Tag: Foreign Office

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 1 July 2026.

UK Senior Military Advisor, Colonel Joby Rimmer condemns the contradiction between Russia’s rhetoric of dialogue and its continued aggression, and calls for an immediate ceasefire and meaningful negotiations.

Mr Chair, the United Kingdom remains unequivocally committed to a just and lasting peace in Ukraine: one that protects Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the right of every participating State to choose its own security arrangements, in line with the Helsinki Final Act. Our support for Ukraine is long-term, and we support every credible diplomatic effort to bring this war to an end. But credible diplomacy requires seriousness, a willingness to engage directly, and to negotiate in good faith.

The Russian Federation has not done any of these. It is not choosing negotiation. It is choosing to continue the war. This is the contradiction at the heart of Russia’s position. Russia speaks of dialogue but rejects the conditions that would make talks meaningful. Russia speaks of peace but refuses a ceasefire. Russia speaks of diplomacy but continues to attack Ukrainian cities. Russia’s message is negotiation but Russia’s method is war.

On 23 June, President Putin again claimed Russia was open to peace. Yet the Russian Federation continues to refuse a full, immediate and unconditional ceasefire. President Putin has not accepted President Zelenskyy’s repeated offers of direct dialogue, including in his recent open letter to the Kremlin. A State serious about peace does not refuse every opportunity to meet, to talk, and to stop the killing.

A short while ago on 6 May, the Russian Foreign Ministry issued formal notes to Embassies in Kyiv. On 25 May, after one of the largest single-night attacks on Kyiv since the start of the full-scale invasion, the Russian Ministry of Defence advised diplomatic personnel to leave the city “as soon as possible”. And on 24 June, in this Forum, Russia reiterated that this threat “remains in force”.

This is not diplomacy. It is pressure. It is an attempt to intimidate the diplomatic community, undermine confidence in Ukraine’s capital, and present Russian escalation as inevitable. The response has been clear: Embassies have not left or announced plans to leave Kyiv.

Last week, in this Forum, the distinguished representative from Belarus stated the Union State framework includes the use of, in its own words, “all possible means available, including nuclear means”. The Russian Delegation repeated and amplified this nuclear signalling multiple times. This rhetoric is irresponsible and coercive nuclear signalling. This does not support negotiation. This is designed to intimidate. This does not bring peace closer, it increases risk. But let me reiterate, this is not a nuclear crisis, and nor should it become one.

The Russian Federation’s conduct of the war tells the same story. It continues to sustain casualties of some 38,000 a month, for negligible gains on the ground. It persists in the reckless use of Oreshnik nuclear-capable intermediate-range ballistic missiles against Ukrainian cities. It intensifies long-range strikes that kill civilians far from the front line. These are not the actions of a State seeking peace. They are the actions of a State seeking to sustain the war while blaming others for the absence of negotiations.

The Russian Federation must stop the war and engage meaningfully in negotiations. Peace will not come through rhetoric while the Russian Armed Forces continue to fight. Peace will not come through threats while Russia refuses direct engagement. And peace will not come through claims of openness while Russia rejects the ceasefire.

Mr Chair, we continue to call on the Russian Federation to de-escalate, starting by ending its illegal and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. The Russian Federation should agree to an immediate ceasefire and open the channels with Kyiv that President Zelenskyy has repeatedly offered. The path to peace is clear and Russia can choose to take it at any time. Thank you, Mr Chair.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 30 June 2026.

Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Chargé d’Affaires to the UN, at the UNRWA Pledging Conference 2026.

Let me start by paying tribute to the 392 UNRWA staff who have been killed since October 2023, and to those who continue to serve in the most challenging conditions. 

UNRWA remains indispensable to the delivery of essential services to millions of Palestinian refugees across Gaza, the West Bank, Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan. 

In Gaza, UNRWA has delivered over 18.7 million health consultations since October 2023. It is also reaching around 860,000 people each day with clean water. This is essential public health work.

In Lebanon, UNRWA has been operating two emergency shelters, supporting 1,900 people displaced by the conflict, and providing more than 200,000 medical consultations through its clinics. 

Across the region, UNRWA anchors stability and, through its mandate, supports Palestine refugee rights pending a just and lasting political solution. 

But the extensive challenges facing the agency are undermining its ability to operate. 

The United Kingdom condemns actions taken by the Israeli Government including Knesset legislation aimed at restricting its operations in Palestine and the demolition of UNRWA’s headquarters in East Jerusalem. Israel must comply with its obligations to respect the inviolability of UN premises. 

UN Security Council Resolution 2803 is clear. Humanitarian assistance must reach civilians in Gaza at scale, in coordination with the United Nations and its agencies. UNRWA remains indispensable to that effort.  

So we must work together to protect its vital mandate, both politically and through adequate and sustained financing. 

