Tag: Foreign Office

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 5 March 2025.

During meetings, the Defence Secretary will hail the unparalleled depth of the UK-US relationship, which bolsters security and supports economic growth.

Securing a lasting peace in Ukraine and strengthening bonds between NATO allies will be the focus of discussions during the Defence Secretary’s visit to Washington DC on Wednesday and Thursday – including a meeting with his US counterpart Pete Hegseth.

John Healey MP will hail the unparalleled depth of the UK’s special relationship with the US – the UK’s closest security ally – as both nations continue to collaborate on military operations, peacekeeping, intelligence gathering, and development of advanced technologies – bolstering security and supporting economic growth.

The Defence Secretary’s arrival in Washington DC comes as the UK receives the last of an order of 50 of the latest generation AH-64E attack helicopters for the British Army, the most advanced attack helicopter in the world. The helicopter was handed over yesterday (4 March) at the Boeing site in Arizona under a programme that supports more than 300 UK jobs, helping to grow the UK economy – underscoring defence as an engine for driving economic growth.

The visit also comes at the conclusion of the 50th occurrence of Exercise Red Flag in Nevada, a joint exercise with the UK, United States and Australia. The training is designed to test equally matched air forces in a realistic combat scenario and involves more than 3,000 military personnel in high-intensity training, such as dogfighting, air-policing and practicing bombing runs, at Nellis Air Force Base.

At their bilateral meeting tomorrow [Thursday], the two Defence Secretaries are due to discuss the plan for peace in Ukraine being worked on by the US, UK, France, and European allies. It comes after Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s visit to Washington last week, where the Prime Minister and the President confirmed both nations will work together on security arrangements to deliver a lasting peace in Ukraine. The discussions follow the Prime Minister’s meeting of international leaders in London last weekend, where allies discussed the need for a lasting peace settlement, with US support.

The latest defence engagement with the new US administration follows a first meeting between the two Defence Secretaries last month, when the UK convened the 50-nation strong Ukraine Defence Contact Group, which coordinates urgent military support for Ukraine.

On Wednesday, the Defence Secretary will attend a reception to mark the 250th Anniversary of the US Marine Corps, held at the British Ambassador’s Residence in Washington DC.

Defence Secretary, John Healey MP, said:

Amid a period of growing global instability, the unique and special relationship between the UK and US is as strong as ever – underlined by a shared commitment to freedom and democracy.

It is crucial that the UK and Europe step up further to take more responsibility for our security, and we are doing so. In the face of increasing global threats, we are cementing our ties as NATO allies, bolstering our national security and economic security, too.

The Prime Minister was clear following his meetings over the past week, that we will continue our dialogue with friends and allies to secure a path to a lasting peace in Ukraine. We will advance that work in Washington over the coming days.

Discussions are also expected to cover deepening the UK-US defence relationship. The British and US Armed Forces operate in close alignment around the world, from the long-standing global coalition to combat Daesh in the Middle East to joint maritime security patrols in the Indo-Pacific.

Collective security and stability also support both nations’ economies and delivers on our Plan for Change.

The AUKUS programme to develop a fleet of world-class nuclear powered, conventionally armed submarines for the UK and Australia, is a perfect example of this work – with a £9 billion contract with Rolls Royce awarded in January as part of the programme, creating more than 1,000 jobs and supporting a further 4,000 roles.

The Apache programme also supports the UK economy, with numerous components manufactured in the UK. This benefits 75 British companies, including 33 SMEs, with jobs being supported at the Army Aviation Centre at Middle Wallop in Hampshire and Wattisham Flying Station in Suffolk.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 5 March 2025.

Statement from the foreign ministers of the UK, France and Germany (E3) on humanitarian access in Gaza.

