Tag: Foreign Office

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 12 January 2026.

UK Statement at the World Trade Organization’s General Council. Delivered by the UK’s Permanent Representative to the WTO and the UN, Kumar Iyer.

Item 2

On the question of deliverables for UK the following items must be on table at MC 14: clear political direction on reform and a clear path to outcome at MC15; delivering the plurilateral agreements on E-Commerce and the Investment Facilitation for Development; maintaining the E-Commerce moratorium and a recommitment to achieving a well functioning Dispute Settlement system accessible to all Members. The UK also welcomes efforts underway across the CTD and elsewhere to find a set workable development outcomes. These are the UK priorities but we recognise everyone will want to see value in MC14 and have something that reflects their most critical priorities. The UK stands ready to work with all Members in this regard. To that extent, progress will only really be possible if Members engage in good faith, and don’t block out comms across files, especially on items that cause them no material harm. As other Members have said, the overwhelming priority for the UK is the reform agenda. To that extent, the UK thanks and strongly supports the work and report of Reform Facilitator, and the aim to develop a work plan between MC14 and MC15 as a basis for Ministerial Decision at MC14. We also support the idea of including clear checkpoints between MC14 and MC15. As you know the UK has not been a strong proponent of an outcome document, but if we are going to proceed, we would welcome it being very short, with early clear deadlines, and far in advance of MC14 to determine if we have consensus around it.

Item 8

We note that consensus has not been reached and is unlikely to be reached on this topic. On the current version of the proposal the UK views this is an important issue that we remain committed and open to working with Members to finding a solution between now and then MC14. We note the idea contained in the report the Chairperson of the LDC sub committee to explore a process oriented outcome and LDC graduation that is establishing in focus session on obviously graduation with a view to examine particular challenges of graduating and graduated LDCs.

Item 9

We welcome the constructive approach that had been taken by the G90 grouping and the focus on moving technical discussions to technical committees. We note that consensus has not been reached, and we would appreciate further discussions in the New Year with a view to finding a solution before MC14. We support technical aspects of the implementation and operation of the SPS and TBT Agreements being considered in technical committees. We would also encourage the G90 to engage with activity that is underway in the SPS and TBT to progress related matters, following the report and recommendations for the 6th review from the SPS agreement under the 10th triennial review of SDT agreement.

Item 10

Thank you Chair, the UK believes this is a crucial means of direct investment and we align ourselves with this statement of the co-conveners. There is currently a 4 trillion investment gap, funding gap, to achieve the SDGs. Governments are not going to be able to fill this gap, and it is important that we enable the private sector to do so.

The IFDA is a crucial means of doing so and OECD analysis suggests that the investment it will generate will increase global GDP by up to 1% – with that amount being skewed heavily towards developing countries. This is not abstract, this is real jobs, this is real money. This is money that is life changing and lifesaving. When we hold back this agreement, we should reflect on the real-world impacts that this will have on people.

We believe the agreement is ripe for ministerial action, and we welcome Egypt as the 128th member of the IFDA. This does not mean that we all need to agree now, we recognise that some Members continue to have concerns, and we have noted the new communication from India setting out their longstanding concerns which will be covered under the agenda item 19.

Between now and MC14 we stand ready to continue our dialogue with all countries. We recently had a very constructive dialogue with Türkiye in Ankara where we heard their concerns loud and clear, and we will continue to follow up bilaterally. However, we are clear that this is now a political decision for our ministers at MC14. In practice for the UK this means ensuring IFDA is on the MC14 agenda, a ministerial facilitator is appointed with a separate, and a dedicated IFDA event at the conference in the programme. Thank you.

Item 11

Thank you Chair. The UK welcomes the Philippines joining the ECA as its 72nd participant. We think this clearly demonstrates the continued strong interest in this agreement and we look forward to further Members joining in due course.

We believe the ECA, together with the IFDA, is a clear demonstration of the positive use of flexibilities of the WTO’s negotiating function. It is an agreement fully in line with WTO rules and procedures with strong support from a significant number of Members, representing all corners of the world, and all levels of development.

The economic significance of this agreement cannot be underestimated. A number of colleagues have referenced the OECD WTO research, so I won’t repeat that, but I will highlight two things. One, as others have said, the benefits are skewed to favour low and lower-middle income countries – particularly in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. The second is that the agreement has no known material negative impacts on non-participants. Indeed, it is estimated to benefit those participants.

