russia has chosen to continue to fight, a decision whose consequence is the needless sacrifice of more lives of soldiers and civilians on both sides. The indiscriminate shelling of civilian areas has shown no sign of slowing down. Last week, Russia sent over a thousand drones towards Ukraine. In Kharkiv, a military hospital was targeted. A kindergarten was damaged. At least, 25 people were hurt, including a 15-year-old girl left in a serious condition.

This is the price that Ukrainians pay for the Kremlin’s game playing with the peace process. Rather than engaging seriously with the US-led peace initiative, President Putin is resorting to his old playbook and looking to distract and delay. His attempt last week to question the credibility of President Zelenskyy was nothing more than a transparent ploy to deflect from the real matter at hand: Russia’s failure to get more seriously to the table, and commit to a full, immediate and unconditional ceasefire.

Regrettably, we see no evidence that President Putin is seriously preparing for peace. Published readouts of the US convened ceasefire talks in Saudi Arabia confirmed a naval ceasefire and prevention of use of commercial vessels for military purposes in the Black Sea. The UK welcomed this important step, but Russia immediately backtracked and placed conditions on the agreement – despite good faith commitment from Ukraine. Just this week, President Putin has ordered the largest conscription drive since the war began.

We do not need to look far for reminders as to why this war must end. This week marks the third anniversary of the appalling acts by the invading Russian forces in Bucha. The gruesome images of bodies lying in the streets shocked the world. Russia’s armed forces acted with total contempt and disregard for civilian life and the most fundamental principles of the laws of war.

However, rather than reckoning with these atrocities, we see continued Russian efforts in this council and others, to spread disinformation in an effort to absolve themselves of responsibility for these illegal and inhumane actions. This is despite the litany of evidence, including witness testimonies, independently verified satellite imagery, photos and videos. The UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine has categorically documented attacks on civilians, including conflict-related sexual violence, and summary executions.

Mister Chair, we must emphasise the need for accountability for these actions and renew our commitment to collaborating towards enduring peace. Distortions of the historical record will not help in this endeavour. Rather we need the Russian state to commit to peace and demonstrate the sincerity of its words. Thank you, Mister Chair.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 3 April 2025.

UK Military Advisor, Lt Col Joby Rimmer, says a lasting peace in Ukraine can only be provided if we step up and offer real and credible security assurances to deter Russia from further threatening European Security.

Thank you, Mr Chair. The UK strongly condemns Russia’s unprovoked and illegal war against Ukraine. We are committed to providing extensive economic, humanitarian, and defensive military assistance to Ukraine. The UK remains steadfast in supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty and security, ensuring that Russia faces consequences for its actions. Ukraine has shown it is ready and willing to work towards peace. The ball is now in Russia’s court, and President Putin must prove he is serious about peace and sign up to a ceasefire with immediate effect. The Kremlin’s procrastination and game-playing with the agreed naval ceasefire in the Black Sea, despite good faith participation from all sides, show Russian promises to be hollow.

We welcome President Trump’s readiness to increase the pressure on Russia if President Putin does not agree to a ceasefire soon. The Institute for the Study of War and others assess that Russia is using the temporary ceasefire in the Black Sea as leverage to stall efforts toward a general ceasefire and extract additional concessions from the West. This is unacceptable.

We must remain committed to the US and Ukraine’s proposal for a full and unconditional 30-day ceasefire. British, French, and Ukrainian military leaders are set to meet in the coming days to build on recent momentum in efforts to enhance Ukraine’s security. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced that the meeting aims to drive forward the next stage of detailed planning, following a call with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy. Last week in the UK’s Permanent Joint Headquarters, Britain and France led over 200 planners from ‘a group of nations politically aligned to the defence, security and sovereignty of Ukraine’. These military planning meetings have focused on how we keep the skies, the seas and the border of Ukraine safe. To be clear, a lasting peace in Ukraine can only be provided if we step up and offer real and credible security assurances to deter Russia from further threatening European Security.

And what is Russia’s contribution to peace and negotiations? We have seen no sign of Putin abandoning his war of aggression and his disregard of international law is being realised on the ground in Ukraine. Russian forces shelled a frontline settlement in Ukraine’s south-east Zaporizhzhia region, resulting in the death of a 66-year-old woman and injuries to five others. In the early hours of today, Russian attacks left 45,000 in Kherson without power, and this is despite Russia’s alleged agreement to a partial ceasefire on strikes against energy facilities following technical discussions in Riyadh in March.

