Tag: Foreign Office

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 13 January 2025.

Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UK-hosted UN Arria meeting on violations of international humanitarian law against Ukrainian prisoners of war and civilian detainees.

As we approach the grim three-year milestone of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the UK, and I know many others here, are deeply concerned by reports of systematic ill-treatment of detainees, some of whom we will hear from today, as well as experts including Pablo de Grieff from the Independent Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine.

Among the most disturbing reports are those of torture.

Reporting by the UN Human Rights Office, the Independent Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine, and the Moscow Mechanism have consistently detailed the ill-treatment and torture of Ukrainian prisoners of war (POWs) by Russian authorities. In recent months, those assessments have only worsened.

The Commission of Inquiry has concluded that Russia’s use of torture against POWs and civilian detainees amounts to crimes against humanity, and their reports are chilling.

They include reports that detainees have been subject to beatings, psychological pressure, prolonged stress positions, and mock executions.

The reports find that interrogations are often accompanied by the worst kinds of torture including burns, and rounds of electric shocks amplified by water.

Sexual violence is the norm for detainees, both men and women, with POWs enduring rape, attacks on genital organs, and threats of sexual mutilation and castration.

The Commission of Inquiry has concluded that Russian authorities have violated both international humanitarian law and human rights law, and have committed torture as a crime against humanity.

Additionally, the Ukrainian Prosecutor-General’s Office reports that 147 Ukrainian POWs have been executed by Russian forces since the start of the full-scale invasion. This is yet another violation of international humanitarian law.

Russia has a responsibility to ensure prisoners of war and civilian detainees must be treated humanely, under the third and fourth Geneva Conventions.

Colleagues, these are not isolated incidents by rogue officers.

Testimonies gathered by the Commission of Inquiry reveal that Russian State services coordinated and enforced these violent practices.

Evidence points towards a coordinated state policy, which allows Russian officials to humiliate and punish Ukrainian civilians and POWs with impunity.

Meanwhile, the reports highlight that the families of those detained are kept in the dark about the whereabouts of their loved ones, who are enduring this violence.

Those who are released must confront the grave psychological impact and a long and difficult road to reintegration.

The Commission of Inquiry recognises the support given to those released by Ukraine to survivors, and encourages continued medical and psychosocial support to all victims.

The UK calls on Russia to uphold its international obligations towards all those individuals it has in detention, as we expect of every country currently engaged in conflict.

In particular, we ask Russia to confirm the full names of all detainees under its control, where they are being held and on what grounds.

We ask that the Russian Federation ensures the humane treatment of all those in detention, and grants the ICRC unimpeded access to places of detention, in line with the Geneva Conventions.

Finally, we call on Russia to uphold its obligations under international humanitarian and human rights law, and to release all arbitrarily detained civilians as well as POWs.

Today, colleagues, we will hear the invaluable perspectives of those who have survived the horrors of this reality.

I’m joined by Valerii Horishnii, Nariman Dzhelyal and Maksym Butkevych to my right. Thank you all for coming.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 13 January 2025.

Joint statement between the governments of the Republic of Mauritius and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland concerning the Chagos Archipelago, including Diego Garcia

Representatives from Mauritius and the UK held further productive discussions in London this week on the future of the Chagos Archipelago.

Good progress has been made and discussions are ongoing to reach an agreement that is in both sides’ interests.

Both countries reiterated their commitment to concluding a treaty providing that Mauritius is sovereign over the Chagos Archipelago; and that would ensure the long-term, secure and effective operation of the base on Diego Garcia.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 12 January 2025.

The Foreign Secretary is in Saudi Arabia to meet Arab and international partners to drive forward international coordination on Syria.

• The UK will attend meetings in Saudi Arabia with international partners to discuss support for the Syrian people to build a hopeful, secure and peaceful future.
• Reiterating the importance of an inclusive Syrian-led political transition, the Foreign Secretary will offer UK expertise on humanitarian coordination and accountability.
• David Lammy to hold key bilateral meetings with Saudi counterparts to further work to deliver the Government’s Plan for Change and strengthen our partnerships abroad.

The Foreign Secretary will meet Arab and international partners today (Sunday 12th January) to drive forward international coordination on Syria at a critical point in the country’s future.