In summary, to contribute to real-world growth, and to show this organisation is still relevant to the world that we live in, the UK remains fully committed to seeking Annex 4 incorporation. We call on all Members to support the bringing of this agreement into effect as soon as possible for the benefit of all.

Item 14 

This intervention will serve for both the LDC and the African group (item 14 and item 24) agenda items. The UK would like to thank both groups for their submissions.

We appreciate the emphasis on advancing agriculture reform however with clear divergences remaining it is important to focus on outcomes that are balanced and achievable.

In advance of MC12 the UK led work to develop a Food Security statement which was supported by around 60 WTO members and recognised the critical global challenges on food security. This became a big part of the MC12 Food Security Declaration, an important milestone which has helped to refocus work in the agriculture negotiations.

Global Food insecurity has worsened since MC12 and we have to do more in the WTO to address this.

To this end, the UK has been championing work on export restrictions and prohibitions. It is clear these measures can, and have, exacerbated global food crises and make trade less reliable. Enhancing disciplines on these measures would be a meaningful contribution this organisation can make towards this issue.

We welcome the focus on food security of several proposals submitted by the African Group, the LDC as well as Jamaica. We are committed to working towards a consensus seeking text.

Item 15

The UK welcomes these proposals and looks forward to engaging. The UK is also open to the General Council playing a guiding role and facilitating a structured discussion in this area which recognises the shifting landscape and the diverse priorities amongst Members.

Item 18

We very much recognise the importance of this issue particularly to developing and least developing countries. The UK has actively participated in the discussion on remittances in the CTFA since MC13 and we thank Morocco for their proposal. At present we are not yet fully clear on whether the aim of the proposal is to agree the substantive ideas that it contains which has been mentioned before are topics that are already considered in other multilateral fora or whether the aim is to get ministerial support for further discussions as has been mentioned in discussions, we have been part of. We would need to have further clarity on this first before we are able to consider if this should be taken to Ministers. At this stage, we cannot support taking proposals to Ministers, but we look forward to continuing discussions to get further clarity.

Item 19

The UK aligns with the statement made by the co-coordinators. We have read India’s paper. We note these are concerns that have been raised before. We note that the UK has responded to them both verbally and in writing before. We would note that the coordinators have done so as well. But there’s a phrase in Tamil which my Mum always tells me which is “you should never let anyone say, ‘if only you had said’”. As my good friend the Indian PR will know. So, I will repeat if that’s okay. First concerning the Doha ministerial mandate, the IFDA was launched plurilaterally, not multilaterally, thereby overriding any previous decision. Secondly, the scope of the IFDA is different. As we’ve made clear before, the IFDA does not cover market access, investment protection, and investor state dispute settlement. On India’s second and third arguments relating to the core foundational principles of the WTO and the requirements of article 10.9 of Marrakesh Agreement, we would note WTO’s Members’ right to request the incorporation of plural agreement into the WTO rule book is recognised in article 10.9 of WTO agreement. Fourth, regarding the relationship between trade and investment and whether IFDA constitutes a trade agreement, we would note investment plays a key role in trade flows. There are large amounts of trade in services are cross border flows and investment and count as investment through mode 3. The WTO therefore already substantially covers investments through GATS and we already have the TRIMS agreement which sets a clear precedent. Fifth, on the marginalisation of mandated issues and the diversion of limited WTO resources, we would note we have a clear ministerial mandate on the IFD from MC11. It is a priority for developing Members who have led negotiations themselves to tackle the issues of economic development that they face in their own countries. The IFDA has the support of 128 out of 166 Members more than three-quarters of the membership almost 90 of those are developing countries. Chair this is something that the organisation has to agree to it is if we can’t agree to this. I really don’t know what we are able to agree to.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 12 January 2026.

UK Latin America Minister visits Ecuador to deepen security ties and work to disrupt cocaine trade at source.

• UK Latin America Minister visits Ecuador to deepen security ties and work to disrupt cocaine trade at source
• Joint action aims to protect communities in both countries
• Minister also to spotlight UK innovation and investment with Welsh-owned Hydro Industries and climate leadership in the Galapagos

The UK and Ecuador are working side by side to stop cocaine flooding the streets of Europe, Minister for Latin America Chris Elmore confirmed today as he begins his first visit to the country.