The Report of the independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine published on 11 March, highlighted a sharp increase in criminal cases concerning Russian troops executing wounded, captured or surrendering Ukrainian soldiers. In most situations, soldiers targeted ‘were in a vulnerable situation: unarmed, lying on the ground, kneeling, and some were partly naked’.

On 26 March, Russia convicted 23 captured Ukrainians on terrorism charges in a trial widely denounced by the international community as a sham and a gross violation of international law. The defendants received sentences ranging from 13 to 23 years in maximum security forced labour camps. The trial’s proceedings were marred by numerous irregularities and violations of fair representation. Defendants were reportedly denied access to independent legal counsel and subjected to coerced confessions obtained under duress.

Our position has not changed. We will continue to support Ukraine for as long as it takes. President Putin must stop playing games and agree to a full and immediate ceasefire without conditions. Only through a concerted and sustained effort can we hope to bring an end to this egregious campaign of violence and pave the way for a just and lasting peace. Efforts to support Ukraine and its pursuit of justice must be intensified to ensure our commitment to upholding international law and protecting human rights.

Thank you, Mr Chair.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 3 April 2025.

UK to highlight ironclad support for Alliance and push Allies to increase defence spending.

• UK says NATO must stay strong and united to boost our collective defence in face of generational threat from Russia

• Foreign Ministers’ summit follows biggest sustained increase in UK defence spending since the Cold War, delivering security for hardworking British people

• Allies set out their ironclad support for Ukraine in NATO-Ukraine Council

The UK will encourage NATO Allies to step up defence spending to support Euro-Atlantic security as the Foreign Secretary arrives in Brussels for the NATO Foreign Ministers Meeting today (Thursday 3 April).

He will say that making NATO stronger, fairer, and more lethal is key to protecting the conditions for growth at home.

As the Alliance steps up to face long-term and interconnected threats from Russia and its enablers , the UK will tell Allies that it’s our collective duty to boost defence spending and deter our adversaries. Increases in defence spending mean more and better capabilities, keeping us safe.

While Russia and other actors work to destabilise Euro-Atlantic societies, the UK is playing its part, with the largest sustained increase to defence spending since the Cold War, hitting 2.5% from April 2027 and rising to 3% in the next parliament.

Increasing defence spending by £11.8bn between now and 2027/28 will protect the conditions for growth and security at home, putting money back into the pockets of hard-working British people. Between 2023-24 the defence sector supported more than 430,000 jobs across the UK.

In the NATO-Ukraine Council, the Foreign Secretary will discuss the practical planning undertaken by the UK, France, and other Allies to prepare and deploy as a Coalition of the Willing in the event of a peace deal.

While Putin continues to delay and obstruct on a move to a ceasefire, the UK and Allies have doubled down to support Ukraine in the face of Russia’s barbaric invasion. Ukraine has shown its strong commitment to peace, yet Russia’s on-going bombardment of Ukrainian cities and infrastructure has not ceased.

The Foreign Secretary will tell Allies that now is the time to maximise pressure on Putin, through every economic lever possible, to force him to the negotiating table.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy said:

Keeping our country safe is the Government’s first duty, and NATO is the cornerstone of our security, both at home and abroad.

That’s why we have announced the biggest investment to defence spending since the Cold War.

Allies must spend more, produce more and deliver more on defence so NATO can become stronger, fairer and more lethal – boosting our collective defence ensures that NATO is ready for the threats and challenges we face.

At the meeting David Lammy will discuss shared security threats and challenges with counterparts from NATO, as well as the EU and NATO’s Indo-Pacific partners – Australia, Japan, New Zealand and South Korea. This includes the challenges China poses to both Indo-Pacific and Euro-Atlantic security, especially its enablement of Russia’s illegal war.

The NATO Foreign Ministers Meeting follows a week of meetings on regional security with Allies and partners across Europe.

On Sunday the Foreign Secretary visited STRIKFORNATO, the naval command centre for the Allied Command Operations outside of Lisbon, before heading to the Weimar Plus Foreign Ministers Meeting in Madrid on Monday, where he urged partners to take a united approach to the global challenges posed by Russia’s war machine. He also visited British and other NATO troops stationed in Kosovo to maintain stability in the Western Balkans.

On Tuesday, the UK added Russia to the UK’s Foreign Influence Registration Scheme to expose interference attempts on British soil.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 2 April 2025.

The FCDO has issued a statement in response to the latest Chinese military exercises around Taiwan.

An FCDO spokesperson said:

We are concerned by China’s military exercises around Taiwan, part of a pattern of activity which is increasing tensions and risking dangerous escalation in the Taiwan Strait.

The UK reaffirms our clear interest in peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, which is of critical importance to global prosperity, and our support for a free and open Indo-Pacific.