Joint statement on behalf of the Foreign Ministers of France, Germany and the UK (E3):

We, the Foreign Ministers of France, Germany and the United Kingdom recall our continued support for the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

It is vital that the ceasefire is sustained, all the hostages are released, and continued flows of humanitarian aid to Gaza are ensured. We urge all parties to engage constructively in negotiating the subsequent phases of the deal to help ensure its full implementation and a permanent end to hostilities. We welcome Egyptian, Qatari and US efforts in mediating and seeking to agree an extension to the ceasefire.

The humanitarian situation in Gaza is catastrophic. We express our deep concern at the Government of Israel’s announcement on 2 March to halt all entry of goods and supplies into Gaza. We call on the Government of Israel to abide by its international obligations to ensure full, rapid, safe and unhindered provision of humanitarian assistance to the population in Gaza. This includes supply of items such as medical equipment, shelter items, and water and sanitation equipment, essential to meet humanitarian and early recovery needs in Gaza, but which face restrictions under Israel’s “dual use” list. A halt on goods and supplies entering Gaza, such as that announced by the Government of Israel would risk violating International Humanitarian Law. Humanitarian aid should never be contingent on a ceasefire or used as a political tool. We reiterate that the civilians of Gaza who have suffered so much must be allowed to return to their homes and rebuild their lives.

All hostages must be unconditionally released and Hamas must end their degrading and humiliating treatment. We reiterate our unwavering solidarity with their families and with the Israeli people in the face of the terrorist attacks committed by Hamas on 7 October 2023.

We need all parties to uphold the ceasefire and ensure it leads to a sustainable peace, the reconstruction of Gaza, and to allow for a credible pathway towards a two-state solution in which Israelis and Palestinians can live side by side in peace.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 5 March 2025.

UK Statement at the Panel on Early Warning and Genocide Prevention. Delivered by UK Ambassador for Human Rights to the UN, Eleanor Sanders.

Mr President, Deputy High Commissioner,

The UK thanks the Special Adviser for her presentation.

As we approach the twentieth anniversary of the adoption of the Responsibility to Protect, protecting people from atrocities remains vital and necessary.

To highlight one worrying conflict, we continue to see disturbing reports of ethnically motivated attacks and killings in Darfur. The international community must hold perpetrators to account.

As well as protection from and accountability for atrocities, we need earlier action to prevent atrocities from occurring in the first place.

We are concerned by escalating tensions across South Sudan including between parties to the 2018 peace agreement and call on all parties to act urgently to prevent further violence, including against civilians.

The UK supports efforts to improve early warning systems, including leveraging global advances in data analytics and Open-Source Intelligence, allowing the international community to identify and understand the emerging risk of atrocities.

Mr President, Panellists,

How can the 2 Special Advisers ensure that the UN system’s existing foresight and risk analysis processes better incorporate an atrocity prevention lens in all its work and that it is more joined up?

Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 5 March 2025.

Britain and India bolster trade ties during Indian External Affairs Minister Dr Jaishankar’s visit to UK.

• Indian External Affairs Minister Dr Jaishankar visits UK to boost £41 billion trading relationship
• UK welcomes the opening of 2 new Indian consulates in Belfast and Manchester
• move set to enhance economic growth and support further regional Indian investments in the UK delivering on the government’s Plan for Change

The UK-India partnership will strengthen further with the opening of 2 new Indian consulates in Belfast and Manchester, boosting regional economic ties and delivering on the growth agenda.

It comes as the UK welcomes Indian investment deals worth more than £100 million which is creating jobs, strengthening growth, and helping working people by putting more money in their pockets.

Before opening the consulates, Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar will meet with Foreign Secretary David Lammy at Chevening House.

At Chevening, the foreign ministers will drive forward the UK-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. This will focus on fostering mutual economic growth, technological innovation, and collaboration on global challenges including climate change. They will also discuss Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine, the Middle East and other global affairs.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy said:

One of my first visits as Foreign Secretary was to India because deepening our partnership for our shared growth and security is a key part of this government’s Plan for Change.

Dr Jaishankar and I are supercharging our £41 billion trading relationship with India, after trade talks were relaunched in Delhi. It is the floor, not the ceiling of our ambitions that will benefit both our economies.

