Tag: Foreign Office

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 24 June 2025.

UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Trafficking in persons, especially women and children. Delivered at the 59th HRC in Geneva.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President.

We thank the Special Rapporteur for bringing the important issue of trafficking faced by migrant domestic workers to the Council’s attention.

Migrant domestic workers are particularly vulnerable to labour exploitation and abuse in destination countries. We must recognise the gendered risks of exploitation for migrant domestic workers and ensure these are considered in our prevention, assistance and protection efforts.

In the UK, protections are in place for Overseas Domestic Workers to help minimise the risk of exploitation. However, we remain concerned about the links between visa arrangements for private domestic staff and instances of modern slavery. We are reviewing how the Overseas Domestic Worker route operates, and can share more information in due course.

Internationally, the UK’s Work in Freedom programme has played a crucial role in preventing the trafficking of women and girls along migration routes in South Asia and the Gulf. The programme has supported over 770,000 individuals in local communities. It has worked with governments to shape more than 27 laws and policies aimed at protecting vulnerable migrant workers.

Special Rapporteur,

What more can be done to strengthen reintegration for migrant domestic workers who are victims of trafficking?

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 24 June 2025.

UK statement for the Interactive Dialogue with the Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide. Delivered by the UK’s Human Rights Ambassador, Eleanor Sanders.

Thank you, Mr President.

We thank the Special Adviser for their ongoing contribution to driving an atrocity-prevention approach across the UN system and raising atrocity risks to the Secretary-General and UN Member States.

Effective early warning systems that escalate concerns before they arise are critical for early action in preventing atrocities. We continue to support the “early warning systems for all” principle laid out in the Pact for the Future.

However, we also need to act on early warning signs. Atrocities continue to be committed across the world.

In Sudan, particularly Darfur, the reports of violence are deeply troubling.

In Myanmar, the military continues to escalate violence, including airstrikes on civilian infrastructure. All parties must protect civilians.

In Afghanistan, the Taliban continue to enforce their inhuman restrictions on human rights, especially for women and girls.

On the eve of the twentieth anniversary of the adoption of the Responsibility to Protect, we urge renewed global efforts to protect civilians and strengthen human rights in environments at risk. UN offices should continue to play a role in enabling the wider UN system in these endeavours.

What are the challenges to enabling the wider UN system to act on atrocity risks and how can Member States help?

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 24 June 2025.

The first NHS Trust partnership with a Pakistani hospital will focus on sharing clinical best practices and staff development.

London’s Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust will provide specialist knowledge and advice on hospital planning, staffing and training to Novacare. In turn, affiliate fees from services will be reinvested back into Imperial’s NHS services.

The hospital is designed to offer comprehensive care across 28 clinical specialties, including cardiology, oncology, orthopaedics, neurology, and maternal health. It is set to open in 2026 and will feature advanced infrastructure such as smart building management systems, AI-optimised vertical transportation, and infection control and fall prevention technologies.

British High Commissioner, Jane Marriott CMG OBE, said:

This agreement is bringing the UK’s world leading healthcare expertise to Pakistan, and in turn support the UK’s NHS. Through sharing the NHS’s cutting edge clinical best practices, and through helping to develop staff, this agreement will directly help to save lives.

This partnership strengthens the UK’s global healthcare leadership by exporting NHS clinical standards and expertise. It includes opportunities for Novacare clinicians to observe multidisciplinary team meetings, receive second opinions from UK specialists, and undergo training aligned with NHS protocols. Complex cases may also be referred to Imperial’s private facilities in London, enhancing revenue for UK healthcare institutions.

Her Excellency visited the construction of the hospital with the UK Trade Envoy to Pakistan, Mohammad Yasin MP, who is on a 3-day visit to Pakistan. Following a tour of the site, she met with:

• Johannes Kedzierski, CEO, Novacare
• Faraz Minai, Director, Novacare and CEO, Andalus Holdings
• Ghalib Hafiz, Director, Novacare and Partner, Andalus Holdings
• Mustafa Hassan, Director, Novacare
• Qaiser Rafiq, Project Director, Novacare

The Novacare Islamabad site, based in DHA Phase V, will be a 15-minute journey from the Blue Zone by the time the hospital opens.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 24 June 2025.

Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Libya.

President, I will make three points today.

First, the United Kingdom is deeply concerned by recent violence and clashes in Tripoli.

We urge all parties to exercise restraint and engage constructively in mediation efforts to prevent further escalation.