To this end, I am pleased to announce that the United Kingdom will provide $30.7 million to UNRWA this year, including $1.3 million to support implementation of the Colonna Report. 

We welcome progress on implementation to date and urge UNRWA to continue this effort. Through our role as co-chair of the Neutrality Working Group, we will continue to support reforms to strengthen neutrality, governance, and oversight. 

Chair, the United Kingdom stands ready to work with partners here today to support and safeguard UNRWA’s important role, ensuring it can continue to provide stability, dignity, and hope across the region.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 30 June 2026.

Ms Jemima Gordon-Duff has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Lao People’s Democratic Republic in succession to Ms Melanie Barlow.

Ms Gordon-Duff will take up her appointment during August 2026.

Curriculum Vitae

Full name: Jemima Gordon-Duff

Year	Role
2022 to 2026	Scottish Government, Deputy Director International Climate Change
2018 to 2021	Accra, Head of Social Sectors
2016 to 2018	Jerusalem, Head of Governance and Security
2013 to 2016	Maputo, Governance Adviser
2011 to 2013	Islamabad, Governance Adviser
2011	Quito, Deputy Head of Mission
2009 to 2011	Head of Human Rights and Democracy, Human Rights Department
2006 to 2009	Kathmandu, Second Secretary (Political)
2003 to 2005	Desk Officer for Serbia and Montenegro
2003	Joined FCO

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 30 June 2026.

Ms Jennifer Elizabeth Anderson CMG has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Turkey in succession to Ms Jill Morris CMG. Ms Anderson will take up her appointment during August 2026.

Curriculum Vitae

Full name: Jennifer Elizabeth Anderson

Year	Role
2020 to 2024	FCDO, Director, Consular and Crisis
2017 to 2020	Ankara, Deputy Head of Mission
2016	Pre-post training, including Turkish language training
2013 to 2015	FCO, Head of Counter Terrorism Department
2013	Jakarta, Deputy Head of Mission
2010 to 2013	Gaborone, High Commissioner and UK Representative to the South African Development Community (SADC)
2006 to 2009	FCO, Head of Business Engagement Group
2003 to 2005	FCO, Deputy Head of Security Policy Department
2001 to 2003	Brussels, First Secretary (Political/Military) UK Permanent Representation to the European Union
1999 to 2001	FCO, Head of Bosnia and Croatia Section
1997 to 1999	FCO, Head of Visegrad Section
1997	Joined FCO

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 29 June 2026.

Statement by Jennifer MacNaughtan, UK Minister Counsellor, at the Security Council meeting on Belarus.

Any loss of civilian life is a tragedy.

We are saddened by reports of the incident on 17 June involving a bus carrying Belarusian civilians in Bryansk, Russia.

Our thoughts are with the families of those killed and injured. 

Civilians must never bear the consequences of conflict, and children must always be protected.

At present, we are not aware of any independent verification of the circumstances surrounding the incident.

We note that Ukraine has publicly denied any claims that a Ukrinaian drone struck the bus.

What we do know is that if Russia truly wished to protect civilians, it would agree to a full, immediate, and unconditional ceasefire. 

According to OCHA, over 16,000 civilians have been killed in Ukraine since Russia launched its war of choice on 24 February 2022.

None of this would be happening had Russia not launched its illegal full-scale invasion against Ukraine.  

President, the United Kingdom’s position is consistent and clear: all allegations of civilian harm should be taken seriously, wherever they occur. 

The protection of civilians remains a fundamental obligation under international humanitarian law.

We made that same point when this Council met last week following reports of civilian casualties resulting from recent Russian strikes on Ukrainian cities. 

We reiterate it today.

Children have been particularly affected. 

The UN has reported that at least 796 children have been killed in Ukriane and a further 2,835 injured since the start of Russia’s war, bringing the total number of child casualties to 3,631.

In Ukraine, children’s homes, schools, and hospitals have been damaged and destroyed. 

Russia has targeted the electricity infrastructure that heats their houses in winter, it has disrupted their education, and its attacks have displaced families across Ukraine and beyond.

We should all strive to prevent further civilian suffering.

Russia could do so immediately.

Ukraine has time and again reiterated its commitment to a ceasefire.

We call on Russia also to commit to a ceasefire, to engage meaningfully in peace talks, and to end its illegal war against Ukraine.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 29 June 2026.

New UK envoy Lord Collins will champion LGBT+ rights globally, strengthening partnerships to tackle discrimination, violence and persecution.

• new Special Envoy for LGBT+ rights Lord Collins will champion UK efforts to protect LGBT+ people from violence, persecution and discrimination globally
• appointment builds on the UK’s commitment to international LGBT+ rights and role as host of the European IDAHOT+ Forum in 2027
• new Envoy will strengthen partnerships with civil society, governments, parliamentarians and business to defend human rights and support locally led change

LGBT+ people facing violence, persecution and discrimination around the world will be championed by the appointment of Lord Collins of Highbury as the UK Special Envoy for LGBT+ Rights.

