Tag: Foreign Office

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 27 January 2025.

Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on the ICC’s work in Sudan.

First, the Prosecutor was clear that the conflict in Sudan has gone on for far too long.

My Foreign Secretary saw the scale of the suffering for himself when he visited the Adre crossing on the Chad-Sudan border on Saturday.

As the Foreign Secretary said, this is the biggest humanitarian crisis in the world.

For this reason, the UK has announced a further £20m in funding to assist with increased food production and life-saving sexual and reproductive health services for refugees fleeing Sudan.

This builds on our announcement in November of the doubling of our aid to over £226m.

These funds are delivering emergency food assistance to almost 800,000 displaced people.

They are providing improved access to shelter, drinking water, emergency healthcare and education.

Further efforts to galvanise international support are also required.

This is why my Foreign Secretary announced his intention to convene a meeting of foreign ministers to ensure aid gets to where it is needed most and to re-energise efforts to end this conflict.

Second, the International Criminal Court has a key role to play in ensuring perpetrators are held accountable for crimes committed in Darfur.

In that context, the United Kingdom welcomes the creation of a structured dialogue between the Office of the Prosecutor and Civil Society Organisations.

This can help ensure that the voices of victims are heard.

We further welcome the conclusion of the Ali Kushayb trial in December 2024.

As the first trial to be concluded in a Situation referred to the Court by the UN Security Council, this represents a historic milestone.

We look forward to hearing updates on any further applications for arrest warrants.

Third, the UK reiterates our call for full cooperation with the Court.

We welcome the constructive engagement by the Sudanese authorities with the ICC during this reporting period.

We further urge them to cooperate with the ICC to ensure the arrest and surrender of those subject to outstanding arrest warrants: Omar Al Bashir, Abdel Raheem Muhammad Hussein and Ahmad Harun.

Mr President, let me conclude by reiterating the UK’s continued support for the Court, and our respect for its independence.

It is important that the ICC is able to carry out its important work in Darfur and elsewhere without interference.

Sanctioning the ICC in response to one of its decisions would impede its ability to carry out this important work, in Darfur, Venezuela, Ukraine and in all situations where the Court is active.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 27 January 2025.

Australia, Canada, the EU, New Zealand and the UK have released a joint statement following Belarus’ sham presidential elections on 26 January 2025.

Joint statement from the Commonwealth of Australia, Canada, The European Union, New Zealand, and The United Kingdom of Great Britain & Northern Ireland:

We are united in our condemnation of the sham presidential elections in Belarus on 26 January and the ongoing human rights violations perpetrated by the Belarusian regime. Recently announced sanctions represent a coordinated, multilateral effort to hold the Lukashenko regime to account.

No election can be considered free, fair or in line with international standards when it is held in a climate of ongoing repression, marked by a clampdown on civil society, arbitrary detentions, and restrictions on genuine political participation. The regime’s decision to invite the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe / Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights to observe only 10 days before the elections prevented ODIHR’s access to key stages of the election process. These actions are at odds with Belarus’ international commitments and demonstrate a clear desire to avoid transparency in the electoral process.

We condemn the ongoing appalling human rights violations committed by the Lukashenko regime and call on them to release the over 1,250 political prisoners who remain unjustly detained. We urge Belarus to follow its international human rights obligations and OSCE commitments in all respects, including restoring an open civil society, to create an environment in which new elections which meet international standards can be held. We stand with the Belarusian people and recognise their right to determine their own future in a genuinely free and fair manner, without fear, oppression or external interference.

We will continue to support the aspirations of the Belarusian people for a free, democratic and independent Belarus.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 27 January 2025.

The UK has sanctioned 9 individuals and defence sector entities in Belarus in coordination with Canada.

• UK sanctions 6 individuals and 3 entities alongside Canada, in an immediate response to rigged presidential election in Belarus
• sanctions target leaders of institutions responsible for serious human rights violations and companies in the Belarusian defence sector supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine
• action demonstrates government’s commitment to working internationally to deter threats and protect national security, a foundation in the government’s Plan for Change

The Chairman of the Belarusian Central Election Commission is among 9 individuals and entities designated by the UK today (Monday 27 January) in a fresh wave of sanctions in response to yesterday’s sham election in Belarus.

