Tag: Foreign Office

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

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

Today marks the third year of President Putin’s full-scale invasion, forced on the Ukrainian and Russian people, in clear breach of the UN Charter.

So first of all today, of all days, we pause to remember and honour the victims of this war. Those who have lost their lives, their homes, their futures, their limbs, their childhoods, family members and friends. Millions who have been displaced, tens of thousands who have lost their lives.

They’ve lost schools, playgrounds, farms, churches, hospitals.

While Russian forces have used rape, torture and execution as weapons of war and put nuclear safety at risk.

This is a war that Putin said would take three days.

Three years on, Ukrainians have paid a terrible price.

And the impact of this war is not limited to Ukraine.

Hunger, poverty and energy insecurity have increased worldwide.

So second, as we look forward to peace, let’s be clear, no country wants peace more than Ukraine. Ukraine is more than ready for this war to end.

But there needs to be a lasting and a just peace, with Ukraine’s voice at the heart of any talks.

A peace that is not just a pause in fighting but a peace that leaves Ukraine secure and free from Russian attack. A peace that shows that aggression does not pay. And a peace that ends forever Putin’s imperialist ambitions.

And we have to remember that Putin by contrast, only wants capitulation.

So if Russia is allowed to win, we will live in a world where might is right, where borders can be redrawn by force, where aggressors think they can act with impunity. The consequences for peace and security around the world are dire.

So third then, a lasting peace must come from strength.

Strength and courage that Ukraine has shown abundantly in the last three years.

But that strength and courage needs to be underpinned by robust security agreements from the outset because Putin has repeatedly shown that he will break a weak deal.

He has long denied Ukraine’s right to exist as a free state.

So the UK, with our European partners and the United States, will work closely together for Ukraine and Europe will continue to take responsibility for our continent’s security.

The UK is ready to play a leading role to support Ukraine in its right to self-defence. To support the negotiation and implementation of a peace agreement, a just and lasting peace agreement, which protects Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, its internationally recognised borders, in line with the UN Charter.

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

Explanation of vote by Ambassador Barbara Woodward, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, following the vote on the UN Security Council Resolution 2774 on Ukraine.

Today marks three years since Russia’s unprovoked full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Today, we remember the millions of Ukrainians displaced, the tens of thousands of civilians killed, the lives destroyed by President Putin’s imperial ambition.

As the Secretary-General said again yesterday, this war is illegal, a clear violation of the UN Charter and a threat to the core principles of the UN.

No-one wants peace more than Ukraine.

But the terms of that peace matter.

Only a just peace, one that honours the terms of our Charter, will endure.

And the terms of the peace must send a message that aggression does not pay.

This is why there can be no equivalence between Russia and Ukraine in how this Council refers to this war.

If we are to find a path to sustainable peace, the Council must be clear on the war’s origins.

We also owe it to the people of Ukraine who have suffered so much.

Russia chose to launch a war of aggression against a sovereign state, but again today is seeking to obfuscate that fact.

We must also insist on respect for the UN Charter, and Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, within its internationally recognised borders.

Upholding the Charter is the responsibility of every member of the UN, and especially every member of this Council.

Every member.

What, how and on what terms this war ends can only be decided by negotiations with Ukraine.

No peace will be sustainable without Ukraine’s consent.

We regret that our proposals making these points clear were not taken on board, and as such we could not support this resolution.

But we share the ambition to find a lasting end to this war, supported by robust security arrangements that ensure Ukraine never again has to face Russia’s attack.

As my Prime Minister has made clear – the UK remains ready to play its part.

We will continue to provide Ukraine with the support it needs to protect and defend itself and its people.

We remind the Council that Russia could achieve this tomorrow – by ceasing its aggression and withdrawing its forces from all of Ukraine.

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

Explanation of vote by Ambassador Barbara Woodward, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, in the UN General Assembly Emergency Special Session on Ukraine.

The United Kingdom welcomes the resumption of this Special Session on Ukraine.

Three years on, Russia’s illegal and unprovoked invasion has caused untold suffering, most recently in the massive wave of drone attacks over the weekend, reportedly the largest in a single night in three years.

Millions of Ukrainians have fled their homes, tens of thousands of civilians have been killed.

Children forcibly deported.