We consider the Taiwan issue one to be settled peacefully by people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait through constructive dialogue, without the threat or use of force or coercion. Military drills or threats to Taiwan are not conducive to such dialogue. We do not support any unilateral attempts to change the status quo.

We call for restraint and the avoidance of any further actions that may undermine peace and stability.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 2 April 2025.

Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on the protection of civilians in armed conflict.

We welcome this session on implementing UNSCR2730.

I think it is critical that the Council maintains momentum on the safety, security and well-being of aid workers.

And I pay tribute to those on the frontline and extend, again, my condolences to the families and friends of those who have lost their lives.

In the first 3 months of 2025, the Aid Worker Security Database has already recorded 64 deaths, 36 injuries and 8 kidnappings.

The majority were local or national aid workers.

The most dangerous place to deliver humanitarian assistance is Gaza, with over 400 aid workers reportedly killed since the beginning of the conflict.

That is followed by Sudan and South Sudan.

We are also concerned about the aid workers detained by the Houthis in Yemen and call for their release.

And we stress the need for the safety of aid workers in Myanmar, who are bringing essential responses for the victims of the devastating earthquake.

At the one-year anniversary of the attack on a World Central Kitchen convoy in Gaza, which killed seven aid workers, including three British citizens, we continue to call for the conclusion of the Military Advocate General’s consideration of the incident, including determining whether criminal proceedings should be initiated.

Tragically, just last week, the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) reported that eight of its medics were killed in Gaza, alongside first responders and a UN aid worker.

We call for a thorough and swift investigation with meaningful accountability for those responsible.

PRCS medic Asaad Al-Nasasra is still missing and we call on Israel to support the search for him.

Three actions are essential.

First, all parties to a conflict must comply with International Humanitarian Law.

This includes compliance with obligations relating to the passage of humanitarian supplies, equipment and personnel, and respecting and protecting aid workers.

States must investigate attacks on aid workers and hold perpetrators to account.

Effective, trusted deconfliction mechanisms must be set up and used.

Second, we must strengthen international commitments to protect aid workers.

The UK is proud to be part of the Australian–led Ministers Group to develop a political declaration to galvanise collective action to protect aid workers.

And we encourage others to join and demonstrate unity to drive action beyond the Council that enhances protection for aid workers.

Third, we must do all we can to support humanitarian organisations, including local organisations, to work safely.

Actors who play a fundamental role in aid worker safety face operational risks due to inadequate funding.

The UK supports organisations, such as the Aid Worker Security Database and INSO, who play a central role in aid worker security.

We urge others to consider supporting fundamental ‘enabler’ organisations.

In conclusion, President, the UK remains steadfast in our commitment to allowing aid workers to do their job in safety and preventing violence against aid workers from becoming the new normal.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 2 April 2025.

UK Core Group Statement to Introduce Item 2 Resolution on South Sudan. Delivered by the UK’s Permanent Representative to the WTO and UN, Simon Manley.

Thank you, Mr President.

I am honoured to present, on behalf of a core group of Albania, Ireland, Norway and the UK, this draft resolution on Advancing Human Rights in South Sudan, which proposes to extend the mandate of the Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan for a further year.

We do so against a deeply alarming backdrop in South Sudan, with increased fighting in many parts of the country, and the recent arrest of First Vice President, Riek Machar.

We call on President Kiir to reverse that action. And we urge South Sudan’s collective leadership to engage with regional efforts to de-escalate the situation, and work together to deliver the peaceful, just and prosperous future that South Sudan’s people deserve. A future that was set out in the 2018 Peace Agreement.

Mr President, it is clear that the Commission for Human Rights continues to play a critical role in delivering that future. The current events are a sobering reminder that the Commission’s monitoring and reporting on the human rights situation, and its support to accountability, remain as vital today as when it was first established by consensus in 2016.

Let me also use this opportunity to praise the efforts of others also working tirelessly to improve the human rights situation in South Sudan, including the Office of the High Commissioner, and the UN Mission in South Sudan, headed by Special Representative Nicholas Haysom.

Mr President,

We regret that we have been again unable to reach consensus with South Sudan, and reach a single, consolidated text.

However, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my colleague and friend, Ambassador Deng of South Sudan, for the ongoing, and constructive discussions that we have had, which have helped enrich this text. I would also like to welcome the continued cooperation by the government of South Sudan with the Commission in Juba.

Mr President,

We note, as in previous years, South Sudan’s call for enhanced technical assistance.  We accordingly support draft resolution L.23 from the African Group.

Taken together, the two resolutions ensure a comprehensive and holistic approach to improving human rights, with technical assistance and capacity building continuing in addition to independent scrutiny of the human rights situation.