The opening of new Indian consulates in Belfast and Manchester demonstrate the growing links between our peoples and how we are working together to deliver growth not only in London, but right across the UK. This expansion of India’s diplomatic presence will further boost our trading relationship and support the valued Indian community in the UK.

Ministers are also set to discuss the Technology Security Initiative, launched during the Foreign Secretary’s visit to Delhi in July 2024. They will touch on the opportunities for citizens in both countries that will come from closer collaboration in sectors such as artificial intelligence, telecoms and critical minerals. Opportunities include more effective and affordable healthcare and more resilient supply chains, as well as greater innovation, investment and job creation.

And the visit will highlight the living bridge between the UK and India, including a special reception with Chevening scholars at Chevening House, celebrating India’s position as home to the world’s largest Chevening programme.

Background

• Chevening is the UK government’s flagship international scholarships and fellowships programme. It offers fully funded scholarships (including tuition, travel and living expenses) for a one-year postgraduate course in the UK
• it also offers short term fellowships to mid-career professionals in cyber security, science and innovation, journalism, and leadership and excellence
• it is mandatory for scholars and fellows to return to their home country upon completion of their course
• the Chevening programme in India is the largest in the world, benefiting over 3,900 scholars and fellows since 1983. Over 40% of Chevening scholars in India come from outside metro cities, are first generation learners, and belong to lesser privileged groups

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 4 March 2025.

UN Human Rights Council 58: UK Statement at the Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the Freedom of Religion or Belief. Delivered by MP and the UK Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief, David Smith.

Thank you, Madame Vice-President.

The UK reiterates its commitment to protecting and promoting FoRB for all – including through my role as the UK’s Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief.

The Special Rapporteur’s recent report on the intersection of FoRB and torture highlighted deeply concerning cases of violations and torture in detention centres. The report notes that in Myanmar, detainees were denied the right to observe their  faith through psychological torture and attempts by the State to change their religious identity. And in Sudan, non-Muslims were reportedly coerced to change their beliefs through denial of work, food aid and education.

The UK unreservedly condemns the use of torture. Preventing torture and tackling impunity for those who torture is vital to safeguarding our security and rule of law.

We must collectively do more to address and prevent torture and ensure the fundamental right to freedom of religion or belief is protected.

Special Rapporteur,

What steps would you advise to ensure more States investigate cases of torture, and safeguard the right to freedom of religion or belief, in detention centres?

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 4 March 2025.

Statement to the 108th Session of the Executive Council of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, by Her Excellency Joanna Roper, Permanent Representative of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Mr Chairperson, Director General, Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates,

Let me start by extending my thanks to His Excellency, Director General Fernando Arias, for his comprehensive report demonstrating the significant and increasing demands on this organisation and the progress he has made. I would also like to thank His Excellency, Ambassador Terán Parral for chairing this session and for his excellent leadership of the Executive Council since May 2023.

Mr Chairperson,

At long last, with the collapse of the Assad regime, Syria is now in a position to take a fresh approach to its engagement with the OPCW and finally close the file on the chemical weapons programme. This is an opportunity that few could have imagined 12 months ago.

We welcome commitments made by Syria’s Interim Authorities to cooperate with the Technical Secretariat and international community to this end. We warmly welcome the DG’s report of his recent visit and note on the way forward. We look ahead to the rapid deployment of OPCW technical teams on the ground to help Syria deliver a full, complete and accurate declaration; and to start destruction. And I would like to thank the Permanent Representative of Qatar for representing Syria’s interests at the OPCW since December so effectively.

After more than a decade, we are urging Syria to turn the page on the horrific legacy of Assad’s chemical weapons programme and we must support it to do so. We call on States Parties to support the Technical Secretariat and the Syrian Arab Republic to complete the job of destroying the Assad Regime’s chemical weapons. The UK has recently announced additional funding for the OPCW’s Syria Missions – we have given a total of more than £1m to the OPCW’s Syria Trust Fund over the past year. And yesterday, Mr Chairperson, I sent a letter to the Director General, confirming that we will provide a comprehensive offer of practical support to him and his team later this month.