The majority of the UK’s cocaine transits through ports in Ecuador, and Minister Elmore is in the country to see first-hand the joint work to stop the illegal trade at source – meeting frontline police officers, who have received training and equipment from the UK; and observing canine training for drug interception.

Ecuador saw its deadliest year on record in 2025 due to organised crime, and the UK and Ecuador’s joint work aims to tackle the damaging drug trade to help keep both countries’ streets safe.

As a “platform country” for cocaine produced elsewhere in Latin America, up to 80% of the drugs arriving in Europe come via Ecuador. This threatens both countries’ security, with Ecuadorian communities affected by associated gang violence.

Ecuador is one of the UK’s closest partners in Latin America, and the visit underscores the shared commitment of both nations to protect communities by stopping drugs at source.

Joint action is essential to dismantle criminal networks and prevent illicit flows, and drugs seizures are already increasing thanks in part to the joint work the UK and Ecuador are undertaking.

Latin America Minister Chris Elmore said:

Every year, hundreds of thousands of kilos of cocaine are smuggled from South America into Europe. In the UK alone, more than 28 tonnes of cocaine were seized by the police and Border Force in 2023/24.

It’s a vast criminal industry, but amazingly, the majority of cocaine that ends up on the streets of Europe comes through Ecuadorean ports.

That criminal industry does huge damage to communities in the UK, but it’s also causing devastation here in Ecuador, with 10,000 gang-related deaths recorded last year. That’s why it’s in the interests of both the UK and Ecuador to tackle this trade together, and put the criminal gangs behind it out of business.

There is huge potential in our relationship with Ecuador – it’s a vital partner for Britain on security and climate change, and the trade and investment opportunities here for British businesses are rising fast – but for Ecuador to succeed, we need the drug gangs to fail, and that’s why our cooperation on organised crime is so important.

During the visit, Minister Elmore will meet with senior Ecuadorean leaders, including Foreign Minister Gabriela Sommerfeld and other authorities to deepen cooperation on security and crime prevention, as well as visiting the specialist Police Canine Unit in Quito, where UK support is helping Ecuador intercept narcotics and disrupt trafficking networks.

Beyond security, the visit will also celebrate UK–Ecuador collaboration across sustainable growth and climate resilience. Minister Elmore will visit Welsh company Hydro Industries’ new water treatment plant in Quito – whose business is expected to reach £100m in the next few years– an example of UK innovation and investment in Ecuador’s future.

The Minister will also engage with environmental initiatives in the Galapagos Islands, including the Global Plastics Action Partnership (GPAP).

The visit comes amidst US action in nearby Venezuela, where the UK supports a safe and peaceful transition to a legitimate government. Ecuador is one of the UK’s closest partners in Latin America, and this visit underscores its ongoing commitment to our allies, and to peace and democracy in the region.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 9 January 2026.

The UK Government has published the Guiding Principles on Supporting Human Rights Defenders, reaffirming its commitment to promoting and protecting those who work to uphold fundamental rights worldwide.

This document sets out how the UK seeks to support individuals and organisations at risk for their work in defence of human rights. The principles include: 

• Diplomatic action to raise visibility and provide protection. 
• Practical support, such as guidance and resources to reduce risks. 
• International collaboration with governments, civil society and multilateral bodies. 
• Promotion of safe environments, where defenders can work free from threats or reprisals. 

Human rights defenders play a vital role in building fair and democratic societies. Yet many face intimidation, violence and criminalisation. Through these principles, the UK aims to strengthen protection and ensure their work can continue safely. 

To read the full principles and access additional resources, visit the official link.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 8 January 2026.

Statement by Caroline Quinn, UK Deputy Political Coordinator, at the UN Security Council meeting on Syria.

It has been a year since the fall of the Assad regime in Syria.

This new Syrian government has provided hope that Assad-era chemical weapons will be verifiably identified and eliminated, once and for all.

The United Kingdom applauds the continued commitment of Syria’s leadership to comply with the Chemical Weapons Convention and to meet its obligations under Resolution 2118 and we commend the continued professionalism and dedication of the OPCW technical secretariat staff who carry out their work in Syria under difficult conditions. 

In 2025, Syria and the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons made important progress under challenging circumstances.

First, multiple OPCW deployments to Syria have increased our understanding of the scale and scope of Assad’s chemical weapons programme. Evidence found of an undeclared chemical weapons programme was a stark reminder of the threat in Syria and to the wider region.