We therefore urge the Council to adopt this draft resolution and extend the mandate of the Commission, and to vote in favour of the text, should a vote be called.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 2 April 2025.

The UK has sanctioned seven corrupt actors whose actions have undermined democracy and the rule of law in Guatemala.

• The UK has sanctioned seven corrupt actors whose actions have undermined democracy and the rule of law in Guatemala, including former President Alejandro Giammattei and Attorney General Maria Consuelo Porras
• This forms parts of a wider sanctions package against corrupt individuals linked to Moldova, Georgia and Guatemala
• This is the latest action in the Foreign Secretary’s campaign to tackle corruption and dirty money around the world, global threats that undermine the very foundations of free and democratic societies

The UK Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, has announced today a series of sanctions against individuals from Moldova, Georgia, and Guatemala. In Guatemala, the UK remains deeply concerned by continued attempts to undermine the Arévalo Government by corrupt actors with links to the previous administration.

Among the members of the “Pacto de Corruptos” (Pact of the Corrupt) facing sanctions are former President of Guatemala Alejandro Giammattei, his associate Miguel Martinez, and the Attorney General Maria Consuelo Porras. In office, Giammattei profited from significant acts of corruption including re-appointing Porras to target his political rivals and undermine anti-corruption investigations. Porras and her cronies have achieved this by undermining the operational independence of the Special Prosecutor’s Office Against Impunity and prosecuting journalists, lawyers and judges. Porras also attempted to annul the 2023 election and hinder the 2024 transition of power to President Arévalo. Meanwhile, Melvin Ernesto Quijivix Vega, former head of the National Institute of Electrification (Instituto Nacional de Electrificacion), embezzled more than 14.5m quetzales (£1.5m) of public funds.

Independent investigative reporting and the activities of civil society groups often play a crucial role in informing sanctions of this kind. But Porras and the Pacto de Corruptos have weaponised their powers against Guatemalan journalists who have tried to hold them to account. This led to the closure of noted investigative newspaper El Periódico and the jailing of its founder, following an investigation into a bribe from a Russian mining company to former President Giammattei in exchange for favourable exploration licences and port access.

Individuals targeted by today’s sanctions will be subject to travel bans and asset freezes, denying them entry to the UK and preventing them from holding funds or economic resources in the UK and its overseas territories.

These sanctions reaffirm the UK’s commitment to combating corruption and protecting the institutions designed to hold these unscrupulous individuals to account. The UK continues to stand with all Guatemalans in defence of democracy and the rule of law, and against those who trample on these principles for personal gain.

Background

Today the UK has sanctioned:

• Alejandro Giammattei, former President of Guatemala;
• Maria Consuelo Porras, Attorney General of Guatemala;
• Jose Curruchiche, Head of the Special Prosecution Office Against Impunity (Fiscalía Especial contra la Impunidad);
• Cinthia Monterroso, Prosecutor and Head of Unit at the Special Prosecution Office Against Impunity (Fiscalía Especial contra la Impunidad);
• Angel Pineda, Secretary General of the Public Ministry (Ministerio Publico);
• Melvin Quijivix, former Head of the National Institute of Electrification (Instituto Nacional de Electrificacion);
• Miguel Martinez, associate of Giammattei and former Head of the Centre of Government (Centro de Gobierno).

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 2 April 2025.

UK Statement at the 58th Human Rights Council for the Item 10 General Debate. Delivered by UK Ambassador for Human Rights to the UN, Eleanor Sanders.

Thank you, Mr Vice President,

We would like to begin by commending Bangladesh’s interim government for inviting the UN Human Rights Office to investigate last summer’s events. We are encouraged by Bangladesh’s continued engagement with OHCHR and we hope to see ongoing collaboration with the UN and international partners to build an inclusive, democratic future. The UK supports efforts to safeguard and promote human rights in Bangladesh, including through the consensus-led reform process.

We remain concerned by the human rights situation in Yemen which is undermined by a lack of both security and stability. In consultation with the government of Yemen, and in collaboration with international partners, we have launched a Flexible Funding Mechanism that will provide technical advisory support to promote effective and sustainable governance.

In Georgia, we are deeply concerned about the violence used by authorities against protestors, journalists, and the opposition. Their attacks on democratic protesters are unacceptable. They tarnish Georgia’s international standing and go against its constitutional commitment to a Euro-Atlantic future.

We are grateful for OHCHR’s work to provide technical assistance and support in this increasingly challenging environment. In particular, we welcome the recent establishment of new multi-country offices in Nairobi and Sarajevo.

Thank you.