Tag: Foreign Office

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 10 June 2026.

Matt Western MP, UK Trade Envoy, visits Cambodia to boost trade and investment ties, building on past engagement and reaffirming support for sustainable growth.

Phnom Penh, 10 June 2026 — The UK Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand and Laos, Matt Western MP, is visiting Cambodia to build on previous engagements and further strengthen bilateral trade and investment ties, reaffirming the United Kingdom’s long‑standing commitment to Cambodia’s sustainable economic growth.

Speaking ahead of the visit the UK Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy, Matt Western MP said: 

It is a pleasure to return to Cambodia at such an important moment in the country’s development. As Cambodia prepares to graduate from Least Developed Country status, there is a real opportunity to deepen trade and investment links, strengthen skills and education partnerships, and support the growth of Cambodian businesses. The United Kingdom is proud to work with Cambodia in areas where our strengths and ambitions align, including green infrastructure, financial services and capital markets, and education. These sectors have the potential to support sustainable growth, create jobs, attract investment and unlock long-term prosperity.

Cambodia’s open and outward-looking approach to trade and investment creates significant opportunities for deeper economic cooperation. British businesses are already making a positive contribution across the country, and there is considerable potential to strengthen commercial links further as Cambodia continues its economic transformation. During my visit, I look forward to meeting Cambodian leaders, regulators, businesses and educators to explore how we can deepen our partnership, unlock new opportunities for trade and investment, and support the next chapter of Cambodia’s growth story. By working together, we can build a future-focused partnership that delivers lasting benefits for people and businesses in both our countries.

During his visit, Mr Western will meet with senior Cambodian leaders, including H.E. Dr Sok Siphana, counterparts from the Ministry of Commerce and the Council for the Development of Cambodia. Discussions will focus on Cambodia’s key trade and investment priorities, delivery following the Joint Trade and Investment Forum (JTIF), regulatory reform, and increasing utilisation of the UK’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS). The meetings will also highlight the role of UK expertise and programmes, including the ASEAN-UK Economic Integration Programme (EIP), in supporting Cambodia’s long‑term growth.

Mr Western will also meet representatives from Electricité du Cambodge (EDC) to discuss Cambodia’s energy ambitions, financing partnerships, and the current and potential future role of the UK in supporting Cambodia’s energy development and transition.

In addition, he will engage with members of UK–Cambodia Capital Markets Development Working Group, delivered in partnership with BritCham Cambodia, to review progress to date, discuss next steps, and explore opportunities to position UK professional and financial services expertise in support of Cambodia’s capital market development.

As part of the programme, Mr Western will visit British businesses operating in Cambodia, including Reigate Grammar School Phnom Penh and Unilever, to highlight their contributions to job creation, skills development, and inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

He will also attend a networking reception with UK institutions, businesses, the British Chamber of Commerce, and Cambodian counterparts, aimed at strengthening collaboration and deepening partnerships on trade and development.

The UK remains committed to working closely with Cambodian partners to foster mutual prosperity and unlock new trade and investment opportunities that benefit both nations.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 9 June 2026.

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

We meet at a time of heightened tension in the region.

As my Foreign Secretary said, the resumption of conflict between Iran and Israel is in no one’s interest. Both sides must show restraint. 

For over two decades, the international community has sought clarity and assurance about the exclusively peaceful nature of Iran’s proliferation activities.

Instead, Iran has continued to expand its nuclear programme in ways that lack any credible civilian justification.

Iran is the only state without nuclear weapons to accumulate over 400kg of high enriched uranium, as well as persistently fail to meet its safeguard obligations.

Iran’s failure to cooperate fully with the IAEA erodes confidence and raises serious questions about intent.

The IAEA’s reporting from May on Iran’s safeguards implementation was damning.

The Agency is unable to draw safeguards conclusions for Iran, citing sustained gaps in monitoring, a lack of credible cooperation on longstanding issues, including refusal of access to nuclear sites, and an inability to verify the peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear programme.

That trajectory is deeply troubling.

It risks further weakening the global non-proliferation regime at a time when it is already under strain.

Against this backdrop, the full and effective implementation of reinstated UN sanctions remains essential.

The sanctions measures contained within the six reinstated UN Security Council resolutions, including Resolution 1737, are targeted measures to constrain Iran’s proliferation and protect international security.

They impose a ban on nuclear technology and materials, and impose asset freezes on key individuals and entities linked to Iran’s enrichment programme.

All UN Member States are obliged to comply fully and without exception. Those seeking to evade or undermine these measures should cease immediately.