The clashes underscore the fragility of Libya’s security landscape and the urgent need for sustainable political progress.

Second, I want to echo the SRSG’s remarks and welcome the renewed commitment shown at the International Follow-up Committee on Libya in Berlin on 20 June.

We are concerned at Libya’s trajectory, particularly the worsening political and economic conditions.

And these trends threaten the country’s stability, sovereignty and unity.

We therefore fully support UNSMIL’s efforts to improve international coordination in support of the UN-facilitated political process.

Third, the United Kingdom welcomes the valuable work of the Advisory Committee on technical options for elections pathways.

Now, as SRSG Tetteh engages stakeholders to devise a political roadmap, we call on all Libyan actors to engage meaningfully with UNSMIL as it moves into the next stage of the process.

Our message is clear: now is the opportunity for Libyan actors to shape the future of the political process, towards a peaceful, stable and prosperous Libya.

In closing, we recognise the importance of creating conditions that ultimately enable national elections to be conducted safely, inclusively and credibly.

Forthcoming municipal elections provide an opportunity for Libyan institutions and security actors to demonstrate their commitment to this goal.

This is an opportunity for Libyans to exercise their democratic rights and shape local governance.

It is essential that all actors work to foster an environment in which democratic practice can take root and be sustained.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 24 June 2025.

Modern Industrial Strategy will make the UK the best country to invest in and grow a business, delivering on the Plan for Change.

• Strategy developed in partnership with business, marking a new era of collaboration between government and high growth industries.
• New Industrial Strategy to unlock billions in investment and support 1.1 million new well-paid jobs over the next decade. *New Global Talent Taskforce and £54m fund will attract world-class researchers, top talent and their teams to the UK.
• Electricity costs for thousands of businesses to be slashed by up to 25%.

The plan focuses on 8 high growth sectors, including Advanced Manufacturing, Clean Energy Industries, Digital and Technologies, Financial Services and Life Sciences, where there is potential for faster growth.

The Modern Industrial Strategy unveiled on Monday 23 June sets out a ten-year plan to boost investment, create good skilled jobs and make Britain the best place to do business.

It includes targeted support for the areas of the country and economy that have the greatest potential to grow, while introducing reforms that will make it easier for all businesses to get ahead.

The Strategy’s bold plan of action includes:

• Slash electricity costs by up to 25% from 2027 for electricity-intensive manufacturers in growth sectors and foundational industries in their supply chain, bringing costs more closely in line with other major economies in Europe.
• Unlocking billions in finance for innovative business, especially for SMEs by increasing British Business Bank financial capacity to £25.6 billion, crowding in tens of billions of pounds more in private capital. The includes an additional £4bn for Industrial Strategy Sectors, crowding in billions more in private capital. By investing largely through venture funds, the BBB will back the UK’s most high-growth potential companies.
• Reducing regulatory burdens by cutting the administrative costs of regulation for business by 25% and reduce the number of regulators.
• Boosting R&D spending to £22.6bn per year by 2029-30 to drive innovation across the IS-8, with more than £2bn for AI over the Spending Review, and £2.8bn for advanced manufacturing over the next ten years. This will leverage in billions more from private investors. Regulatory changes will further clear the path for fast-growing industries and innovative products such as biotechnology, AI, and autonomous vehicles.
• Attracting elite global talent to our key sectors, via visa and migration reforms and the new Global Talent Taskforce. The Taskforce and a £54m Global Talent Fund will support top talent to relocate to the UK.
• Deepening economic and industrial collaboration with our partners, building on our Industrial Strategy Partnership with Japan and recent deals with the US, India, and the EU.
• Reducing planning timelines and cutting costs for developers, by hiring more planners, streamlining pre-application requirements and combining environmental obligations, removing burdens on businesses as well as accelerating house building.
• Revolutionising public procurement and reducing barriers for new entrants and SMEs to bolster domestic competitiveness.
• Supporting the UK’s city regions and clusters by increasing the supply of investible sites through a new £600m Strategic Sites Accelerator, enhanced regional support from the Office for Investment, National Wealth Fund, and British Business Bank, and more.
• Upskilling the nation with an extra £1.2 billion each year for skills by 2028-29, and delivering more opportunities to learn and earn in our high-growth sectors including new short courses in relevant skills funded by the Growth and Skills Levy and skills packages targeted at defence digital and engineering.
• Supporting 5,500 more SMEs to adopt new technology through the Made Smarter programme while centralising government support in one place through the Business Growth Service.