Following Lukashenko’s brutal crackdown in which critical voices within Belarus have been silenced, yesterday’s sham election failed to meet international standards and has been condemned by international partners.

Alongside sanctioning leaders of institutions responsible for serious human rights violations in the country, the UK has excluded Belarusian defence companies from the UK economy – a sector of strategic importance to Lukashenko’s regime which is helping to facilitate Russia’s war in Ukraine.

Working with international partners to protect UK national security is essential to deliver the foundations of the Prime Minister’s Plan for Change.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy said:

The world has become well-accustomed to Lukashenko’s cynical pretence of democracy in Belarus, while in reality he brutally represses civil society and opposition voices to strengthen his grip on power.

The UK, alongside our partners, will continue to stand by the people of Belarus and expose those who deny them their legitimate right to freedom and democracy.

According to the Viasna Human Rights Centre, a Belarusian non-governmental organisation in exile, over 1,250 political prisoners are incarcerated in Belarus, including civil society representatives, human rights defenders, journalists, political opponents, religious leaders,  and trade unionists. Many political prisoners are held in shocking conditions, facing isolation, mistreatment and a lack of medical care.

Today’s designations include Heads of ‘GUBOPiK’; one of the main security forces responsible for political persecution in Belarus. Individuals sanctioned today are:

1. Igor Vasilyevich KARPENKO – Chairman of the Belarusian Central Election Commission.
2. Viktor Alexandrovich DUBROVKA – Head of the Belarusian correctional institution Penal Colony No11, Vaukavysk
3. Pavel Ivanovich KAZAKOV – Head of the Belarusian correctional institution Prison No 1, Hrodno.
4. Andrey Mikhailovich TSEDRIK – Commanding Officer of Pre-trial Detention Centre (SIZO) No 1, Minsk.
5. Andrei Valerievich ANANENKO – Head of GUBOPiK.
6. Mikhail Petrovitch BEDUNKEVICH – Deputy Head of GUBOPiK.

Belarus has provided support for Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, allowing the use of its territory and airspace to launch attacks and provided kit and logistical support.

The 3 entities from Belarus’ defence sector sanctioned today are:

1. ALEVKURP OJSC – a company affiliated to the Government of Belarus specialising in research and development and manufacturing of radar systems and weapon control systems.
2. Legmash Plant JSC – a Belarusian company producing ammunition for the Belarusian defence sector.
3. KB Unmanned Helicopters (UAVHeli) – a Belarusian unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) developer and manufacturer.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 27 January 2025.

• Minister for Africa Lord Collins announces support to extend electricity access to millions across Africa.
• New deal between British International Investment and UK cleantech company MOPO will connect over a million people across the DRC to renewable energy sources, delivering on the Plan for Change by unleashing the power of British technological innovation.
• UK partnership with the African Development Bank will also channel private sector capital into African clean energy.

Millions more people across Africa will have access to clean power thanks to UK investment, Africa Minister Lord Collins has announced.

This comes as UK Special Representative for Climate Rachel Kyte attends the Mission 300 Africa Energy Summit today [27 January] in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania.

The UK is one of the largest investors in clean energy in Africa and is working in partnership to support the Mission 300 initiative, which aims to expand electricity access to 300 million people in Africa by 2030. Half of Africa’s population – 600 million people – lack vital access to electricity.

Lord Collins is announcing a £5.3 million new deal between British International Investment (BII), the UK’s development finance institution, and UK cleantech firm MOPO.

This investment will enable MOPO to expand its pay-per-use battery rental operations in the DRC where over 80% of the population lack access to electricity. It demonstrates how UK companies are unlocking new opportunities for growth and positive impact that the clean energy transition has to offer in the UK and beyond.

Lord Collins will also announce new UK support of £8.5 million towards the African Development Bank’s Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA) to build on existing efforts between the UK and African partners to connect millions of people across the continent with clean, reliable power.

Today’s announcement will unlock private sector investment in renewable energy projects including clean cooking and energy efficiency.