The appointment comes as LGBT+ communities, human rights defenders and civil society organisations face rising hostility, less freedom to speak publicly and more severe discriminatory laws in a number of countries.

As Special Envoy, Lord Collins will strengthen UK partnerships with civil society, governments, parliamentarians, business and international organisations. He will support diplomatic and development work to protect and advance human rights and reduce violence against LGBT+ people.

FCDO Minister for Multilateral and Human Rights, Chris Elmore, said:

“Everyone should be able to live safely and freely, no matter who they are or who they love. Lord Collins’ appointment strengthens the UK’s work with civil society and international partners to defend LGBT+ rights, tackle violence and persecution, and support practical change around the world.”

Lord Collins of Highbury, UK Special Envoy for LGBT+ Rights, said:

I am honoured to be appointed as the UK Special Envoy for LGBT+ Rights. No one should face violence, criminalisation or exclusion because of who they are or who they love.

I look forward to working with governments, parliamentarians, civil society, business and communities to defend human rights, support those at greatest risk and help ensure LGBT+ people everywhere can live safely, freely and with dignity.

Lord Collins has a strong record of championing human rights, equality and inclusion. He serves as Deputy Leader of the House of Lords and Government Spokesperson for Equalities and has previously served as Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.

The role will report to the FCDO Minister for Multilateral and Human Rights and will complement the UK’s wider work to defend human rights and fundamental freedoms globally.

The appointment forms part of wider government action to advance equality and protect LGBT+ people from abuse, including the draft Conversion Practices Bill and the UK’s role as host of the European IDAHOT+ Forum in London in 2027.

Notes to editors:

• Lord Collins of Highbury succeeds Lord Herbert of South Downs, who served as the first UK Special Envoy for LGBT+ Rights from May 2021 until January 2025
• the UK announced a £21 million commitment in May 2026 to advance LGBT+ rights internationally over three years, supporting legal reform, people’s right to speak freely, and locally led organisations tackling violence and persecution
• the UK will host the European IDAHOT+ Forum in London in May 2027, bringing together governments, civil society organisations, policymakers and advocates from across Europe
• Lord Collins will continue to fulfil his separate duties as Deputy Leader of the House of Lords and Government Spokesperson for Equalities

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 29 June 2026.

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

The United Kingdom is clear that a two-state solution remains the best way to bring lasting peace to the region and end the cycle of violence that has scarred generations of Palestinians and Israelis.

As we have said numerous times in this Council, the implementation of President Trump’s comprehensive peace plan, endorsed by resolution 2803, is an important step forward towards ending that violence.

Both sides must meet their commitments, with Israel removing restrictions on humanitarian aid, and Hamas decommissioning its weapons.

Today, we focus on the West Bank, where Israel’s policies are eroding the prospects for peaceful co-existence.

And I will highlight three areas.

First, settlement expansion continues in violation of resolution 2334, including the E1 project that aims to cut the West Bank in half and separate East Jerusalem.

This is accompanied by demolitions, evictions, and the displacement of Palestinian communities.

In early June, we saw the approval of over 2,000 settlement housing units across the West Bank, bringing the total approved this year to over 6,000.

On 24 June, Israel declared another 465 dunams of private Palestinian land as state land to make way for a settlement outpost.

My Prime Minister has been clear that we categorically oppose expansion of settlements, which are a violation of international law.

We join this Council in rejecting any attempt at annexation.

Second, as we’ve heard today from the briefers, violence and lawlessness on the ground remain alarming.

According to the UN, there has been an average of six attacks every day against Palestinians in the West Bank since the start of 2026.

The Secretary-General’s recent report highlighted the staggering rise in attacks by settlers on Palestinian children, reportedly often supported by Israeli security forces. 

On 17 June, extremist settlers launched arson attacks on two mosques.

These are not isolated incidents but coordinated attacks on civilians, livelihoods, and religious sites, facilitated by a culture of impunity.

The Government of Israel must uphold its obligations under international law and take urgent steps to halt this violence and hold those responsible accountable.

The UK, alongside partners, has imposed sanctions on individuals and entities that finance and enable settler violence.

And as my Foreign Secretary has made clear, we stand ready to take further action if the Government of Israel does not take urgent steps to address the situation on the ground.

Third, economic conditions in the West Bank are deteriorating sharply.

Israel has withheld over 5 billion USD of Palestinian revenues, placing severe strain on the Palestinian Authority and its ability to sustain essential services, particularly healthcare and medical supplies.

The Government of Israel also continues to attack and undermine Palestinian financial institutions, which risks undermining economic stability more broadly, with consequences for livelihoods and regional stability.