The plan focuses on 8 sectors where the UK is already strong and there’s potential for faster growth: Advanced Manufacturing, Clean Energy Industries, Creative Industries, Defence, Digital and Technologies, Financial Services, Life Sciences, and Professional and Business Services. Each growth sector has a bespoke 10-year plan that will attract investment, enable growth and create high-quality, well-paid jobs.

Five sector plans have been published in tandem:

Advanced Manufacturing

Backing the Advanced Manufacturing sector with up to £4.3 billion in funding, including up to £2.8 billion in R&D over the next five years, with the aim of anchoring supply chains in the UK – from increasing vehicle production to 1.35, to leading the next generation of technologies for zero emission flight.

Clean Energy Industries

Doubling investment in Clean Energy Industries by 2035, with Great British Energy helping to build the clean power revolution in Britain with a further £700 million in clean energy supply chains, taking the total funding for the Great British Energy Supply Chain fund to £1 billion.

Creative Industries

Maximizing the value of the UK’s Creative Industries through a £380 million boost for film and TV, video games, advertising and marketing, music and visual and performing arts will improve access to finance for scale-ups and increase R&D, skills and exports.

Digital and Technologies

Making the UK the European leader for creating and scaling Digital and Technology businesses, with more than £2 billion to drive the AI Action Plan, including a new Sovereign AI Programme, £187 million for training one million young people in tech skills and targeting R&D investment at frontier technologies such as cyber security in Northern Ireland, semiconductors in Wales and quantum technologies in Scotland.

Professional and Business Services

Ensuring the UK’s Professional and Business Services becomes the world’s most trusted adviser to global industry, revolutionising the sector across the world through adoption of UK-grown AI and working to secure mutual recognition of professional qualifications agreements overseas.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

This Industrial Strategy marks a turning point for Britain’s economy and a clear break from the short-termism and sticking plasters of the past.

In an era of global economic instability, it delivers the long-term certainty and direction British businesses need to invest, innovate and create good jobs that put more money in people’s pockets as part of the plan for change.

This is how we power Britain’s future – by backing the sectors where we lead, removing the barriers that hold us back, and setting out a clear path to build a stronger economy that works for working people. Our message is clear – Britain is back and open for business.

Regarding the launch of the New Industrial Strategy, British Ambassador to Chile, Louise de Sousa, said:

The UK’s modern Industrial Strategy is our ten-year plan to strengthen infrastructure, reduce costs for businesses and simplify regulation.

With a highly skilled workforce and unrivalled global business connectivity, the UK provides an ideal location to scale, invest and grow business, by accessing the G7’s lowest corporation tax and a generous R&D tax.

International from the start, this plan provided businesses, entrepreneurs and innovators the stability and ease needed to make long-term investment decisions, which, in turn will help strengthening the already strong economic ties between UK and Chile.

The Industrial Strategy is a 10-year plan to promote business investment and growth and make it quicker, easier and cheaper to do business in the UK, giving businesses the confidence to invest and create 1.1 million good, well-paid jobs in thriving industries – delivering on the UK Government’s Plan for Change.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 23 June 2025.

Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Afghanistan.

President, since our last Council briefing on Afghanistan, another school year has begun with secondary schools and higher education remaining closed to women and girls.

It is now over three years since the Taliban’s edict denying them their right to education.

The United Kingdom continues to unequivocally condemn this ban and urges its immediate reversal.

Education is not the only sector from which half of Afghanistan’s population is barred.

We remain deeply concerned by the Taliban’s shortsighted ban on women’s medical education and by the challenges Afghan women and girls face in accessing life-saving healthcare, including sexual and reproductive health services.
As we heard from Ms Bahous, nearly 8 in 10 young Afghan women are excluded from education, employment and training opportunities.

It is unacceptable that the Taliban’s restrictive edicts deny Afghan women and girls their rights and fundamental freedoms.

The United Kingdom supports calls for greater accountability efforts, including the referral of Afghanistan to the International Court of Justice for violations of CEDAW, the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women.

The Taliban must also recognise the negative impact of their draconian policies on Afghanistan’s economic growth and long-term prosperity.

As Director Bahous has highlighted, the Taliban’s ban on secondary education for girls is estimated to cost $1.5 billion by 2030

During the last financial year, the UK distributed over $230 million in assistance to the Afghan people.

Last week, in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organisation, we announced a new food security initiative, responding to climate-related challenges through the delivery of drought-resistant seeds and more nutritious crops, improved irrigation and training in sustainable farming practices.