The support, which will be delivered as part of the UK’s Africa Regional Climate and Nature Programme (ARCAN), will accelerate renewable energy adoption and improve energy efficiency, developing solar-powered mini-grids in rural communities and providing technical assistance for large-scale renewable energy projects.

Minister for Africa Lord Collins of Highbury said:

The UK has set a landmark goal to be the first major economy to deliver clean power by 2030, and through our Plan for Change we’ll harness technology to transform the UK into a clean energy superpower. We want to leverage this ambition with our African partners to power green growth, eradicate poverty and tackle climate change.

Connecting the continent to clean, reliable energy is vital, and UK support is helping ensure millions are getting the access they need to prosper through planet-friendly solutions. This will also allow us to deepen our partnerships across Africa, sharing expertise, finance and innovation.

These announcements from Lord Collins show how the UK Government is delivering on the Plan for Change, which will transform the UK into a clean energy superpower, cutting bills and guaranteeing our energy independence, while championing clean technology innovation overseas  and generating opportunities for investment and jobs in British businesses.

Speaking at the summit, the UK’s Special Representative on Climate, Rachel Kyte, said:

Reliable, affordable and clean energy is the cornerstone of economic growth and development. Clean energy, through modern grids and distributed renewable energy offers an opportunity for inclusive growth. Helping end energy poverty supports growth, builds resilience and puts countries on a pathway that helps our common challenge of fighting climate change.  The UK is working with partners across Africa to connect millions of people in the region with cleaner and more efficient power. That is why I’m pleased to be at this summit, supporting Mission 300 and reaffirming our commitment to our shared sustainable development goals especially in Africa.

At the summit, the UK’s Special Representative for Climate will set out how the UK is deepening our partnerships with African nations and multilateral institutions to fuel the clean energy revolution and stimulate growth whilst tackling the climate emergency.

Leslie Maasdorp, BII CEO said:

At BII we want to use our distinctive position, and track record, to create more early-stage solutions that help expand access to energy for more Africans. This is demonstrated through our investment in MOPO, which is expected to reach over a million people in DRC where energy access is limited.

More broadly, we welcome the partnership of African governments, as well as other institutions like the African Development Bank, in making that ambition a reality.

Today’s announcements at the Dar Es Salaam summit also reinforce the long-standing UK-Tanzania partnership.

Tanzania was one of the first countries to sign up to the first mission of the UK’s Global Clean Power Alliance. The two countries are working together to boost the global clean energy transition, whilst furthering trade opportunities that will create jobs and deliver economic growth.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 27 January 2025.

• Foreign Secretary will co-host a reception with the Embassy of Israel in the Foreign Office today
• David Lammy will meet Holocaust survivor Janine Webber, who survived Nazi persecution in occupied Poland
• senior UK delegation including HMTK will join world leaders at Auschwitz-Birkenau commemoration ceremony in Poland

The Foreign Secretary will today co-host a reception with Her Excellency the Ambassador of Israel to the United Kingdom to mark Holocaust Memorial Day and the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp.

Prior to the commemoration, the Foreign Secretary will meet Holocaust survivor Janine Webber BEM, who survived the Holocaust as child in occupied Poland, enduring the tragic loss of her parents and brother at the hands of the Nazis.

The commemoration will showcase innovative approaches to Holocaust education. These include Testimony 360, a virtual reality programme preserving survivor testimonies for future generations, and ‘In Their Footsteps’, a powerful exhibition featuring 3D-printed shoes that symbolise Holocaust remembrance.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy is expected to say:

‘Never again’ is a solemn promise, which we owe to the victims, but also which we must uphold for our own sake and for the sake of future generations.

We need Holocaust remembrance. Holocaust education. Action against antisemitism.

It is how we build a better future for all.

A high-level UK delegation, including senior government officials, His Majesty The King and Holocaust survivors, will join world leaders today at the Auschwitz-Birkenau commemoration ceremony in Poland.

As part of the UK’s commitment to Holocaust remembrance, the Prime Minister pledged at least £2.2 million in September to continue to fund the Holocaust Educational Trust’s Lessons from Auschwitz project, enabling UK students to visit Auschwitz and learn about the history of the Holocaust.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 27 January 2025.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy spoke with United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio today.