Schools, homes, hospitals, places of worship destroyed.

And Russia’s forces have committed the most appalling crimes – summary executions, torture, rape.

Enough is enough, as the Secretary-General reminded us.

Russia’s aggression did not begin three years ago, but long before that.

When my Prime Minister spoke to President Zelenskyy this week, he was clear that any outcome to the war must safeguard Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

A peace that rewards aggression is not a real peace.

And a peace that rewards aggression will not last.

Because Putin has a long track record of making deals with his fingers crossed behind his back.

Well, not this time.

We must not make the mistake of weak deals of the past.

This time, there must be peace through strength.

And that is why there can be no negotiations about Ukraine, without Ukraine.

Colleagues, it is not just Ukraine’s security that is at stake.

It is Britain’s too.

But it is the security of all of us.

Every single Member State who does not want to see tanks driving over their border, killing their people, stealing their children and redrawing their borders on a whim.

Today 93 countries again stood with Ukraine, voting to reaffirm our respect for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and for the UN Charter.

We all want an end to this war.

No country more so than Ukraine and its people.

As my Prime Minister has said, the UK is ready to play its part to support efforts for peace.

We will continue to support Ukraine to defend itself and to have its voice heard.

But let us not forget a simple truth: that Russia could end this war tomorrow, by ceasing its aggression and withdrawing its forces from Ukraine.

But the Kremlin shows no more sign of that than they have done at any point in the last three years.

So today, as for the last three years and for the future, we stand shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine and with our allies for as long as it takes.

Until Ukraine wins a peace that respects the UN Charter and delivers a secure future for its people and for all of us.

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

Annual High-Level Mainstreaming Panel. As delivered by the UK’s Permanent Representative to the WTO and UN, Simon Manley, at the 58th HRC session in Geneva.

Thank you Mr President,

In this 30th anniversary year for gender equality, let me reaffirm the British government’s commitment to the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action.

My government’s dedication to advancing gender equality at home has led to a narrowing of the gender pay gap, more women on the boards of the largest companies than ever before and stronger action to protect women and girls from violence and abuse. And we have put women and girls at the heart of our international work, from our diplomacy to our development spend.

But while it is important to acknowledge the progress made, quite clearly no country – the UK included – has achieved or even got close to achieving gender equality. Indeed, we are seeing a growing international trend of efforts to undermine and roll back the rights of women, girls and other marginalised groups.

We must resist that roll back, take concerted action to build on the progress we have made both at home and overseas. That is why we are putting women’s voices at the heart of everything we do and will make the changes needed so gender equality can, at last, become a reality.

We call on all Members of the Council and states to use this landmark year to accelerate action towards empowering all women and girls.

Thank you.

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

UK Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, addresses a Reinforced meeting of the OSCE Permanent Council on the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion and underlines continued UK support for Ukraine.

Three years ago, when Putin unleashed his full-scale invasion of Ukraine in a clear breach of the UN charter, he expected a swift victory.  What he got instead was a catastrophic failure.

Putin’s imperial ambitions have killed and injured close to a million in his own forces and driven its economy into the ground.  The rouble is plummeting, inflation is soaring, and the deficit at record levels.  All for a war that he thought would be over in three days.

The extent of death, destruction, and suffering caused by one man’s selfish ambition is staggering.  Tens of thousands of Ukrainians have been killed and millions more injured, displaced, and in need of urgent help as civilians are relentlessly attacked.

Repeated findings of the Moscow Mechanism and other independent reports document Russian atrocities.  There are increasing reports of Russian forces deporting children and using rape, torture and execution as weapons of war.  The OSCE is playing a crucial role in securing justice for survivors and victims.

Yet, in the face of this brutality, Ukrainians continue to defend their homeland with extraordinary courage and ingenuity.  This proves that, with the right support, they can defy Putin’s barbarism.

The UK has been at the forefront of this effort from day one.  Our military support worth £3 billion a year is putting Ukraine in the strongest possible position.  And our new 100 Year Partnership cements our unwavering commitment for generations to come.

Make no mistake, Putin’s invasion violates laws and principles which underpin Euro-Atlantic security – including the Helsinki Final Act.

Laws which Russia itself signed up to, and we cannot allow such aggression to succeed.