Half a million Afghans are set to benefit from this UK-funded programme.
The UK has also continued to engage constructively with the UN-led process, including the comprehensive approach.

But reliance on humanitarian assistance is not sustainable in the long term, and the UK’s continued engagement in a process in which the Taliban are not fully committed or willing to take meaningful steps towards meeting their international obligations is not guaranteed.

We therefore urge the Taliban to reverse course and demonstrate their readiness to work towards an Afghanistan at peace with itself, its neighbours and the international community.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 23 June 2025.

The UK Trade Envoy to Pakistan, Mohammad Yasin MP, has begun a 3-day visit to Karachi and Islamabad to encourage investment and long-term economic co-operation.

The visit follows the UK’s launch of its Growth Mission and Modern Industrial Strategy. Invest 2035 sets out a ten-year plan to provide certainty and stability for businesses in high growth sectors such as clean energy, digital technologies, life sciences and advanced manufacturing.

Over 200 British companies are operating in Pakistan, with the top five contributing around one percent of Pakistan’s GDP. The UK is Pakistan’s largest European trading partner and top source of foreign direct investment.

Mohammad Yasin MP, UK Trade Envoy to Pakistan, said:

“The UK and Pakistan already enjoy deep commercial ties, but there is much more we can achieve together. It is a place close to my heart, and I have seen over many years the enormous potential to help both our countries prosper. During my visit, I look forward to supporting efforts that unlock new opportunities and drive growth.”

Mr Yasin will meet senior government stakeholders including Jawad Paul, Secretary for Commerce, and Minister Chaudhry Salik Hussain, Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis. He will also meet business leaders to strengthen trade and encourage investment.

Mr Yasin’s visit will help pave the way for the UK-Pakistan Trade Dialogue, due to launch later this year. The Dialogue will offer a platform to grow exports, increase investment flows, address business environment concerns and identify opportunities for greater market access.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 23 June 2025.

As announced by the Foreign Secretary in the House of Commons, A RAF flight to take vulnerable British nationals and their dependents out of Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPTs) has departed this afternoon.

• The RAF flight to transport vulnerable British nationals and their dependents out of Israel and the OPTs left today
• Further flights will be based on demand and the latest security situation
• British nationals should continue to register their presence in Israel and the OPTs to be contacted with further guidance on potential further flights

Addressing the House of Commons today, the Foreign Secretary announced the first RAF flight to help vulnerable British nationals wanting to leave Israel and the OPTs has taken off this afternoon (23 Jun) from Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport.

The flight is for vulnerable British nationals plus their immediate family members who are eligible to travel. All passengers must hold a valid travel document and non-British immediate family members require valid visas/permission to enter or remain that was granted for more than six months.

The government has worked with partners in recent weeks to enable this flight to operate, with further flights to be considered depending on demand and the latest security situation on the ground. British nationals in Israel and the OPTs urged to continue to register their presence to be contacted with further guidance on any future flights.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy said:

Throughout the crisis, the safety of British Nationals in the region has been our top priority. That is why the UK Government is working with the Israeli authorities to arrange RAF and charter flights to help those wanting to leave.

Today’s flight will bring British nationals and their dependents safely back to the UK. While the situation in the Middle East remains volatile, we are working around the clock to secure more flights and bring more people home.

Due to ongoing restrictions in Israeli airspace and the security situation on the ground, the government used an RAF A-400M aircraft for the flight from Tel Aviv to Cyprus – with passengers due to transfer on to a civilian charter aircraft for the onwards journey to the UK this afternoon.

Those eligible for the flights will be expected to pay for their seat – and payment will be taken on registration via the flight booking form. This fee will be refunded to those who are not allocated a seat – in line with the government’s approach to previous charter flights from the region.

UK Government officials have been working around the clock to keep British nationals safe, with consular officers deployed to the border in Jordan and extra consular support based near the border in Egypt. These officials are on hand to provide advice on onward travel to British nationals crossing and support to vulnerable British nationals.  FCDO Rapid Deployment Teams are working across the region to bolster the support offered by British Embassy officials.

British nationals should continue to register via the Register Your Presence portal that will be used to confirm any further details in due course.

Commercial flights are continuing to operate from Egypt and Jordan, and international land border crossings to these countries remain open.

The situation remains volatile and the government’s ability to run flights out of Israel and the OPTs could change at short notice.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 22 June 2025.

Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, at the emergency UN Security Council meeting on Iran.

This is a pivotal moment for the region.