Second, a Syrian-led decision on expedited destruction was adopted by the OPCW Executive Council in October allowing Syria and the OPCW to deal with dangerous elements of Assad’s programme upon discovery. 

And third, a Syrian-led decision adopted at the Conference of the States Parties in November was an important step towards restoring Syria’s rights and privileges at the OPCW.

The United Kingdom welcomes the establishment of a continuous OPCW presence in Syria and the appointment of a new Syrian Permanent Representative to the OPCW in the Hague. We pay tribute to Qatar for representing Syria since January 2025.

These milestones provide a foundation for Syria and the OPCW secretariat to accelerate their work in 2026; however, there remain challenges to overcome.

Significant and sustainable financial and in-kind support from the international community is needed to deliver the elimination of Assad’s remnant chemical weapons programme.

The United Kingdom is proud to support Syria in this respect, having contributed over $3.8million since December 2024 to OPCW Syria missions. We will continue to provide technical expertise to both Syria and the OPCW. 

We urge Council members and the wider international community to assist in this endeavour.

President, this Council has spent more than a decade discussing this file.

With clear commitment from Syria’s leadership to eradicate chemical weapons and to seek accountability for their use, we hope to see continued progress in 2026 to deliver these important outcomes for the Syrian people.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 5 January 2026.

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

The Venezuelan people have suffered for years.

This Council now meets at a pivotal moment for Venezuela’s future.

Maduro’s actions created extreme levels of poverty, violent repression, and failing basic services. 

His regime’s rule precipitated a displacement crisis affecting the whole region. 

The United Kingdom has long been clear that Maduro’s claim to power was fraudulent. 

To date, Venezuela’s National Electoral Council has failed to publish the full results of the July 2024 Presidential elections. 

Independent domestic and international reports also observed significant irregularities and a lack of transparency. 

President, the United Kingdom wants to see a safe and peaceful transition to a legitimate government that reflects the will of the Venezuelan people. 

They deserve a government which reflects their vote at the ballot box, and delivers a more stable, prosperous future for all Venezuelans.

Finally, President, the United Kingdom reaffirms its commitment to international law and the principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations.  

These foundations are essential for maintaining global peace, security, and the rule of law.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 30 December 2025.

Joint statement on Gaza from the foreign ministers of Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Iceland, Japan, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

Joint statement:

We, the Foreign Ministers of Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Iceland, Japan, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom express serious concerns about the renewed deterioration of the humanitarian situation in Gaza which remains catastrophic. As winter draws in, civilians in Gaza are facing appalling conditions with heavy rainfall and temperatures dropping. 1.3 million people still require urgent shelter support. More than half of health facilities are only partially functional and face shortages of essential medical equipment and supplies. The total collapse of sanitation infrastructure has left 740,000 people vulnerable to toxic flooding.

On 19 December, the IPC published their latest report which showed that while there has been some improvement since the dire reports of famine in August, the situation remains desperate. The majority of the population (1.6 million people) in the Gaza Strip face high levels of acute food insecurity. Whilst the amount of aid going into Gaza has increased since the ceasefire, the response remains severely constrained by persistent impediments on humanitarian access.

We welcome the important progress that has been made to end the bloodshed in Gaza, secure the release of the hostages and turn the page on two terrible years of conflict. We also call for the remains of the final deceased hostage to be handed over swiftly, and for Hamas to disarm and renounce violence in line with the New York Declaration and UNSCR 2803 endorsing the Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict.

However, we will not lose focus on the plight of civilians in Gaza. We are therefore calling on the Government of Israel to take the following urgent and essential steps:

Firstly, ensure that international NGOs are able to operate in Gaza in a sustained and predictable way. As 31 December approaches, many established international NGO partners are at risk of being deregistered because of the Government of Israel’s restrictive new requirements. Deregistration could result in the forced closure of INGO operations within 60 days in Gaza and the West Bank. This would have a severe impact on access to essential services including healthcare. One in 3 healthcare facilities in Gaza will close if INGOs operations are stopped. INGOs are integral to the humanitarian response and – working with the UN and Palestinian organisations – collectively deliver approximately $1 billion in aid across Palestine each year. Any attempt to stem their ability to operate is unacceptable. Without them, it will be impossible to meet all urgent needs at the scale required.

Secondly, ensure the UN and its partners can continue their vital work. This is essential to ensure the impartial, neutral, and independent delivery of aid throughout the whole of Gaza. This includes UNRWA, which provides essential services, such as healthcare and education, to millions of Palestinian refugees.