The days ahead will determine the future security of our continent.  This is the moment for all of us to step up.  Because it is the right thing to do for the values we hold dear and because it is fundamental to European security.

That’s why the UK will stand with Ukraine—today, tomorrow, and for generations to come.

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

Three years on from President Putin’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the UK has today imposed over 100 new sanctions directly targeting those who continue to aid the invasion.

• 107 new sanctions announced as UK unleashes our largest sanctions package since the early days of the invasion.
• milestone package targets Russian military supply chains, revenues fuelling Putin’s illegal war, and Kleptocrats driving profits for the Kremlin
• strengthening Ukraine’s hand will help to build a secure and prosperous Europe and UK – a foundation of the government’s Plan for Change

Today’s measures will target funds going into Putin’s war chest and propping up Russia’s kleptocratic system.

As the Prime Minister said last week, we are facing a once in a generation moment for the collective security of our continent.  The UK is working with our Allies to put Ukraine in the best position to achieve peace through strength. Today’s action is a further step towards this.

The sanctions will also target Russia’s military machine, entities in third countries who support it and the fragile supply networks that it relies on.

Targets include:

• producers and suppliers of machine tools, electronics and dual-use goods for Russia’s military, including microprocessors used in weapons systems. These are based in a range of third countries including Central Asian states, Turkey, Thailand, India and China, which is the largest supplier of critical goods for Russia’s military
• North Korean Defence Minister No Kwang Chol and other North Korean generals and senior officials complicit in deploying over 11,000 DPRK forces to Russia. Putin is using DPRK forces as cannon fodder; DPRK has suffered over 4,000 casualties
• 13 Russian targets, including LLC Grant-Trade, its owner Marat Mustafaev and his sister Dinara Mustafaeva, who have used the company to funnel advanced European technology into Russia to support its illegal war

For the first time, we are also using new powers to target foreign financial institutions supporting Russia’s war machine.  We are sanctioning the Kyrgyzstan-based OJSC Keremet Bank, disrupting Russia’s use of the international financial system to support its war efforts.

Foreign Secretary, David Lammy said:

Today’s action, the largest in almost 3 years, underscores the UK’s commitment to Ukraine.

Every military supply line disrupted, every rouble blocked, and every enabler of Putin’s aggression exposed is a step towards a just and lasting peace, and towards security and prosperity in the UK as a part of this government’s Plan for Change.

Lasting peace will only be achieved through strength. That is why we are focused on putting Ukraine in the strongest possible position.

As the world marks the grim milestone of Putin’s full-scale invasion entering its fourth year, we cannot and will not turn our backs on Ukraine in their fight for our shared security.

Keeping the country safe is the Government’s first priority and an integral part of the Prime Minister’s Plan for Change. Sanctions against Russia’s military machine and the revenues fuelling it will improve the chances of a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, which will benefit security and prosperity in the UK.

The new sanctions will put further pressure on Putin’s energy revenues, the most vital source of funding for his illegal invasion. They include specification of another 40 ‘shadow fleet’ ships carrying Russian oil. These vessels have collectively carried more than $5 billion worth of Russian oil and oil products in the last six months alone. The specifications bring the total number of oil tankers sanctioned by the UK to 133 – the highest of any nation in Europe.

Finally, we are sanctioning 14 ‘New Kleptocrats’, some of whom are fronting up strategic sectors of Russia’s economy.  Among them are Roman Trotsenko, one of the wealthiest men in Russia, worth £2.2 billion.

After three years of the full-scale invasion, Ukrainians continue to defend their country and way of life with ingenuity and courage. They have shown that with the right support they can defend themselves against Russian aggression. Today’s action will strengthen Ukraine’s hand at a critical time in their fight for our shared security.

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

UK statement at the annual High-Level Segment of the Human Rights Council. Delivered by Lord Collins, FCDO Minister for Africa, UN, Commonwealth & Human Rights.

Mr Vice President,

I stand here not just as a life-long trade unionist but also as a Minister of a government committed to human rights and the rule of law.

We have gathered today against the backdrop of an increasingly volatile and uncertain world. Conflicts and geopolitical tensions are robbing people across the world of their most basic rights.

