Tag: Foreign Office

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 19 June 2026.

UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue with the Independent Expert on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity. Delivered at the 62nd Human Rights Council in Geneva.

Thank you,

The UK welcomes the Independent Expert’s report, which coincides with the alarming rise of anti-rights activity worldwide.

The report makes clear that lesbian, bisexual and queer women and girls, and trans and gender-diverse people face unique and disproportionate exclusion, discrimination and violence – often at the hands of those seeking to uphold gender stereotypes and norms. 

We are concerned by the clear evidence that LBQ+ women and girls face exclusion, discrimination and violence, including barriers to accessing health, protection and participation in public life. These harms are compounded by their invisibility in data, policy and service provision. 

The UK is steadfast in its commitment to ending gender-based violence against women and girls in all their diversity, both at home and overseas. Through the All-In Coalition – launched by the UK in 2025 – we are working with partners to drive global action to prevent and respond to all forms of gender-based violence. 

Our approach is underpinned by the UK’s International Strategic Framework on Women and Girls. Its four pillars – educating girls, empowering women and girls, championing sexual and reproductive health and rights, and ending gender-based violence – will guide our efforts to ensure that all women and all girls, in all their diversity, can realise their rights and potential. 

Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 18 June 2026.

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

President, last November this Council adopted resolution 2803, endorsing President Trump’s Comprehensive Plan to end the Gaza conflict.  

This provided a historic opportunity to achieve lasting peace.  

And as USG Fletcher’s briefing set out, there has been some progress since then on the humanitarian front, and in the return of all hostages.

But Mr Fletcher and Ms Khalidi also provided us with a stark reminder that the promise of this plan has not yet been realised, and urgent action is needed by both sides to fulfil their commitments and get implementation back on track.  

So I will highlight three priorities.  

First, as we heard today, the humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire.  

Ongoing violations of the ceasefire are reported to have killed over 1000 Palestinians since October.  

Repeated displacement, unsanitary conditions, and inadequate access to medical care have left children and families exposed to disease; too malnourished to fight infection. 

And yet Israel continues to apply ‘dual use’ restrictions to block essential items, while also limiting aid delivery to a single crossing, creating congestion and further delay.  

Resolution 2803 is clear. There must be full resumption of humanitarian aid immediately, including rehabilitation of civilian infrastructure. 

The January 2025 ceasefire showed what can be delivered when there is political will. 

That level of delivery must now be restored, in line with the Comprehensive Plan. 

We urge Israel to fulfil its commitments under international law and immediately remove unjustifiable restrictions on humanitarian access. 

It is also vital that the UN, including UNRWA, and international NGOs are able to operate safely and at scale to deliver their essential work, in line with international humanitarian law. 

Second, we need renewed momentum on security arrangements and a political transition in Gaza. 

Hamas must fulfil its commitments under the Comprehensive Plan to decommission its weapons and dismantle military and terrorist infrastructure.  

The UK supports a phased and verified decommissioning process, alongside deployment of an International Stabilisation Force, training of a Palestinian police force, and a sequenced IDF withdrawal. 

But let me be clear. Israel’s obligation to facilitate humanitarian access is not conditional on Hamas’ disarmament. 

Humanitarian assistance must never be used as a political lever; this is one of the basic tenets of international humanitarian law. 

Third, stability in the West Bank is essential to any lasting peace. 

Yet violence against civilians is increasing at unprecedented levels. 

We are horrified by footage of Israeli forces killing a seven‑month‑old baby in Hebron on 5 June. 

Israel must take action to ensure the perpetrators face accountability.

Such acts of violence, alongside continued displacement, and the withholding of Palestinian Authority revenues of over $5 billion undermine the Comprehensive Plan. 

This must stop.   

President, now is the time to move decisively towards peace. 

Last week, alongside Australia and Canada, we announced a new International Peace Fund for Israel and Palestine to reinvigorate these efforts. 

The United Kingdom remains committed to working with partners to lay the foundations for a different future, based on peaceful coexistence between two sovereign and secure states.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 18 June 2026.

Statement by Ambassador Archie Young, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Libya.

