Tag: Foreign Office

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 15 January 2025.

Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN General Assembly briefing by the UN Secretary-General on his 2025 priorities.

Effective multilateralism remains the key to effective global leadership, to peace and development.

But around the world, we see conflict exacting a terrible toll in the Middle East, Ukraine, Sudan and beyond; we see rights being rolled back, climate changing and development stalling.

As my Prime Minister said in this hall in September, we should not accept this slide into greater conflict, instability and injustice. And we will do all we can to work together for peace, human rights and development.

As we approach the 80th anniversary of the UN, with the world in turmoil, we must come together and deliver.

For the UK there are three core elements to this:

First, we recognise the opportunity this year presents to turbocharge practical and tangible action as we mark other significant milestones, including the UN Ocean Conference, the 30th climate COP, a decade since the Paris Agreement, and the Social Development Summit.

At the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development we want to work in genuine partnership to unlock the finance, reforms and impact needed to accelerate the implementation of the SDGs.

2025 is also a critical year for advancing women’s rights. As we mark Beijing+30 and the 25th anniversary of the landmark Security Council resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security, we reaffirm the need for women’s full, equal, meaningful, and safe participation in peace processes and decision-making.

Second, we take our responsibility as a Permanent Member of the UN Security Council seriously.

We will continue to work hard to ensure that the Council delivers on this crucial mandate.

This includes efforts to secure lasting peace for the people of the Middle East towards an inclusive political transition in Syria, an enduring ceasefire and political stability in Lebanon and of course, bringing to an end the awful conflict in Gaza, returning the hostages home, injecting aid and delivering a two-state solution.

Finally, we must also turn our attention to the UN’s potential for the decades ahead and ensure the organisation is fit for the future.

We need to make the system more representative and more responsive to those who need it most.

When we come together and when there is political will for change, we can make a difference.

Adopting the Pact for the Future by consensus at the Summit of the Future last year was a prime example of this.

Now we must implement the commitments we made in the Pact and its Annexes.

We renew our commitment to General Assembly revitalisation and to Security Council reform to ensure these bodies can continue to deliver on their mandates, as outlined in the UN Charter.

Mr President, 2025 should be a year of progress and reform.

It is in this spirit, that we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to work with all UN members in the service of the rule of law, cooperation and peace.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 15 January 2025.

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

First, we welcome the visits and continuing efforts of both WHO Director-General Tedros and Special Envoy Grundberg to secure the release of detainees.

We are deeply concerned about claims of Houthis further arbitrary and unlawful detentions of Yemeni citizens.

We call on this Council to unite in condemning Houthi detentions in the strongest terms and demand that the Houthis immediately and unconditionally release all those detained, enabling a safe operating environment for the delivery of humanitarian assistance to those most in need.

This is more important than ever with nearly 20 million Yemenis now in need of assistance, as Ms Msuya spelled out so starkly for us.

Second, the UK will continue to support Freedom of Navigation including in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden and we look forward to the extension later today of the mandate of UNSCR 2722.

The UK condemns the ongoing and reckless Houthi attacks against Israeli population centres.

We are clear on Israel’s right to self-defence against these attacks.

But this must be done in compliance with Israel’s international humanitarian law obligations, including the need to avoid damage to critical civilian infrastructure such as Hodeidah port, the main entry point for food and humanitarian supplies into Yemen.

Third, the UK is resolute in our support to the Government of Yemen and that is why we are co-hosting an event this month to galvanise international support for the Government as the legitimate representatives of the Yemeni people, and in order to promote stability and stable governance.

Yemen can only truly prosper, when all Yemenis are able to play their role in building a better future for their country.

Finally, President, on the occasion of General Beary’s final briefing to this Council I would like to commend his efforts in support of UNMHA and the Yemeni people in Hodeidah Governorate. I thank him for his service.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 15 January 2025.

Mr Kumar Iyer CMG has been appointed the United Kingdom’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations, World Trade Organisation and other International Organisations based in Geneva, in succession to Mr Simon Manley CMG who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment. Mr Iyer will take up his appointment during July 2025.

The UK’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative oversees the work of the UK Mission in Geneva and represents the United Kingdom in its engagement with over 35 international organisations, agencies and offices based in the city.  These include the UN Human Rights Council, the World Trade Organization, the World Health Organization, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, the International Telecommunication Union, the World Intellectual Property Office, the Conference on Disarmament, United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, CERN, and the World Economic Forum.