Mr Chairperson,

I wish that I could reflect positive progress on other states of concern. Russia continues to undermine the Chemical Weapons Convention. It is now three years since Russia started a war of aggression against Ukraine – a brutal attack on the sovereignty, political independence and territorial integrity of a democratic state. As my Prime Minister said last week: “For three years we have been united in opposition to Russia’s barbaric invasion. And for three years we have been full of admiration for the incredible response of the Ukrainian people.”

Let there be no doubt, UK support to Ukraine will remain steadfast.

Russia continues to use chemical weapons in Ukraine. We note the conclusions of the Technical Secretariat’s most recent Technical Assistance Visit report issued on 14 February. This report confirmed the presence of CS gas in samples taken from three separate incidents in Ukraine, establishing a pattern of violations of the CWC across a wide geographic area. There must now be attribution for such attacks, and the perpetrators must be held to account.

We must not forget Russia has form in regularly violating international law concerning chemical weapons. Seven years ago today, on 4 March 2018, Russia deployed Novichok nerve agent on the streets of the United Kingdom. This attack resulted in the tragic death of Dawn Sturgess. Russia also used Novichok to poison Alexei Navalny in Russia in 2020.

Mr Chairperson,

Russia has set a damaging example. We must defend the fundamental principles of the Chemical Weapons Convention. We are extremely concerned by reports which suggest that the Sudanese Armed Forces have used chemical weapons in Sudan. Sudan, like any other State Party to the Chemical Weapons Convention, must abide by its obligations.

Mr Chairperson,

We also welcome the Technical Secretariat’s response to the opportunities and risks of emerging technology. The excellent Morocco AI Conference in October, and the AI Research Challenge, co-funded by the UK, provide a sound foundation for our collective efforts to capture the benefits of new technologies, and to understand the security risks they will pose.

Mr Chairperson,

The Director General is critical to the success of this organisation. This body has important work to do over the coming months to find a worthy successor to Director General Arias.  As the British say, they will have big shoes to fill.

Events in Syria and continuing Russian breaches demonstrate that the OPCW remains central to international security. This Council must provide its unwavering support for every aspect of the OPCW’s work at this critical juncture.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 4 March 2025.

UN Human Rights Council 58: UK Statement at the Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.

A UK spokesperson said:

Thank you, Mr President,

We thank the Special Rapporteur for her work and welcome the recommendations in the recent report on hostage-taking.

The UK unreservedly condemns the use of torture. There are no circumstances whatsoever that justify the use of torture or hostage taking. It is an abhorrent violation of human rights and human dignity.

We strongly believe that the prevention of torture, and tackling impunity for those who use torture, are essential components of safeguarding our security and integral to a fair legal system and the rule of law.

We are proud to work with partners and civil society to support torture prevention initiatives globally, including through our support for the Association for the Prevention of Torture. The UK is a signatory of the Declaration against Arbitrary Detention in State-to-State Relations and remains a vocal supporter of the Canadian-led initiative in its efforts to combat this practice.

We encourage the small minority of states which have not yet done so to ratify and implement the UN Convention against Torture, and the International Convention against the Taking of Hostages.

Special Rapporteur,

How can we better support states to overcome the barriers preventing them from ratifying the UN Convention against Torture?

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

Explanation of vote by Ambassador Barbara Woodward, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, following the vote on the UN Security Council Resolution 2776 on Al-Shabaab Sanctions.

The unanimous adoption of this resolution today sends a clear message: the Council is united in its determination to support Somalia’s efforts in the fight against Al-Shabaab.

This resolution retains a powerful package of sanctions designed to further degrade Al-Shabaab, disrupt its finances, strengthen international collaboration and support Somalia in building its own capabilities.