Any efforts to dilute the restrictions weakens our collective security.

President, we regret that Russia and China continue to impede the sanctions which this Council is entrusted to uphold.

We urge all members of the Council to act in good faith so that the Committee can fulfil its mandate effectively, including through the agreement of 90-day reports and appointments to the Panel of Experts.

We also call for the prompt appointment of a Chair, and we look forward to the Secretary-General’s report on the implementation of resolution 2231.

President, our objective remains unchanged.

IAEA reports are clear about Iran’s non-compliance, and we are clear in our purpose: we want to see a negotiated settlement that provides verifiable assurances of a peaceful nuclear programme.

The United Kingdom remains firmly committed to a lasting and sustainable diplomatic solution that ensures Iran never develops a nuclear weapon.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 9 June 2026.

Statement by Ambassador Archie Young, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Central Africa.

I will make four points focused on: the Ebola outbreak, climate security, the situation in Cameroon, and the impact of the Sudan conflict.

The UK is deeply concerned about the Ebola outbreak in eastern DRC and neighbouring countries. The conflict in eastern DRC makes the Ebola response harder. We urge all parties and the international community to work together to curb the outbreak.

The United Kingdom has allocated over $26 million in new funding for the World Health Organisation, the UN and other international partners to strengthen disease surveillance, support frontline health workers, improve infection prevention and control, and help affected communities access lifesaving care.

Second, the United Kingdom welcomes the launch of UNOCA’s Climate, Peace and Security Strategy. Climate change continues to compound insecurity and displacement in the Central Africa region.

We welcome UNOCA’s cooperation with ECCAS and the UN Climate Security Mechanism to develop a new strategy for addressing the impact of climate change. We urge swift implementation of the strategy to improve early warning and conflict-sensitive responses.

Third, we encourage greater efforts to address violence and terrorism in the region. The United Kingdom is concerned by continued violence and insecurity in the North-West and South-West regions of Cameroon, with civilians continuing to bear the brunt of the conflict.

We welcome UNOCA’s efforts to support dialogue and urge sustained engagement towards a peaceful, Cameroonian-led solution.

We also encourage further regional cooperation to tackle threats from Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in the Lake Chad Basin. We note the work of the Multinational Joint Task Force in improving security in Cameroon’s Far-North.

Fourth, as the Secretary-General’s report made clear, the Sudan conflict is having a destabilising impact on the Central Africa region. This includes driving displacement and humanitarian need. We particularly commend Chad’s efforts in hosting refugees fleeing violence. 

At the recent international Sudan conference, the UK announced 146 million pounds to support frontline aid workers providing life-saving support to the Sudanese people. 

The United Kingdom remains committed to supporting the Central Africa region.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 9 June 2026.

Joint statement from Foreign Ministers of Australia, Canada, France, Norway, and the United Kingdom in response to the deteriorating situation in the West Bank.

In response to the deteriorating situation in the West Bank, we the Foreign Ministers of Australia, Canada, France, Norway, and the United Kingdom, have taken coordinated action to introduce sanctions and other measures to hold extremist settlers accountable for the horrific levels of settler violence against Palestinian civilians.

Extremist violent settlers, with the backing of their supporters, continue to attack Palestinians and abuse their human rights. They use violence to displace Palestinians, destroy property and perpetuate the illegal settlement enterprise, undermining the viability of the State of Palestine and the prospects for peaceful coexistence.

For too long, violent settlers have been able to act with near impunity, and settlement expansion and creation of outposts continue with the support and facilitation of the Government of Israel.  In some cases, settler violence takes place under the protection of Israel’s security forces. We continue to urge the Government of Israel to take action to ensure meaningful accountability for violence in the West Bank. The Government of Israel should ensure every attack is swiftly and thoroughly investigated, take action against the outposts and organisations that allow violence to flourish, and stop the incitement of violence.

We believe that peace and security for both Israelis and Palestinians can only be achieved through the implementation of the two-state solution. Together, we will continue to work towards this goal.

We Australia, Canada, France, Norway, and the United Kingdom have all taken the historic decision to recognise the State of Palestine, reflecting the rights of the Palestinian people and as part of our common efforts to protect the viability of the two-state solution. Today, we are acting together again in support of the same objectives.

We stand ready to take more action if the Government of Israel does not take urgent steps to address the situation on the ground.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 9 June 2026.

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper announces co-ordinated sanctions with international partners targeting individuals and entities involved in financing and enabling settler violence in the occupied West Bank.