Discussions in Riyadh will be Arab-led and focus on the next steps the international community can take to support the interim Syrian authorities, including mechanisms to hold the Assad regime to account for the war crimes they perpetrated against the Syrian people.

Building on the Foreign Secretary’s meeting with France, Germany, Italy, US and the EU on Syria in Rome earlier this week, he will further stress the UK’s offer to provide expertise on the coordination of humanitarian aid. He will also reiterate his concern about continuing hostilities in North East Syria and the urgent need for these to end.

The UK remains committed to the people of Syria and fully supports a Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political transition process leading to an inclusive, non-sectarian and representative government. We have been very clear in early engagements with the interim authorities that we need to see action on inclusive governance, facilitation of humanitarian aid and cooperation on chemical weapons and countering the threat posed by Daesh to UK national security.

Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, said:

The international community must come together to stand behind the people of Syria as they build a democratic future and a diverse and modern country.”

We are united with our key partners from the region and beyond in ensuring the protection of civilians, access to aid and security within Syria and the wider region.

Syrians deserve a bright and prosperous future – we are here today to support that.

The meeting will be attended by the interim Foreign Minister of Syria, Asaad al-Shaibani, as well as representatives from Bahrain, Egypt, France, Germany, Iraq, Italy, Kuwait, Jordan, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Turkiye, UAE, USA, EU, League of Arab States and UN.

While in Saudi Arabia, the Foreign Secretary will meet one on one with Saudi Foreign Minister His Highness Prince Faisal bin Farhan and a number of Arab and European Foreign Ministers.

Following the Prime Minister’s December visit, David Lammy will continue to deliver on the Government’s Plan for Change as he looks to increase investment, deepen defence and security ties, and boost growth and new opportunities both at home and abroad with one of our most vital partners.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 10 January 2025.

Joint statement from the Governments of Norway, the United Kingdom, Germany, Canada, the Netherlands, and the United States on a peace agreement in South Sudan.

The 9th of January marked the 20th anniversary of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA).  Our governments welcomed this historic agreement, including its provision for a referendum in which the people of what is today South Sudan would determine their own future.  The CPA was signed amidst great hope that the South Sudanese people would be able to enjoy peace, human rights, and a government responsive to their needs.

Sadly, this hope has gone unfulfilled.  Despite South Sudan’s tremendous natural resources, the country’s wealth continues to benefit only a small elite.  For years, the transitional government has failed to use public revenue transparently to pay public sector salaries, ensure access to basic health and education services, or create an enabling environment for sustainable development.  Corruption and mismanagement of natural resources are rampant.

The transitional government has not taken the steps necessary to create the conditions for peaceful and credible elections, including fostering the civic and political space needed to give the people of South Sudan a voice in their country’s future.  We renew our call on the transitional government to act with urgency to meet its long overdue commitments so that South Sudan can finally realise the CPA’s promise of peace and prosperity for all its citizens.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 10 January 2025.

How to apply for compensation if you were a victim of the terrorist attack in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA, on 1 January 2025.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office has designated the attack in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA, on 1 January 2025 as an act of terrorism for the purpose of the Victims of Overseas Terrorism Compensation Scheme 2012.

People injured and the families of those killed in the attack can apply to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) for compensation.

You may be eligible to claim if you have been directly injured or bereaved by the incident and you are a British, EU, EEA or Swiss citizen who was ordinarily resident in the UK, member of the UK armed forces (or a close relative or family member).

Other criteria also apply. Our guide to the Scheme has more information on eligibility.

You can apply using our online form.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 9 January 2025.

The UK has issued a statement following the capture of the town of Masisi in DRC by M23.

A Foreign, Commonwealth & Development spokesperson said:

“The UK condemns the capture of Masisi, in North Kivu, by the armed group M23.

“This is a clear violation of the ceasefire and undermines efforts taken through the Luanda process to achieve sustainable peace in Eastern DRC.

“The UK calls for urgent de-escalation and respect of DRC’s territorial integrity. We urge Rwanda and DRC to return to the negotiating table and to implement all commitments made under the Angolan-led Luanda process. An end to the conflict in Eastern DRC will create peace dividends for all.”

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 8 January 2025.