That’s why the United Kingdom backs Ukraine’s right to choose its own future. That’s why the ceasefire in Gaza must be fully implemented. We want to see an end to the conflict, with every hostage released and vital aid reaching Gaza, leading to a credible process towards a two-state solution.

That’s why we welcome the Syrian interim authorities’ efforts to build a more inclusive future for all Syrians. It’s why we welcome Bangladesh engaging with the High Commissioner as it addresses past crimes and future aspirations.

It’s why we are heartbroken by the suffering in Sudan and commend the DRC for bringing the appalling situation in the East of their country to this Council just two weeks ago.

That’s why we are urging China to implement the recommendations of the United Nations High Commissioner’s Xinjiang assessment and respect the Joint Declaration on Hong Kong.

Against this worsening global climate, the United Kingdom is determined to champion equal and inalienable rights for all. So I’m proud that the United Kingdom is standing for election to the Council for the 2026 to 2028 term.

Throughout its many terms on the Council, the United Kingdom has always put respect and partnership at the heart of our approach. And we promise to collaborate in the same spirit once again. If elected, we pledge to defend civic space and fundamental freedoms, supporting civil society organisations and human rights defenders.

We pledge to champion equal rights for all, by standing up for the rights of women and girls and LGBT+ people whose hard-won rights and freedoms are being so cruelly undermined, and by promoting women’s economic empowerment. And we will do all we can to uphold the rule of law. Because human rights and the rule of law are the basic building blocks of sustainable economic growth, stable societies, and humane migration policies.

We will prioritise human rights and governance principles, including the use of new technologies and responding to modern slavery.

But the United Kingdom is under no illusion that we can do all this alone. We cannot. That’s why we need your support. And if we have the honour of serving on the Council, we will prioritise practical action to achieve our shared human rights goals and change people’s lives for the better.

Ultimately, it is only by building genuine, respectful partnerships that we can work together to defend the freedoms we all hold so dear.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 21 February 2025.

Explanation of vote by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, following the vote on the UN Security Council resolution on Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The United Kingdom is grateful for the efforts of France, as penholder, and the engagement of all Council members to enable the adoption today of this important resolution.

The United Kingdom welcomes and fully supports this text. We hope it makes a positive contribution to the diplomatic leadership in the region, especially the recent EAC-SADC summit, and helps bring an end to the conflict.

UK ministers are engaging intensively to support a diplomatic end to the conflict because there is no military solution.

President, the violations we have seen in recent weeks in eastern DRC are wholly unacceptable. Today’s resolution sends a clear message that these violations must stop and the parties to return to the African-led political processes.

It makes clear that there needs to be a ceasefire and the withdrawal of M23 from Goma and Bukavu. We strongly urge M23 to immediately cease hostilities. No Member States should impede this.

It also makes clear that international humanitarian law must be respected, as must MONUSCO’s mandate.

And critically, it makes clear that DRC’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, as well as the UN Charter must be respected. The UK supports this resolution’s call for all Rwandan Defence Forces to withdraw from Congolese territory.

We urge the parties to fully abide by this resolution. Otherwise this Council will need to consider further action.

Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 20 February 2025.

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

President, like others I extend condolences to the fallen Tunisian peacekeeper’s family, and express our gratitude for the personal sacrifices that peacekeepers and their families make in support of peace.

We condemn all attacks on UN peacekeepers.

I will make three points today.

First, the UK welcomes the work by the government of CAR, in coordination with MINUSCA, to advance voter registration for elections.

The elections should be an important milestone in expanding the political participation of all individuals in CAR.

However, the UK has information that Proxies directed by the Russian state have plans to interfere with CAR elections, including through suppressing political voices and conducting disinformation campaigns to interfere in political debate.

These actions demonstrate that Russian proxies act without regard for CAR’s sovereignty in order to secure continued support for their destabilising objectives.

Furthermore, they jeopardise the dedicated UN role, mandated by this Council, to help support inclusive, free and fair elections in 2025 and 2026.

Second, the UK also welcomes progress by the government of CAR to improve its security and accountability capacity.

This includes delivering the first disciplinary sanctions against magistrates since 2013.

However, as the Secretary-General’s report highlights, CAR faces many security challenges.

Attacks by Sudanese Rapid Support Forces in CAR threaten progress made in implementing the 2019 Political Agreement.