• Foreign Secretary to set out tougher UK action in response to record settlement expansion and rising settler violence in West Bank, and push for urgent implementation of the 20 Point Peace Plan
• UK brings together Australia, Canada, France, New Zealand and Norway to deliver co-ordinated sanctions against networks financing and enabling settler attacks against Palestinians in the West Bank, and firmly advises British businesses against activity in illegal Israeli settlements 
• UK takes further action to support recovery in Gaza, including providing £1 million for humanitarian demining, and at least £10 million supporting the PA to navigate the fiscal crisis and sustain critical services

In a statement to Parliament today, the Foreign Secretary will announce that the UK, alongside partners (Canada, France and Norway) is imposing new sanctions. The UK will impose sanctions on 6 entities and one individual involved in financing, enabling and carrying out settler violence in the occupied West Bank. Australia and New Zealand published co-ordinated sanctions last week.   

Australia, Canada, France, Norway, and the United Kingdom have all taken the historic decision to recognise the State of Palestine, reflecting the rights of the Palestinian people and as part of our common efforts to protect the viability of the two-state solution. Today, they are acting together again in support of the same objectives. 

Those designated will face asset freezes and, where appropriate, travel bans and Director Disqualifications. These sanctions will disrupt the flows of finance that have allowed extremist settler groups to act with impunity in the West Bank and demonstrate the UK’s commitment to a two-state solution. 

The UK position remains clear: settlements are illegal under international law, they undermine international efforts to secure a just, lasting peace in the Middle East, and they risk doing permanent damage to the prospects of a secure and viable Palestinian state being able to live in peace alongside a secure Israel.  

For the first time, the Foreign Secretary has also announced that the UK’s official guidance will explicitly advise businesses against economic and financial activity in illegal settlements. The UK continues to support trade with Israel within 1967 lines, but states that there should be no economic involvement in illegal settlements.  

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper is expected to say: 

Today we are acting with our international partners to sanction those who support and sponsor violence against Palestinian communities in the West Bank.

Settler expansion and violence is illegal and a fundamental threat to the viability of a two-state solution, and to long-term peace and security for Palestinians and Israelis.

These measures show the UK is leading with our partners to target those who are fuelling this violence.

These steps come against a backdrop of continued illegal settlement expansion including the E1 project, which further undermines the viability of a two-state solution, and record levels of settler violence designed deliberately to destroy Palestinian homes and livelihoods in the West Bank. 

The UK continues to urge the Government of Israel to end settlement expansion, clamp down on settler violence, prosecute those responsible, and lift ongoing restrictions on the functioning of the Palestinian economy. The UK will not hesitate to take further action if the situation does not improve. 

Today’s measures form part of a wider UK effort to advance peace and security in Israel and Palestine. This includes action to support implementation of the 20 Point Plan for Gaza and protect and strengthen a viable Palestinian state.  

The Foreign Secretary is also expected to announce today that the UK will provide an additional £1 million for humanitarian mine action in Gaza in addition to the £4 million already contributed. She will call on the Government of Israel to open all crossings and remove arbitrary restrictions on the delivery of humanitarian aid and equipment to ensure that UK aid can reach all those who desperately need it.

She will also announce that she will travel to Paris this week in advance of the Peace Building Conference, which is bringing together Israeli and Palestinian civil society, and international partners dedicated to advancing the two-state solution.

In addition, the Foreign Secretary will confirm at least £10 million in financial and technical assistance to the Palestinian Authority in 2026, including support to navigate the fiscal crisis and sustain frontline services such as healthcare. 

Background 

Sanctioned individuals and entities include: 

• The Farms Association: provides financial and organisational support to Israeli settler farms and outposts in the West Bank, including those associated with violence, intimidation and forced displacement of Palestinians 
• Ahavat Gilad: serves as a financial conduit for the Farms Association, channelling donations to settler outposts including those associated with violence against Palestinians 
• Ari Yshag: fundraises for illegal settler outposts associated with violence, intimidation and forced displacement of Palestinians 
• Artzenu: promotes, finances and resources settler farms and outposts associated with violence against Palestinians, including fundraising for tactical military equipment for armed settler squads 
• Shivat Zion Lerigvey Admata: the registered legal vehicle through which Artzenu’s financial activities are conducted, channelling donations to outposts linked to serious human rights abuses 
• Eyal Hari Yehuda: construction and demolition company that facilitates, supports and is responsible for owners, staff, associates and family members who have used company resources while hired on construction and demolition jobs in the West Bank to destroy Palestinian land and property, as well as physically attack, shoot and kill Palestinians, which has led to the wider displacement of Palestinians
• Itamar Yehuda Levi: owner of EYAL HARI YEHUDA COMPANY LTD (also designated today) that facilitates, supports and is responsible for owners, staff, associates and family members who have used company resources while hired on construction and demolition jobs in the West Bank to destroy Palestinian land and property, as well as physically attack, shoot and kill Palestinians, which has led to the wider displacement of Palestinians

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 3 June 2026.