I will focus on three points raised by the SRSG, covering the UN-facilitated political process, irregular migration, and military reunification.

First, the United Kingdom welcomes the conclusion of the Structured Dialogue and the publication of its recommendations. 

We commend the dialogue’s participants who worked to find consensus on difficult issues, demonstrating the Libyan people’s desire for political progress. 

We urge all actors to seriously engage with the SRSG’s roadmap towards elections. 

Recent UN-facilitated smaller-format discussions show that progress is possible where there is political will.

As international efforts supporting political reconciliation continue, it is vital that UNSMIL remains at the centre, facilitating an inclusive and durable political solution.

Second, recent protests directed towards UNHCR and UNSMIL reflect frustration among Libyan communities about irregular migration. 

We are concerned by mis and disinformation fuelling inflammatory rhetoric about the UN’s work in Libya. 

The safety and security of UN staff and their ability to implement their mandates remains vital.

We condemn the criminal gangs profiting from organised immigration crime and driving insecurity in Libya and beyond. 

Their networks should be dismantled, informal detention centres closed, and protections for migrants and refugees strengthened.

And third, we welcome the successful conclusion of Exercise Flintlock last month, which saw eastern and western armed forces unite for joint exercises in Sirte. 

Such cooperation is an important confidence-building step. 

We encourage further efforts to build on this progress in support of the reunification of Libya’s military and security institutions.

President, the responsibility now lies with Libyan actors to seize this moment to agree a sustainable political settlement. 

The Libyan people deserve institutions that can deliver security, stability, and opportunity. 

We urge all parties to prioritise the national interest and to engage seriously in the UN-facilitated political process.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 18 June 2026.

UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue on Freedom of Expression. Delivered by the UK’s Human Rights Ambassador, Eleanor Sanders.

Thank you, Mr Vice President,

We thank the Special Rapporteur for her important work and today’s report. We commend her dedication throughout her mandate during which she has been a principled and authoritative voice for the protection of freedom of expression worldwide. We express our deep appreciation for her leadership, independence, and consistent defence of journalists, human rights defenders, and open civic space.

We remain committed to the right to freedom of opinion and expression, online and offline including through our role as co-chair of the Media Freedom Coalition. This right is foundational to democratic societies, accountability and the protection of all other human rights.

Digital platforms and large technology companies play an increasingly significant role in shaping public debate. Their decisions have profound implications for access to information, media pluralism, and the safety of users.  We therefore support efforts to promote greater transparency, accountability, and respect for human rights in the design and governance of digital platforms.

We will continue to engage on this important matter, working with partners to ensure that digital technologies strengthen, rather than restrict, freedom of expression.

Special Rapporteur, what practical steps can states take to ensure technology companies respect freedom of expression while avoiding over-regulation or unintended restrictions on legitimate speech?

Thank you

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 17 June 2026.

Speaking at the Annual Security Review Conference (ASRC), Director of Defence and International Security, Ben Fender, reconfirms support for Ukraine, condemnation for Russia’s war and looks ahead to the UK simultaneously chairing two key OSCE security forums later this year.

Thank you, Chair and Secretary-General, for your leadership in difficult times.

This meeting is our annual moment to take stock of security in the Euro-Atlantic area.

There have been moments of light.  The year has seen voters in Armenia, Hungary and Moldova defeat interference in their democracy.  Real steps towards peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan.  Ukraine and Moldova open a new chapter in their relations with the EU.

But Russia’s unprovoked, illegal war against Ukraine is now in its fifth year.  A war that has now gone on longer than the First World War, longer than the Soviet role in the Second World War.  About which our Russian colleague knows so many facts.  And of course we should not count the days of Russia’s aggression from 2022 but 2014, or earlier.

We stand, as always, in solidarity with Ukraine and its people, who have suffered so much.

The Kremlin gains nothing by continuing.  Every month that passes leaves 35,000 Russian soldiers dead or injured.  Russia’s economy in worse decline, its young people denied opportunity.   Its army ever more reliant on North Korea, Iran and China.