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

The DPRK has begun this year again by defying multiple UN Security Council resolutions.

The United Kingdom strongly condemns the DPRK’s latest intermediate-range ballistic missile launch.

Colleagues, this latest launch follows a year of provocative and brazen violations by the DPRK, which saw the testing and firing of fifty missiles, including an intercontinental ballistic missile as well as their craven support to Russia, supplying weapons and troops, for Russia’s illegal war against Ukraine.

These actions should concern us all.

Our collective response is an important test for this Council’s authority and our commitment to defending the Council resolutions voted for in this Chamber.

Yet we are unable to unite against the DPRK’s continued flouting of the global non-proliferation architecture.

We should remain clear-eyed on the cost of this Council’s silence.

The DPRK continues to develop its nuclear and ballistic capabilities representing an unequivocal threat to peace and security on the Korean Peninsula and in the wider Indo-Pacific.

Russia’s veto of the mandate renewal of the Panel of Experts has given the DPRK a green light to commit such provocations unchecked.

And drawing false equivalence between the legitimate security concerns of Indo-Pacific nations and the illegal and provocative actions of the DPRK, as some Council members have done in the past, is wrong and dangerous.

I want to make clear that any nation’s refusal to condemn decisively the DPRK’s actions, represents direct complicity in furthering DPRK’s illegal weapons programme.

We want to see a prosperous and stable DPRK, whose people flourish in a secure neighbourhood.

So I urge DPRK to abandon its missile programmes and destructive partnership with Russia which is already reported to have cost DPRK lives, and refocus on the wellbeing of the people of the DPRK. To allow access to the international community, to accept repeated and unconditional offers for meaningful dialogue.

And to allow diplomacy to give the citizens of DPRK a peaceful, stable and prosperous future.

The press release issued by the Home Office on 8 January 2025.

The government will seek expert advice on reclassifying ketamine to become a Class A substance, after illegal use of the drug reached record levels in the year ending March 2023.

Ketamine is currently controlled as a Class B substance and the maximum penalty for supplying and producing it is up to 14 years in prison, an unlimited fine, or both.

The prevalence of the drug in England and Wales has risen significantly in recent years. In the year ending March 2023, an estimated 299,000 people aged 16-59 had reported ketamine use in the last year – the largest number on record.

It can cause serious health problems, such as irreversible damage to the bladder and kidneys, and is one of the most detected drugs in incidents of spiking.

Recent reports have shown Ketamine is often an ingredient included in ‘pink cocaine’, the dangerous synthetic drug cocktail taken by users without knowing what mix of substances it contains.

The policing minister, Dame Diana Johnson will write to the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) to commission advice on ketamine and to consider whether it should remain controlled as a Class B substance or become a Class A drug.

Policing Minister, Dame Diana Johnson, said:

Ketamine is an extremely dangerous substance and the recent rise in its use is deeply concerning.

Through our Plan for Change and mission to make the nation’s streets safer, we will work across health, policing and wider public services to drive down drug use and stop those who profit from its supply.

It is vital we are responding to all the latest evidence and advice to ensure people’s safety and we will carefully consider the ACMD’s recommendations before making any decision.

Independent experts will now assess the evidence of the health and social harms of ketamine when misused and will submit their findings to Home Office Ministers for review.

The Home Office has a statutory duty to consult the ACMD under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 before any amendments to legislation are made.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 8 January 2025.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has issued a statement marking five years since the downing of Ukrainian International Airlines Flight 752.

A Foreign, Commonwealth & Development spokesperson said:

Today marks five years since Iran’s unlawful downing of Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752.

The UK, alongside our partners in Canada, Sweden and Ukraine, remains committed to delivering transparency, justice and accountability for the 176 innocent victims and their families, including UK nationals.

For five years, Iran has refused to take full legal responsibility for the downing, despite admitting its military shot Flight PS752 out of sky. This cannot stand. We will continue our pursuit of justice through the International Court of Justice and the International Civil Aviation Organization.

The UK is clear in its commitment to hold the Iranian regime accountable for its breaches of international law.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 8 January 2025.

The UK will develop a new sanctions regime to cripple people smuggling crime rings and starve them of illicit finance fuelling their operations.