Curriculum vitae

Full name: Kumar Sabapathy Iyer

Date	Role
2024	Clifford Chance LLP, London, Senior Adviser to the Board & Global Partnership
2020 to 2023	FCDO, Director General Economics, Science & Technology
2020	No 10, Prime Minister’s Covid Taskforce, Director General Policy & Analysis
2019 to 2020	FCO, Chief Economist
2017 to 2019	Oliver Wyman, London & International, Partner; & Oxford University, Hertford College, Academic Visitor
2013 to 2017	Mumbai, Deputy High Commissioner & HM Trade Commissioner to India
2012 to 2013	HM Treasury, Financial Sector Interventions, Deputy Director
2010 to 2012	HM Treasury, Strategy, Planning & Budget, Deputy Director
2008 to 2010	No 10, Prime Minister’s Strategy Unit, Deputy Director
2004 to 2008	Boston Consulting Group, London & International, Management Consultant
2003 to 2004	Harvard University, Kennedy Scholar & Teaching Fellow
2000 to 2003	Oliver Wyman, London & International, Management Consultant
1999 to 2000	Corpus Christi College, Cambridge University, Economics Supervisor
1998 to 2000	Bank of England, Postgraduate & Undergraduate S

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 14 January 2025.

The FCDO has released a statement following ballistic missile launches by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) on 14 January.

An FCDO spokesperson said:

DPRK’s ballistic missile launches on 14 January are another breach of multiple UN Security Council resolutions (UNSCRs).

Unlawful ballistic missile launches continue to destabilise the peace and security of the Korean Peninsula.

The UK strongly urges the DPRK to stop such provocations and return to dialogue.

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 14 January 2025.

The Prime Minister met with Prime Minister of Iraq Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani in Downing Street this afternoon.

He welcomed the fact that Iraq has become safer and more prosperous under Prime Minister Al-Sudani’s leadership and said that the UK is keen to assist in building that momentum through a modern and future-looking partnership between the UK and Iraq.

The leaders reflected on the situation in the Middle East and emphasised the importance of supporting peace and stability across the region following recent developments in Syria.

They also welcomed the deepening of bilateral defence ties through the signing of a new joint statement on defence and committed to continuing strong cooperation on counterterrorism.

Turning to economic growth, the Prime Minster welcomed the expanding partnership between the UK and Iraq in this space, as illustrated by the signing of the landmark Partnership and Cooperation Agreement today and the announcement of a £12.3 billion trade package.

On illegal migration, the leaders discussed their intent to work towards a new and ambitious returns agreement between the UK and Iraq. They welcomed the progress on border security made during the Home Secretary’s visit to Iraq in November and committed to working even more closely to disrupt people smuggling networks.

The leaders agreed to remain in close touch and looked forward to further strengthening the relationship between their two countries in the coming years.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 14 January 2025.

Ms Harriet Cross has been appointed Governor of Montserrat in succession to Mrs Sarah Tucker who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment.  Ms Cross will take up her appointment during April 2025.

Curriculum vitae

Full name: Harriet Victoria Cross

2020 to 2024	Port of Spain, British High Commissioner
2016 to 2020	Boston, British Consul General to New England
2015 to 2016	Sana’a, Deputy Ambassador
2013 to 2015	FCO, Middle East and North Africa Directorate (Yemen)
2010 to 2013	SUPL, University of York
2007 to 2010	New York, First Secretary, UK Mission to the UN
2004 to 2006	Secondment to the National Crime Squad
2002 to 2004	FCO, Human Rights and Democracy Department
1998 to 2002	Rabat, Second Secretary (Political)
1997 to 1998	FCO, EU Department (External)
1997	Joined FCO

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 14 January 2025.

ETAs are digitally linked to a traveller’s passport and ensure that more robust security checks are carried out before people begin their journey to the UK.

From January 2025, Solomon Islanders wishing to travel to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland will need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). Everyone who do not need a visa currently to travel to the UK – except British and Irish citizens – will need an ETA to travel in advance of arrival.

• ETAs will cost SBD $100 (£10) to apply for and will be valid for two years
• those transiting through the UK will need to obtain an ETA too
• ETAs can be obtained through the new UK ETA app via the App Store and Google Play

This move is in line with the approach of other countries such as New Zealand, the USA and Australia.

ETAs are digitally linked to a traveller’s passport and ensure more robust security checks are carried out before people begin their journey to the UK.

An ETA costs SBD $100 (£10) and permits multiple journeys to the UK for stays of up to six months at a time over two years or until the holder’s passport expires – whichever is sooner.

The new system has been operating since November 2024 but from this month (January) it will become a requirement for anyone travelling to the UK who does not require a visa.

ETA can be applied for through a quick and simple process using the UK ETA app and online.

Deputy British High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, Emma Davis, said:

This digitisation enables a smooth experience for the millions of people who pass through the border every year, including Solomon Islanders whom we warmly welcome to the UK.

This change is on the back of a worldwide expansion of the Electronic Travel Authorisations which demonstrate the UK’s commitment to enhancing security through new technology and creating a modern immigration system.

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.