And it again demonstrates the Council’s commitment to continue working with Somalia to ensure that these measures are adjusted progressively and appropriately in response to the evolving security context.

This was also the first Council resolution on this regime that we have negotiated with Somalia as a fellow member of the Security Council.

We welcome the constructive approach that all Council members took across this negotiation, which enabled us to arrive at this consensus outcome.

And we look forward to continuing our close engagement with Somalia, with Council members and with the region across the many vital upcoming Council decisions on Somalia this year.

Finally President, the resolution we have adopted today also recognises the particular concern posed by flows of weapons from Yemen to Somalia.

Al-Shabaab’s links to the Houthis are part of a wider pattern of Houthi destabilising activity beyond Yemen’s borders.

The 2713 and 2140 sanctions committees should coordinate closely to monitor and counter this trend.

And we call on all Council members to work collectively to tackle these links, which represent a significant risk to the stability of Somalia and the region.

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

UK Statement at the 58 Human Rights Council for the Item 2 General Debate. Delivered by UK Ambassador for Human Rights to the UN, Eleanor Sanders.

Thank you, Mr Vice President.

And thank you for your update, High Commissioner.

First of all, we share your concern at Thailand’s decision to deport forty Uyghurs to China. We urge China to ensure they are treated in accordance with international standards.

Mr Vice President,

Sudan’s people have suffered enough. This Council’s Fact-Finding Mission has reported appalling violence: women raped and sexually abused, people executed because of their ethnicity, children recruited as soldiers, and heavy artillery shelling including in civilian areas. All parties must adhere to their obligations to protect civilians and perpetrators of atrocities must be held accountable.

We commend DRC for its engagement with the Council and urge all parties to act in accordance with international law.

In Venezuela, civil society and independent media are targeted and political opposition face severe restrictions. We call on the authorities to immediately and unconditionally release those arbitrarily detained.

And in Guatemala, the continuing persecution of justice officials linked to the fight against corruption is deeply concerning and must stop.

Finally, Mr President,

The situation in Libya remains precarious, with armed groups and security actors operating with impunity. We urge all Libyan actors to comply with international law and engage in the UN-facilitated and Libyan-led political process in good faith.

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

Sri Lanka Statement at the 58 Human Rights Council during the Item 2 General Debate. Delivered by UK Ambassador for Human Rights to the UN, Eleanor Sanders, on behalf of the Core Group on Sri Lanka.

Thank you, Mr President,

This statement is by the Sri Lanka Core Group comprising Canada, Malawi, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and the United Kingdom.

High Commissioner, we wish to thank you for your oral update on Sri Lanka

We would like to commend Sri Lanka’s peaceful elections and the smooth transition of power last year. We recognise that the new Sri Lankan Government has only been in place for four months, and we encourage Sri Lanka to use  the  opportunity that this transition represents to address the challenges it faces.

We appreciate the Government’s commitment to making meaningful progress on reconciliation and the initial steps taken, including returning land, lifting roadblocks, and allowing communities in the North and East to commemorate the past and to memorialise their loved ones.

In order to build and sustain trust, it is essential to ensure the protection of civil society spaces, including by ending surveillance and intimidation of civil society actors and organisations.

We welcome commitments to implement devolution in accordance with the constitution and to make progress on governance reforms.

We take note of the Government’s stated intention to replace the Prevention of Terrorism Act and emphasise that any new legislation should be in line with Sri Lanka’s international obligations. We encourage the release of those who remain detained under the Act.

As the Government seeks to make progress on human rights and corruption cases, we urge that any comprehensive reconciliation and accountability process carry the support of affected communities, build on past recommendations and meet international standards.

We also encourage the Government to re-invigorate the work of domestic institutions focused on reparations and missing persons.

We reaffirm our willingness to work with the Government to ensure that any future transitional justice mechanisms are independent, inclusive, meaningful, and meet the expectations of affected communities.

Thank you.