Dr David Hall has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Djibouti, in succession to Mr Vinay Talwar, who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment.

Dr Hall will take up his appointment during October 2026.

Curriculum vitae 

Full name: David Ian Hall 

Dates	Role
2022 to 2025	MOD, Deputy Director, Counter Proliferation
2021	FCDO, Head of Security Policy
2017 to 2020	Vienna, Ambassador and Permanent Representative to IAEA/CTBTO
2015 to 2017	Vienna, Deputy Permanent Representative, UKMis
2012 to 2015	Nairobi, Political Counsellor
2009 to 2012	FCO, Counter Proliferation Department
2007 to 2009	FCO, Africa Directorate
2003 to 2007	Brussels, First Secretary (Nuclear Policy, NATO)
1993 to 2003	MOD

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 3 June 2026.

Mr Chair, only a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, one that safeguards its sovereignty, will deter further Russian aggression. The United Kingdom’s commitment is unwavering: we will maintain pressure on Russia, continue supporting Ukraine’s Armed Forces, and help secure a peace that endures.

President Putin expected a swift victory. More than four years on, he has achieved none of his strategic aims, while inflicting immense suffering on Ukrainians and on his own people.

And make no mistake, militarily Russia is under severe strain. The Director of the UK’s Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ) recently confirmed intelligence indicating nearly 500,000 Russian soldiers have been killed since the start of the full-scale invasion, assessing that the Russian military is “going backwards on the battlefield”. Monthly losses remain extremely high, while territorial gains have slowed markedly in 2026. The already devastatingly slow rate of advance has halved so far in 2026. This illegal campaign only serves to consume vast resources, inflict mass casualties for limited, reversible gains.

Yet a state under pressure can still inflict immense suffering, as recent strikes and threats demonstrate. On 23–24 May, Russia launched one of the largest air assaults on Kyiv, damaging or destroying more than 30 residential buildings. In May alone, Russia fired 197 missiles, including 72 ballistic or hypersonic, alongside hundreds of daily drone strikes, levels that have now become deeply alarming in their regularity. In its latest mass attack on Monday night and early Tuesday morning, Russia launched 656 drones and 73 missiles, resulting in the death of at least 18 civilians and leaving dozens injured. This was the largest ballistic/hypersonic missile attack since the full-scale invasion. Russia has not acknowledged responsibility for any of this.

Civilian suffering continues to intensify. In the first four months of 2026, civilian casualties increased by 21% compared to the same period in 2025. Since the start of the full-scale invasion, at least 16,149 civilians have been killed and more than 46,000 injured. The United Nations projects that up to 504,000 additional people could be displaced this year, with a further 2.7 million affected by ongoing strikes.

Russia’s warnings of “systematic strikes” on the capital and the targeting of decision-making centres are wholly unacceptable. Despite threats and warnings to evacuate, missions have remained in place, with the G7 and partners making clear they will continue to stand alongside Ukraine. This sustained presence sends a clear signal: attempts at threats intimidation will not succeed, and the international community remains engaged and visible in Kyiv.

Russia’s actions so clearly violate the core OSCE principles: sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the prohibition of the use of force. The Code of Conduct makes clear that such actions are a matter of direct and legitimate concern to all participating States, requiring solidarity and coordinated response.

Ukraine has demonstrated repeatedly that it is the party of peace, including by agreeing to a full, immediate, and unconditional ceasefire, and by engaging constructively with partners. Russia, by contrast, has failed to engage seriously. It continues to advance maximalist demands tantamount to Ukraine’s surrender, while prolonging negotiations and intensifying attacks. Russia continues to demand that Ukraine withdraw from areas it has failed to occupy after years of fighting. That is not diplomacy, it is attempted coercion.

Mr Chair, Russia can end this war now, by engaging seriously in negotiations, withdrawing its forces, and respecting Ukraine’s sovereignty. The United Kingdom is fully committed to supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty, security and right to self-defence. Thank you.