On Sunday, Russia’s target was the monastery of the Dormition, dating back to the 11th Century.  The same night two state cinema organisations.  And a well-known art institution, the Mistetski Arsenalna.  Three years ago, I saw for myself the Transfiguration Cathedral in Odesa, another World Heritage Site, with a hole in the ceiling where a missile had hit.  Icons in tatters.  Prayer stalls under the rubble.

Putin’s war is not just against Ukraine but its culture. And against the civilisation of all of us.  But it is also a war that is making Ukraine’s identify, its resolve, stronger than ever.  And our resolve too. What history should have taught our Russia colleague is that the will of peoples to defend their freedom and security will always be stronger than the will of those who want to take it away.

The threats posed by the war are not limited to Ukraine.  Russia is eroding norms we all benefit from by its routine use of intermediate-range ballistic missiles and its strikes against civilian populations.  Last week, a drone hit the Chornobyl fuel store – a nuclear site, in the exclusion zone, far from any military activity, on the border of Belarus.  Days before, a Russian drone hit a tower block in a city in Romania.  Many of our countries have been the victim of acts of Russian sabotage.  Poland, of a cyber attack on its energy infrastructure.  Barely a week goes by without reckless behaviour by Russian jets.

Helsinki principles remain, as they have for half a century, a beacon of hope and stability.  They need upholding, not changing.  The OSCE remains a vital place where we can tell truths and hold each other to account.

We are confident that the arc of history will bend toward justice.  Ukraine has stopped Russia’s advances.  Allies have never been more generous with their support.

As the current Chair of the Security Committee, the UK has sought to uphold OSCE principles and support Ukraine, and other victims, of Putin’s war.  Exposed the growing hybrid threats – on which the OSCE should do more.  As it should help states to tackle illegal migration.

In September, we look forward to taking on the Chair of the Forum for Security Co-operation.  Our priorities will be to support these OSCE principles and support Ukraine, hold Russia to account, and promote responsible security management.

Chair, it will be an honour for us to chair both formal committees of the OSCE’s Pol-Mil Dimension and we look forward to working with you all. Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 16 June 2026.

Statement by Jennifer MacNaughtan, UK Minister Counsellor, at the Security Council meeting on Yemen.

Thank you, Under-Secretary General Fletcher and Special Envoy Grundberg for your briefings. 

Firstly, I would like to welcome the Special Envoy’s announcement of agreement to release detainees related to the conflict. We commend the efforts of the UN, the ICRC and Saudi Arabia to secure this, and express our thanks to Jordan and Oman for their support.

The UK urges all parties to ensure the full and timely implementation of the agreement and to build further on this positive momentum.  

However, even as we welcome this positive and tangible step, we reiterate our condemnation of Houthi detentions of staff from the UN, NGOs, civil society and diplomatic missions. We remain deeply concerned for the welfare of those held some of whom have now been separated from their families for over 2 years.

 Earlier this month, Security Council members reaffirmed our demand for the unconditional, safe and immediate release of those detainees, including 73 United Nations personnel. Council members also reiterated that humanitarian personnel must be able to operate safely in line with international humanitarian law.

Threats to those delivering humanitarian assistance are unacceptable and have resulted in the pause of lifesaving programmes, worsening the dire situation for millions of Yemenis in need.  

The UK welcomes continued efforts across the United Nations and through all possible channels to secure their immediate and unconditional release.   

Second, we remain deeply concerned by food insecurity situation in Yemen and have heard powerful further information on this today from USG Fletcher. 

Over 18 million Yemenis – nearly half the population – are already food insecure, with many forced to resort to extreme coping strategies such as selling their house or land to meet basic food needs. Integrated Food Security Phase Classification analysis projects a further decline over the coming months. 

Last year, the UK provided over $190m towards the humanitarian response in Yemen, and we remain committed to supporting these efforts and working collectively with partners to reach those most in need. 

Third, despite the challenging regional context, we must keep international attention on the pursuit of stability and security for Yemen. 

The Government of Yemen have made significant progress since February, including with the support of the Saudi Arabia, whose provision of fuel derivatives came at a critical moment. 