A further spiral of conflict poses serious risks to regional and international peace and stability. Our foremost priority must now be to support de-escalation.

We have long made clear that Iran must not have a nuclear weapon and their nuclear programme represents a serious threat to international peace and security.

The United States took action last night to alleviate that threat.

The United Kingdom did not participate in US or Israeli strikes.

But military action alone cannot bring a durable solution to concerns about Iran’s nuclear programme.

My Prime Minister has been clear. We urge Iran  now to show restraint, and we urge all parties to return to the negotiating table and find a diplomatic solution, which stops further escalation and brings this crisis to an end.

It is in the interests of all parties to pursue such a deal.

This was the joint call made by my Prime Minister, with his French and German counterparts earlier today. Together with our E3 partners, the UK has long pursued a diplomatic solution to address Iran’s nuclear escalation. On Friday, alongside E3 and EU colleagues, my Foreign Secretary met Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi in Geneva to press directly for a return to diplomacy. My Foreign Minister spoke to Foreign Minister Araghchi again today and stressed the urgency of this and we continue to engage partners across the region.

President, the UK reiterates its full support for the IAEA and Director General Grossi for their critical work, professionalism and impartiality. The IAEA and the Non-Proliferation Treaty are key pillars of international security. Threats against IAEA staff and the DG are unacceptable. We urge Iran to cooperate fully with the IAEA. Failure to do so will only further fuel escalation.

President, now is the time for de-escalation and a return to diplomacy. It is essential Iran chooses this path.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 19 June 2025.

Acting Ambassador, Deirdre Brown condemns Russia’s continued refusal to accept the full, unconditional ceasefire proposed by Ukraine 100 days ago. Innocent civilians continue to suffer from Russia’s choice to pursue a path of war.

Thank you, Madam Chair. I would like to add our thanks to you and other Troika members for your recent statement.

We currently find ourselves in a security situation that is more precarious, more unpredictable and more serious than any that we have experienced for decades.  We will be judged by future generations on the steps that we take to defuse tensions and restore stability to our continent and beyond.

At the heart of the global challenges we face is Russia’s illegal war against Ukraine and its assault on the UN Charter and Helsinki Final Act.  The United Kingdom will continue to stand resolutely with Ukraine as it seeks a just and lasting peace.

We remain convinced that an immediate and sustained ceasefire is the quickest route to stopping the killing and creating the space for negotiations on a framework for a lasting peace. As we have already heard, today marks 100 days since Ukraine offered a full, unconditional ceasefire on 11 March.  During this time, not only has Russia rejected Ukraine’s offer, it has killed over 550 civilians and injured around 3000 more.  It has launched its biggest aerial attacks of the war so far. And it has not just sustained its attacks, but increased them.

The brutal attack on residential buildings in Kyiv earlier this week, which killed 28 civilians and left a further 134 wounded, are the actions of an aggressor who thinks that the world is not watching.  They are wrong.

The Kremlin does this while trying to convince the international community that it is serious about peace.  All of us in this room know from bitter experience how much weight we should attach to Moscow’s words.  You only need to look at the days leading up to the invasion when we heard in this room that speculation of an invasion was “unsubstantiated conjectures”.  But let us analyse their words, nonetheless.

On 2 June in Istanbul, Russia presented its memorandum with its conditions for ending its illegal war.  In contrast to Ukraine’s own proposals, which are serious, reasonable and constructive, Russia’s memorandum calls for a complete surrender of Ukraine’s internationally recognised territory and limits on Ukraine’s armed forces.  President Putin knows that Ukraine cannot accept this: he is claiming territory his army has not been able to take in over three years of his illegal war, and trying to weaken Ukraine so he can continue the war in future.  The Kremlin’s maximalist position is clearly inconsistent with international principles enshrined in the UN Charter and Helsinki Final Act – including sovereign equality, the inviolability of frontiers, the territorial integrity of states and the non-intervention in internal affairs.  It is further evidence – in case any were needed – that President Putin is not yet serious about peace.

Madam Chair, today also marks the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict.  There is mounting evidence of conflict-related sexual violence committed by Russian forces against Ukrainian civilians and prisoners of war, including from successive Moscow Mechanism reports.  We will have more to say on this in our Joint Statement under the relevant agenda item later today.

Finally, Madam Chair, it has been 38 months since Russia detained our three OSCE colleagues, Vadym Golda, Maxim Petrov and Dmytro Shabanov.  The United Kingdom again calls for their immediate release. Thank you.