So President, to return to where I started, this Council has given its support to the Comprehensive Peace Plan for Gaza. 

We cannot allow progress toward peace to be undermined by this deeply concerning trajectory in the West Bank. 

We must redouble efforts to stabilise the West Bank and inject renewed momentum into implementation of Resolution 2803 in Gaza. 

Both Israel and Hamas must meet their commitments.

These are essential steps towards a just and lasting peace, in which Israelis and Palestinians can live in security and dignity.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 29 June 2026.

UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue on Burundi. Delivered at the 62nd Human Rights Council in Geneva.

Thank you Mr Vice President.

The United Kingdom thanks the Special Rapporteur for his update. We recognise the importance of his mandate and encourage the government of Burundi to grant the Special Rapporteur access.

The UK is concerned by ongoing reports of shrinking civic space, and the suppression of opposition voices in Burundi. As we approach the 2027 election, we ask the government of Burundi to ensure all Burundian people can exercise their democratic rights, and express their views peacefully, without fear of intimidation.

We note with concern the broader humanitarian and regional context, including pressure arising from displacement. We welcome Burundi’s efforts to host refugees from the Democratic Republic of the Congo; and the UK has provided £2.3million through the World Food Programme to support these efforts.

Mr Vice President, the recent Ebola outbreak in the region is of deep concern. The UK has announced £800,000 of financial support to strengthen preparedness, as any spread to Burundi would pose a serious risk to its people.

Special Rapporteur, ahead of next year’s elections and in the context of regional conflict and health insecurity, how can the international community support Burundi to uphold civil liberties and democracy?

Thank you

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 29 June 2026.

UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper announced over $15 million of funding to support Egypt’s humanitarian response and economic resilience, as the UK and Egypt prepare to conclude a Strategic Partnership.

The UK Foreign Secretary, Yvette Cooper, made her first visit to Egypt from 17 to 18 June. During her visit, the Foreign Secretary met with interlocutors including Foreign Minister Dr Badr Abdelatty and Chief Commissioner of the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG) Dr Ali Shaath.

The Foreign Secretary and Foreign Minister Abdelatty co-chaired the third meeting of the bilateral Association Council. The 2 ministers took stock of the bilateral relationship, and discussed ways of deepening co-operation on growth, migration, and regional security, looking forward to the agreement of an Egypt-UK Strategic Partnership later in the year.

On the region, the ministers discussed how to further align the 2 countries’ efforts to secure lasting stability and peace, including in relation to the Strait of Hormuz, Iran, Gaza, Sudan, and Lebanon.

In her meeting with Dr Ali Shaath, the Foreign Secretary reiterated the UK’s firm belief that the future of Gaza must be Palestinian-led. The Foreign Secretary welcomed the NCAG’s vital role in leading Gaza’s recovery and reconstruction, as Gaza transitions to Palestinian Authority governance as part of a pathway towards a two-state solution. She discussed the importance of Palestinian policing in Gaza as a first step towards implanting the 20-point Peace Plan, and the vital importance of rapid shelter provisions for displaced people.

Egypt continues to play a crucial role in addressing the desperate humanitarian situation in Gaza. This is why the Foreign Secretary announced an additional £3 million ($3.9 million) in UK funding, including to support the Egyptian Red Crescent in scaling up aid delivery, by providing logistics support to the Egyptian Red Crescent’s humanitarian aid operations, through the IFRC’s Middle East appeal.

On bilateral issues, the Foreign Secretary acknowledged the impact of regional conflicts on Egypt’s economy, and announced a new £8.7 million ($11.5 million) partnership with the World Bank to provide technical assistance for Egypt’s ambitious economic reform agenda and longer-term economic development. The programme will provide advice and analysis to the Government of Egypt to boost inclusive private sector-led growth, making it easier for businesses to invest, trade and expand, ultimately boosting Egypt’s economic resilience.

Meeting Sudanese migrants – at the International Organization for Migration (IOM) – who have escaped the world’s largest humanitarian crisis, the Foreign Secretary described migration as “a global challenge requiring global co-operation” and announced £9 million ($11.9 million) of UK funding to help countries across North Africa – including Egypt – deal with the migration impacts of regional conflicts.

British Ambassador to Egypt Mark Bryson-Richardson said:

The Foreign Secretary’s visit demonstrates the UK’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and working closely with Egypt during this time of regional uncertainty. The UK and Egypt work together to drive stability, support prosperity, and build the foundations for lasting peace across the region and we look forward to the formal elevation of the UK-Egypt relationship into a Strategic Partnership later this year.

On Gaza, the UK provided over £80 million in humanitarian and early recovery support to Gaza last year. This has helped deliver food to 650,000 people and improved water and sanitation access for 300,000.