Thirdly, lift unreasonable restrictions on imports considered to have a dual use. This includes urgently needed medical and shelter equipment. The restrictions are holding up essential supplies in every sector and preventing the rehabilitation and repair of critical infrastructure.

Finally, open crossings and boost the flows of humanitarian aid into Gaza. We welcome the partial opening of the Allenby crossing, but other corridors for moving goods to Gaza remain closed or severely restricted for humanitarian aid. This includes Rafah, which was noted explicitly in the Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict. Bureaucratic customs processes and extensive screenings are causing delays, while commercial cargo is being allowed in more freely.  The target of 4,200 trucks per week, including an allocation of 250 UN trucks per day, should be a floor not a ceiling. These targets should be lifted so we can be sure the vital supplies are getting in at the vast scale needed.

Together, these restrictions limit the capacity for aid to be delivered at the scale needed, in accordance with international humanitarian law, or for repairs to be made to support recovery and reconstruction efforts. We now urge the Government of Israel to remove these humanitarian access constraints, and to deliver and honour the Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict. This is necessary for an effective humanitarian response, successful recovery and reconstruction and lasting peace and stability.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 29 December 2025.

The New Year Overseas Honours list recognises the outstanding contribution of British nationals abroad or internationally.

• Sarina Wiegman, the Head Coach of the England Women’s football team, appointed an honorary Dame in recognition of her services to football
• Dame Barbara Woodward, UK Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York, is made a Dame Grand Cross for her contribution to British foreign policy, and incoming Ambassador to the USA Dr Christian Turner is awarded with a Knighthood for his service in advancing UK foreign policy
• Multiple awards recognise British nationals for remarkable voluntary and charitable work overseas

One hundred and twelve people have received awards for their exceptional service to the UK overseas and internationally in the Overseas and International New Year Honours List this year. They are recognised for a wide range of contributions across different sectors, with many recipients given awards for voluntary and charitable work.

The most senior official recognised in the list is Dame Barbara Woodward, who is appointed Dame Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George (GCMG) for her outstanding contributions to the UK through international diplomacy and public service, most recently as the UK’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations and the first female British Ambassador to China.

Sarina Wiegman is recognised with an honorary Damehood (honorary awards to foreign nationals are the responsibility of the Foreign Secretary) for her outstanding contribution to Association football. As national coach, Ms Wiegman led the England Women’s football team, the ‘Lionesses’, in retaining their European Championship title this summer. Since becoming national coach, Ms Wiegman has inspired and overseen an unprecedented run of success for the Lionesses, reaching 3 major finals in a row and catalysing growth in women’s and girls’ football in the UK.

David Mabey, Professor of Communicable Diseases at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, is appointed a Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George (KCMG) in recognition of his exceptional and sustained contribution to global health. Also receiving a KCMG is Professor Tony Redmond, the founder of UK-Med and Professor Emeritus of International Emergency Medicine at the University of Manchester, who is recognised for his extraordinary services in support of humanitarian medical assistance around the world over many years.

Further information about recipients receiving substantive knighthood level awards on the Overseas and International List can be found below and alongside the lists published on GOV.UK. 

Sir Olly Robbins, Permanent Under-Secretary at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, said:

Today His Majesty The King has recognised those who show the UK at its very best internationally. Individuals that go above and beyond to protect UK nationals and interests around the world.

On behalf of the Foreign Secretary and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office I would like to congratulate and thank these outstanding individuals for their dedication and service.

Honorary awards are not listed in the New Year and Birthday honours lists. They are announced on GOV.UK as and when formal approval is given for them: Honorary awards to foreign nationals in 2025.

The Overseas and International New Year Honours list also recognises a wide range of contributions at all levels, including awards to British nationals for exceptional voluntary and charitable service that has enhanced the UK’s reputation overseas.

These include:

Dr Comfort Ero

President and Chief Executive Officer, International Crisis Group, receives a CMG [Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George] for services to Crisis Response and Conflict Prevention.

Comfort Ero, President and Chief Executive Officer of the International Crisis Group, is recognised with a CMG for her outstanding contribution to crisis response and conflict prevention. Over several decades, she has shaped how the international community understands and addresses conflict, providing rigorous analysis and policy recommendations that have enhanced security and stability in some of the world’s most volatile regions. Under her leadership since 2021, the International Crisis Group has strengthened its global reputation for independent, field‑based insight, delivering advice that has had significant impact on the ground and earned strong recognition from partners and policymakers worldwide.

