Tag: Foreign Office

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.

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.