The Foreign Secretary congratulated Secretary Rubio on his appointment as Secretary of State and the pair discussed their shared links to the Caribbean, with the Foreign Secretary’s family ties to Guyana and Secretary Rubio’s family links to Cuba.

They both welcomed the opportunity for the UK and the US to work together in alignment to address shared challenges including the situation in the Middle East, Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine, the challenges posed by China and the need for Indo-Pacific security.

The pair said they looked forward to working together and to meeting in person soon.

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

Statement at Italy’s Universal Periodic Review at the Human Rights Council in Geneva. Delivered by the UK’s Human Rights Ambassador, Eleanor Sanders.

Thank you, Mr President.

We welcome Italy’s commitment to human rights, including its candidacy for the Human Rights Council.

We commend Italy’s efforts to implement its National Action Plan against Trafficking and Serious Exploitation of Human Beings, and welcome the adoption of the Strategic Plan on Male Violence Against Women.

However, we note the persistence of racial and discriminatory attitudes in society. We encourage greater protections for LGBT+ individuals, including tackling discrimination against same-sex couples and families.

We recommend that Italy:

1. Implement the recommendations of the Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings, particularly around prevention and prosecution.
2. Implement the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance recommendation to set up an independent equality body.
3. Follow up on recommendations in the Group of Experts on Action against Violence against Women and Domestic Violence, to ensure continued progress to stop violence against women and girls.

Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 17 January 2025.

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

After over a year of conflict and suffering across the Middle East, we now stand at a moment of hope for the people of the region.

With the Syrian people free from Assad’s tyranny, political progress in Lebanon, and news that a ceasefire and hostage release deal have been finalised for Gaza.

The UK will continue to work tirelessly to ensure we seize this opportunity and deliver much-needed peace.

The past year has seen continuous and devasting violence across the Blue Line.

We strongly believe that a ceasefire and lasting political solution are the only viable route to peace, stability and security for the Lebanese and Israeli people.

As we approach the end of the 60-day ceasefire period, every effort must be made to continue the progress and avoid a return to conflict.

Violations of the agreement will only bring us back to the brink, and we call on parties to uphold the commitments they agreed to.

Against this backdrop, the UK commends UNIFIL for maintaining its visibility and operational activities in difficult circumstances.

The UK will continue to support UNIFIL’s essential role in maintaining calm along the Blue Line and enabling the enhanced Lebanese Armed Forces deployment to southern Lebanon, consistent with the ceasefire agreement and UNSCR 1701.

We have consistently condemned attacks on UN Peacekeepers.

They must never be targeted.

All parties have an obligation under international law to ensure the safety and security of UN peacekeeping personnel and premises.

Turning to UNDOF, the UN Disengagement of Forces Agreement remains vital for stability at this pivotal moment for Syria and the wider region.

Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity must be respected.

This is more important than ever as Syria embarks on a political transition in pursuit of a more secure and peaceful future.

The UK is clear that we expect Israel to adhere to their commitment that their presence in the Area of Separation is both limited and temporary.

We call on Israel to lay out timelines for their withdrawal from the Area of Separation.

Let me, once again, reiterate the UK’s long-standing position that the Golan Heights are occupied territory, and we do not recognise Israel’s annexation.

Finally, after months of despair, news of the agreement between Israel and Hamas offers much-needed hope.

The hostages and their families have endured unimaginable agony and the level of suffering in Gaza defies belief.

This deal is the basis for progress.

To bring the hostages home.

Bring relief, reconstruction and hope to long-suffering civilians.

And to achieve a long-awaited two-state solution with Palestinians and Israelis living in peace and security.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 17 January 2025.

The British Ambassador and Minister of Environment discussed opportunities to deepen the longstanding climate partnership between the UK and Guatemala.

Ambassador Juliana Correa visited Patricia Orantes, Minister of Environment, on 16 January to discuss this year’s top priorities on our shared environmental agenda, including the preservation of forests, protection of biodiversity and tackling climate change.