As President, she has steered Crisis Group’s influential work on preventing escalation, protecting civilians, and supporting diplomatic solutions. Her leadership has improved conditions for vulnerable communities. Having lived and worked in multiple conflict‑affected states, and previously serving as Crisis Group’s Africa Director and as a senior adviser to the UN, Comfort Ero has demonstrated exceptional dedication, expertise and personal courage throughout her career.

On learning of her award, Comfort Ero said:

I’m deeply grateful to receive the CMG. In an era increasingly afflicted by war and humanitarian crises, this award is testimony to the dedication of my colleagues at the International Crisis Group and our work shaping policies to build a more peaceful world. It’s a privilege to lead an organisation that, in its 30th year, continues to serve as an invaluable global public good.

Patrick McCabe

Patrick McCabe, lately Programme Manager, Explosive Ordnance Device Operations, United Nations Mine Action Service Occupied Palestinian Territory (UNMAS OPT), Palestine, receives an OBE [Officer of the Order of the British Empire] for services to the safe disposal of Explosive Ordnance Devices in Gaza.

Patrick McCabe is recognised with an OBE for his exceptional bravery and technical expertise in explosive ordnance disposal in Gaza. Before October 2023, he personally rendered safe many deep‑buried bombs – high‑risk operations that significantly reduced danger to civilians – and supported other operations across Gaza and the West Bank. Since 2023, he has become a critical part of the humanitarian response, providing explosive hazard support to more than 50 aid convoys, including the World Health Organisation mission to evacuate infants from Al Shifa hospital. Operating under extreme conditions, he also administered lifesaving first aid during multiple casualty incidents. His dedication has had a significant impact on civilian safety and humanitarian access in one of the world’s most challenging environments.

On learning of his award, Patrick McCabe said:

Thank you for this most uplifting news. I would be extremely proud to be awarded the OBE by His Majesty King Charles in the New Years Honours. I am deeply honoured and humbled.

Michael Raine

Michael Raine, Programme Manager, APOPO Cambodia, receives an OBE [Officer of the Order of the British Empire] for services to Humanitarian Land Mine Clearance and Explosive Ordnance Disposal Overseas.

Michael “Mick” Raine receives an OBE for his exceptional contribution to humanitarian landmine clearance and explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) over more than 4 decades. Beginning his career as a Royal Navy Clearance Diver before moving into humanitarian demining, he has led major clearance operations across Somaliland, Bosnia, Iraq, Laos, Lebanon, Vietnam and beyond, consistently combining technical expertise with strong leadership. His work with UNMAS in Cyprus, South Sudan and Somalia strengthened national EOD capacity and improved the safety of operations in active conflict zones. Since 2022, as Programme Manager for APOPO in Cambodia, Mick has overseen the clearance of hundreds of hectares of hazardous land and pioneered innovative methods in mine clearance employing animal scent detection systems. His service has had a lasting impact on communities worldwide by making land safe, usable, and productive again.

On learning of his award, Mick Raine said:

I am deeply honoured to receive this award. Mine action is always a collective effort, and this recognition belongs to the dedicated national staff, international colleagues, partners, and communities who work every day to save lives and build peace. I remain committed to ensuring that people can live, work, and move safely without fear of landmines.

Victoria Fletcher

Chair of the Board of Trustees, Women’s Centre Gulrukhsor, receives an MBE [Member of the Order of the British Empire] for services to Women in Tajikistan.

Victoria “Vicky” Fletcher has been recognised for her outstanding contribution to the Gulrukhsor Women’s Centre in Tajikistan, where she has played a transformative role in protecting and empowering survivors of gender-based violence (GBV). First volunteering in the country in 2011, she moved permanently to Khujand in 2017 and, since 2020, has dedicated herself full time to the Centre as a volunteer Programme Manager and lead fundraiser. At a moment when the organisation was on the brink of closure, Vicky created emergency fundraising efforts and subsequently secured long term international donor support, enabling the centre to spearhead ground-breaking work on preventing violence against women in conservative, rural communities.

Her work has strengthened relationships with local authorities and police, contributed to a more coordinated response to GBV in the Sughd region, and expanded the services available to women and children seeking safety and support. Through tireless commitment, including the establishment of a UK registered charity to safeguard the Centre’s future, Vicky has ensured that thousands of vulnerable women continue to have access to legal protection, counselling, shelter and hope.