UK Chargé d’Affaires, Deputy Ambassador James Ford, condemns Russia’s armed drone strike on a residential building in Romania, stressing that it violated Romanian sovereignty and NATO airspace, injured civilians, and heightened regional instability. He underlines that such incidents stem directly from Russia’s ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine – and asks Russia to clarify its intent.

Mr Chair, I will begin by repeating the remarks made by my Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary in response to this incident, in which a Russian drone struck a residential building in Galați, injuring civilians. The United Kingdom stands in full solidarity with Romania, with Ukraine, and with all those impacted by Russia’s latest attacks, which we unreservedly condemn. 

This incident represents a dangerous violation of Romania’s sovereignty and a serious violation of NATO airspace. It contravenes key principles of the Helsinki Final Act. It increases instability and heightens the risk of miscalculation. 

Mr Chair, this incident also appears to be part of a broader pattern. One which stems from Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. That war already constitutes a fundamental breach of OSCE principles and commitments. The spillover we are now witnessing into the territory of NATO Allies further endangers regional and Euro-Atlantic security. 

NATO is a defensive alliance. And, as my Foreign Secretary has stated, NATO’s resolve to safeguard peace and security across our territory remains steadfast. As part of that effort, the United Kingdom continues to coordinate closely with Romania, including through our contribution to Enhanced Air Policing on NATO’s Eastern Flank.  

Mr Chair, under the OSCE’s politico-military dimension, all participating States have committed to reducing risks, increasing predictability, and avoiding actions that could lead to misunderstandings or unintended confrontation. Russia claims to abide by these commitments, and wants necessary dialogue. In this spirit, we ask the following questions of Russia: 

Can the Russian Federation confirm to this forum that its armed drone hit Romanian territory, injuring civilians, and does it agree that such an incident is dangerous and an unacceptable violation of sovereign territory? 

What measures were taken to prevent violations of Romania’s airspace during these drone operations, and what steps will Russia take to ensure that any such incident will not happen again? 

As we have underlined at previous FSC meetings, we ask these questions with the sincere aim of managing risk: we understand if the Russian delegation prefers to consult on the detail and respond at a future meeting. 

To conclude, an armed Russian drone injured civilians in Romania. In doing so, it violated the airspace of Romania, a NATO Ally. These are the facts. It is also a fact that this incident would not have happened were Russia not continuing to wage its war of aggression against Ukraine.  

The best way to prevent any such incidents in future is for Russia to end its illegal aggression against Ukraine, to agree to a full and unconditional ceasefire, and to engage seriously in negotiations towards a just and lasting peace. 

Thank you Chair.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 2 June 2026.

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

The United Kingdom joined in calling this meeting to condemn the severe escalation of Israeli military action in Lebanon over recent days.

This reckless and disproportionate escalation of Israeli military action has exacerbated an already devastating environment for Lebanese civilians and placed the Government of Lebanon under further strain. Civilians have been killed and over 1 million displaced, civilian homes and infrastructure destroyed, and the space for diplomacy eroded.

Further escalation on this scale is simply not proportionate and cannot set the conditions for lasting peace.

We reiterate that Hizballah, at the instigation of Iran, have dragged Lebanon into a war that its government and people do not want. We strongly condemn Lebanese Hizballah’s ongoing attacks against Israel. We also condemn recent comments by

Hizballah’s leadership that seek to destabilise the democratically elected Government of Lebanon within their own country. Hizballah does not speak or act for the people of Lebanon.

We are clear Hizballah must end attacks on Israel and disarm.  

UNICEF reported last week that 15 children were killed and 62 injured in Lebanon last week as a result of the conflict – that’s 11 children killed or injured every 24 hours. Healthcare workers are also facing death and injury as they carry out their duties.

  The escalation must end. We call upon all parties to uphold their obligations under international law. 

Israel’s legitimate concerns about the security of their northern communities will not be solved by military escalation. The talks convened by the US between the Governments of Israel and Lebanon are the only viable path towards a lasting political settlement and the disarmament of Hizballah.

We warmly welcomed these talks – and yet progress is being undermined by both Hizballah and Israel. All parties must implement a genuine and lasting cessation of hostilities to allow space for real diplomatic progress.  

We support the efforts of the Lebanese government to extend its authority throughout the country in line with UNSCR 1701, including through the strengthening of Lebanese state institutions and security forces, and the disarmament of Hizballah. We call for swift implementation. Escalation in Lebanon and across the Blue Line risks further destabilising Lebanon and undermining critical negotiations to achieve peace across the region.  

The UK will continue to support diplomatic efforts that deliver lasting peace and security for both Lebanon and Israel.