To help with these objectives, Ambassador Correa announced that the UK has made available more than US$30 million for 40 countries, including Guatemala, to support governments in raising climate ambition, alongside funding for NDC implementation, technical advisory support and cross-ministerial coordination. The World Bank and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) will mange these funds allocated to the NDC Partnership.

In addition, the Ambassador stressed that the UK continues to implement in Guatemala and Mesoamerica the Biodiverse Landscapes Fund, which will invest more than US$7 million from 2023 to 2029 in the Mayan Jungle in Peten and a forest reserve in Trifinio (Chiquimula), with the aim of protect biodiversity, improve communities’ livelihoods and tackle the impacts of climate change.

Finally, Ambassador Correa and Minister Orantes agreed to explore the opportunities that environmentally friendly investments pose for the county, including on clean energies or waste management; that would create jobs while deepening the economic relationship between Guatemala and the UK.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 16 January 2025.

Minister Stephen Doughty will travel to Madrid and Lisbon to meet with counterparts and senior representatives from top European businesses.

• Minister Stephen Doughty to visit Spain and Portugal to reset relationships and advance opportunities for investment and growth with European partners
• trip to Madrid and Lisbon includes talks with world-leading companies Iberdrola and Avincis to explore further opportunities to deliver UK jobs and growth
• demonstrates how government is leveraging international engagement to deliver its Plan for Change and make Britain better off

Today (Thursday 16 January) as part of the government’s priority to kickstart economic growth, Minister of State for Europe, North America and Overseas Territories Stephen Doughty will travel to Madrid and Lisbon to meet with counterparts and senior representatives from top European businesses to foster closer ties and explore opportunities for investment and jobs in the UK.

With a trading relationship worth £63 billion annually, the UK is the number one European destination for Spanish investment. To build on this the minister will visit Iberdrola Innovation Centre in Madrid – one of the biggest energy companies in Europe – to tour the training campus and see demonstrations from chief engineers of the main technologies driving the clean energy transition.

Iberdrola has invested over £30 billion in the UK since 2007, and through Scottish Power employs over 6,000 UK staff. In 2023 the company successfully completed their biggest ever recruitment drive to fill 1,000 new green jobs. The shared ambitions of the government and Iberdrola in industrial development and jobs have led the company to announce they will double their investment in the UK over the next 4 years to reach up to £24 billion, in a clear vote of confidence in the UK’s policy direction and stable regulatory frameworks.

Minister of State for Europe, North America and Overseas Territories, Stephen Doughty said:

Through our Plan for Change, this government is taking a laser focus on driving economic growth, and a powerful lever for this will be showcasing what the UK has to offer overseas investors – including our friends in Europe.

Both Spain and Portugal will be an essential part of this commitment, and I will be speaking to key businesses that are supporting British jobs, investing in our economy and helping us become a clean energy superpower.

During his time in Madrid, Minister Stephen Doughty will also meet Spanish counterparts, to discuss cooperation on European security.

The minister will also travel to Lisbon where he will spend time at the headquarters of Avincis Helicopter Services, provider of lifesaving emergency air services owned by London-based Ancala Partners. With UK exports in services to Portugal having increased by more than 10% in 2024 compared with the previous year, the minister will discuss how the UK government’s support is helping the company to grow and continue their vital work across Europe, and the further opportunities to work together to create prosperity and opportunity.

With the historic Anglo-Portuguese Alliance dating back to 1373, the UK and Portugal share close links, from foreign and defence policy to people-to-people ties. Minister Stephen Doughty will see Inês Domingos, Portugal’s Secretary of State for European Affairs, following Portugal’s donation of €52 million for drones for the International Fund for Ukraine which will make a vital difference on the battlefield for Ukraine.

Background

• total trade in goods and services (exports plus imports) between the UK and Spain was £63 billion in the 4 quarters to the end of Q2 2024. Read more in the Department for Business and Trade’s Spain trade and investment factsheet
• Avincis is owned by the London-based Ancala Partners. In early 2023 Ancala Partners announced the acquisition of Babcock International’s aerial emergency services in Portugal, Spain, Italy, Norway, Sweden and Finland, renaming the company Avincis