On learning of her award, Victoria Fletcher said:

To be recognised for making a significant contribution is very powerful. It was something that was completely unexpected, that had never even crossed my mind. When I received the phone call it brought news that I could never have imagined. It’s something very special.

Catherine Mentink Duncan

Former Councillor of Tourism & Foreign Affairs, Calvia Town Hall, Mallorca, Spain, receives a British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to British Nationals in Mallorca.

Catherine “Kate” Mentink Duncan has been recognised with a British Empire Medal in recognition of her exceptional, decades‑long service to British nationals living in Mallorca. Since moving to the island in 1979, she has worked tirelessly to help residents integrate and access reliable support, notably through her role as Councillor for Tourism and Foreign Affairs and head of the Foreigners Department at Calvia Town Hall – the municipality with the highest UK‑born population in the Balearic Islands. She championed practical measures such as free Spanish and Catalan language courses and created long‑standing community events that foster inclusion. As co‑founder of Ciudadanos Europeos, she advocated for the rights of non‑Spanish nationals, responding to thousands of enquiries each year. Following the EU Exit referendum, she played a particularly vital role by partnering closely with the British Consulate to ensure accurate information reached thousands of UK residents during a period of uncertainty, using her extensive networks to organise outreach events across the island. Her service continues today through her involvement with local charities and community groups, reflecting a lifelong dedication to supporting and strengthening the British community in Mallorca.

On learning of her award, Kate Mentink Duncan said:

Upon receiving confirmation of being awarded a British Empire Medal, I was totally surprised, excited and delighted to receive this honour, an award beyond my dreams. I am a true believer in teamwork, especially in all my community and charity work. Every one of these many volunteers over the years deserves my heartfelt thanks.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 29 December 2025.

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

First, the United Kingdom reaffirms its support for the sovereignty, territorial integrity, political independence, and unity of Somalia.

The United Kingdom does not recognise Somaliland’s independence. We maintain that any change to Somaliland’s status depends on mutual agreement between Mogadishu and Hargeisa, through dialogue, and must conform to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. We regret any action that risks undermining peace and security in the region.

Second, we urge further efforts between the Federal Government of Somalia and the Somaliland authorities to address differences and work together to face common threats. Al-Shabaab and other terrorist groups benefit from internal divisions in Somalia. We encourage Mogadishu and Hargeisa to pursue dialogue, with the support of regional bodies and the international community, to resolve these divisions.

Third, we underscore the importance of continued international support to Somalia’s security transition. Just this month, the Council renewed its authorisations for the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), extended the provision of United Nations logistical support to AUSSOM through UNSOS, and mandated a strong package of sanctions measures to degrade Al-Shabaab.

In September, the United Kingdom announced a contribution of over $30 million to support Somalia’s security transition, including $22 million to AUSSOM. As a close and longstanding partner of Somalia, we remain committed to supporting the Federal Government in its efforts to build a secure and stable Somalia. We urge greater international support to this end.

The UK also welcomes the peaceful conduct of the local elections in Mogadishu, and reaffirms its support for Somalia’s democratic aspirations. We encourage all political actors to work together to reach consensus on next steps.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 24 December 2025.

Joint statement condemning the approval by the Israeli security cabinet of 19 new settlements in the occupied West Bank.

We, States of Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Iceland, Ireland, Japan, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain and the United Kingdom condemn the approval by the Israeli security cabinet of 19 new settlements in the occupied West Bank.

We recall that such unilateral actions, as part of a wider intensification of the settlement policies in the West Bank, not only violate international law but also risk fueling instability. They risk undermining the implementation of the Comprehensive Plan for Gaza amid efforts to progress to phase 2 and harming prospects for long term peace and security across the region. 

We recall our clear opposition to any form of annexation and to the expansion of settlement policies, including the approval of the E1 settlement and thousands of new housing units.

We call on Israel to reverse this decision, as well as the expansion of settlements, in line with UNSC Resolution 2334.

We are resolute in our support of Palestinians’ right of self-determination. We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to a comprehensive, just and lasting peace based on the Two-State solution in accordance with relevant UN Security Council resolutions where two democratic states, Israel and Palestine, live side-by-side in peace and security within secure and recognized borders. We reaffirm that there is no alternative to a negotiated two-state solution.