The UK calls on all actors to respect CAR’s territorial integrity.

We also encourage the government of CAR to enhance border management with Sudan to support refugees and prevent their exploitation by armed elements.

Third, we remain concerned at the human rights situation in the country.

The UK condemns reports of ‘Wagner Ti Azande’ and other armed groups committing atrocities against civilians, including conflict-related sexual violence.

Grave violations against children are also increasing.

We urge the government of CAR to enhance their efforts to identify recruited children and secure their handover to child protection actors.

We also call on all actors to the conflict to uphold their obligations under International Humanitarian and Human Rights Law.

President, to conclude, the coming year will be important for supporting peace and security in CAR, including through elections.

The UK remains committed to supporting MINUSCA and the government of CAR to embed genuine long-term security while preserving CAR’s sovereignty.

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

The UK-India strategic partnership has taken another major step forward with the formal launch of Defence Partnership – India (DP-I) and the signing of several defence agreements at Aero India 2025.

Announcing DP-I, UK Defence Minister Lord Vernon Coaker opened the UK-India Defence Partnership Pavilion, establishing a dedicated programme office within the UK’s Ministry of Defence that will serve as a one-stop shop for strengthening bilateral defence collaboration between the two countries.

The UK and India have today agreed to expand their collaboration on next-generation weapons with Thales and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL). Thales and BDL have signed a contract that will deliver Laser Beam Riding MANPADs (LBRM), with an initial supply of High Velocity Missiles (STARStreak) and launchers to be delivered this year. This contract represents an important next step for UK-Indian defence co-operation in the critical area of air defence.

Lord Vernon Coaker, UK Defence Minister, said:

It was a pleasure to visit India and continue to grow our already strong defence relationship. Our Defence Partnership and the UK-India Defence Partnership Pavilion will help strengthen our cooperation further, supporting economic growth in both our countries and India’s Atmanirbhar ambition.

This event showcases our collaboration in next generation capability, and the massive potential the UK and India can unlock by working together.

Following the signing of this initial LBRM contract, both Thales and BDL will further collaborate to produce Lightweight Multirole Missiles (LMM). This develops and expands the partnership between Indian and British industry, laying the foundation for BDL and Indian industry to form an integral part of Thales’ global supply chain. It will address mutual security concerns, create jobs in both countries and enable interoperability by both armies.

Lindy Cameron, British High Commissioner to India, said:

India is taking significant steps in its journey to become Atmanirbhar in its defence capabilities. The UK is really looking forward to working with India as a partner of choice in supporting this ambition: collaborating on defence technologies lies at the heart of this. These are landmark agreements that support our economic growth and joint security.

In a separate development, MBDA UK and BDL have been working together on the installation of a first of its kind Advanced Short-Range Air to Air Missile (ASRAAM) assembly and test facility in Hyderabad, arming current fleet of India’s fighter jets as well as exporting to the world.

On the maritime front, the UK and India have signed a Statement of Intent to design and develop an Integrated Full Electric Propulsion (IFEP) system for India’s next generation Landing Platform Dock (LPD) fleet. As next steps, GE Vernova and BHEL are working to develop India’s first maritime Land Based Testing Facility to deliver LPD in the water by 2030.

The strengthening of UK-India partnership will directly support India’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ ambition and deliver the UK Government’s growth agenda and Plan for Change.

Further information

• Free-to-use high resolution images of the UK delegation at Aero India will be uploaded online: www.flickr.com/photos/ukinindia.
• The British companies at Aero India 2025 are Rolls Royce, BAE Systems, MBDA UK, Thales UK, GE Vernova, Leonardo, Strongfield Technologies, ASL, SEKO Logistics, Jaguar Engineering Centre of Excellence, Aviation Defence Supplies Ltd and Ricardo.
• Following the signing of the LBRM contract both Thales UK and BDL will further collaborate to co-produce Lightweight Multirole Missiles with BDL forming an integral part of the Thales supply chain, increasing manufacturing capacity for global export.
• UK Defence invested £69 million to secure Thales UK supply chain for key components used in the manufacture of missiles in 2024.
• The landmark maritime electric propulsion capability transfer will ensure self-reliance in the power and propulsion of the Indian Navy’s next generation fleets.