• innovative new sanctions regime will be designed to crack down on people smuggling ringleaders and smash the gangs
• this new regime will boost our ability to prevent, combat, deter and disrupt irregular migration and hold the perpetrators accountable.
• bold innovation delivers on the government’s Plan for Change and commitment to protect the UK’s borders

The UK will develop a new sanctions regime to cripple people smuggling crime rings and starve them of illicit finance fuelling their operations.

In a major speech tomorrow, the Foreign Secretary will reveal plans to bring forward legislation for a new sanctions regime targeting irregular migration and organised immigration crime to secure UK borders in a decade of national renewal.

As the world’s first standalone sanctions regime dedicated to targeting irregular migration and organised immigration crime, it will allow the UK to target individuals and entities enabling dangerous journeys.

The announcement forms part of the government’s bold and credible plan to bring back control of the immigration system, smash the gangs and secure our borders.

As part of the Plan for Change, the government is committed to reducing small boat crossings and net migration and ending the routine use of asylum hotels, meeting our fiscal rules and strengthening national security.

The regime, which is expected to come into force within the year, will target organised immigration networks. Criminal networks are making huge profits exploiting vulnerable people by facilitating irregular migratory movements, including dangerous sea crossings across Europe.

Sanctions experts from across government will work with law enforcement and operational Home Office colleagues to deliver an effective and targeted regime that stems finance flows at their source and deters smugglers from profiting off the trafficking of innocent people.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

We must dismantle the crime gangs facilitating breaches of our borders. By crippling illicit finance rings allowing smugglers to traffic vulnerable people across Europe, we will deliver on our Plan for Change and secure UK borders.

That means being bold and innovative in our policy making to ensure we are leaving no stone unturned. My government will do everything in our power to save lives and protect our borders for years to come.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy said:

It is completely unrealistic to combat irregular migration without a role for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

It is an issue which ties together the foreign and the domestic most acutely.

I’m proud to announce that the UK is set to be the first country in the world to develop legislation for a new sanctions regime specifically targeting irregular migration and organised immigration crime. This will help to prevent, combat, deter and disrupt irregular migration and the smuggling of migrants into the UK.

People smuggling poses significant challenges to global security and the UK, and alongside partners across Europe, we are working hand in glove to develop novel and bold solutions to tackle irregular upstream migration.

This sanctions development is the latest innovative move by the government to use every tool possible to crack down on vile people smugglers risking people’s lives in the Channel.

While the regime will be an autonomous scheme, the Foreign Office expects to collaborate closely with international allies to combat people smugglers. It builds on months of work with partners by this government, including through the UK-hosted European Political Community in July, hosting the Calais Group, bringing together ministers from France, Belgium and the Netherlands alongside EU agencies, improved working with countries like Moldova, Iraq and Vietnam on returns, and announcing a new anti-Smuggling Action Plan signed with other G7 nations.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said:

Since coming into power, we have taken swift and robust action to smash the gangs, working with international partners to track down and disrupt dangerous criminal networks.

With these new sanctions, we will target those profiting off putting lives at risk and disrupt the gangs’ finances, making it harder for them to operate.

This builds on our work to launch the Border Security Command backed by £150 million, major deals signed with countries including Iraq and Germany to disrupt supply chains and tackle the root of the issue, as well as an anti-Smuggling Action Plan signed with G7 nations. And this year we will introduce new legislation which will go even further to restrict the people smuggling gangs.

This year, the government will also introduce landmark new legislation on border security and asylum to empower law enforcement with the tools they need to dismantle the gangs.

And backed by £150 million in funding, the Border Security Command will continue to coordinate and build the UK’s enforcement capability to go after organised immigration crime.

The announcement comes after the Home Office announced last week a major upgrade to Serious Crime Prevention Orders, with new interim orders allowing suspected people smugglers to face immediate travel bans, social media blackouts and restrictions on phone usage.

In his speech, the Foreign Secretary will reflect on his first 6 months in office through the lens of Progressive Realism. This takes the world as it is not as we wish it to be, with the aim of advancing progressive ends by realist means.

He will illustrate how this government is reforming the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office to play an even more vital role in achieving the government’s missions of generating growth and tackling migration, through innovations including harnessing technology and establishing new partnerships.