The UK will continue our strong support for President Al-Alimi and Prime Minister Zindani as the Government pursues important reforms and works towards a new National Development Plan for Yemen.

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 16 June 2026.

The Prime Minister met the President of the European Council António Costa at the G7 Summit in Evian today.

The leaders underlined the importance of close cooperation between the UK and Europe, to benefit both sides.

A closer relationship was vital for European security, resilience and prosperity, they reiterated.

Both leaders agreed to work closely ahead of the UK-EU summit, which they agreed would be held on July 22.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 16 June 2026.

Industry engagement is speeding up support to the Middle East, enabling faster decisions, improved capability access and stronger defence supplier collaboration

Key points

• The Defence Industrial Joint Council (DIJC) is a key forum for strategic engagement, enabling earlier collaboration and fast responses to urgent operational needs
• Early market engagement is providing clearer and insight into available capability, supporting quicker, better informed procurement decisions
• MOD Category Strategies are strengthening  access to critical materials, reducing supply chain delays, and aligning activity with industry through the DIJC Working Group.

Increasing the speed of support through early industry engagement

Meeting urgent operational demands in the Middle East relies on earlier, stronger engagement with industry. The Defence Industrial Joint Council (DIJC), alongside the National Armaments Director (NAD) Group’s newly formed Early Market Engagement team, is central to increasing the speed of support. This work supports the Defence Industrial Strategy commitment to provide clearer, earlier demand signals, ensuring suppliers are better positioned to respond to rapidly evolving requirements.

Through structured engagement, including Strategic Industry Roundtables, MOD has moved beyond traditional procurement approaches to earlier, more open conversations with suppliers. The approach engages industry before requirements are fully defined. By sharing clearer problem statements and operational context, Defence can better understand available capability, test feasibility, and shape delivery options at speed.

Nathan Hinchliffe, Head of Market Engagement, National Armaments Director Group, said:

Early and continuous engagement with industry allows us to adapt to rapidly evolving requirements, understand what is feasible, and speed up capability. By bringing industry into the conversation earlier and broadening participation, we are creating a more partnership-based approach that is already helping delivery happen faster and unlocking tangible results.

Better access and faster delivery

This approach is widening participation beyond established primes, bringing in Small and Medium -Sized Enterprises (SMEs), academia, and non-traditional suppliers based on capability. Insights gathered from these engagements are directly shaping delivery decisions, particularly in areas such as export processes and procurement routes. For example, industry feedback identified barriers in export approvals, prompting accelerated government-to-government mechanisms and closer coordination with the Export Control Joint Unit (ECJU). As a result, 37 of 47 export licences have been expedited many significantly faster than standard timelines helping priority capabilities to reach partners more quickly.

The Middle East context has also highlighted existing structural pressures in the supply chain, including constraints in critical raw materials and long lead times for key components. In response, NAD is developing Category Strategies to improve access to constrained areas such as Sensors, Rocket Motors, and Energetics. This work improves understanding of assembly capacity and the drivers of long lead times, enabling joint identification of opportunities to compress delivery timelines. Activity is being coordinated across MOD and industry through the DIJC Readiness and Resilience Working Group, ensuring alignment and coherence.

Making this the standard approach

Together, these efforts represent a shift in how Defence works with industry, embedding early, continuous engagement as a core part of delivery. This demonstrates how Defence Reform and the Defence Industrial Strategy are being implemented in practice to improve pace, access, and outcomes for the frontline.

Lessons from Middle East support are now shaping a more sustainable, business-as-usual model, including the development of a Coordinating Authority for Market Engagement. By formalising this approach, MOD aims to create a repeatable and scalable framework that improves industry relationships, supports investment confidence, and ensures rapid and resilient delivery of capability to the warfighter.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 16 June 2026.

Mr William Longhurst has been appointed Chargé d’Affaires at the British Embassy in Minsk in succession to Mr David Ward.

Mr Longhurst will take up his appointment during July 2026.

Curriculum Vitae

Full name: William Jesse Longhurst

Year	Role
2024 to 2026	FCDO, Full time Language Training in Russian
2019 to 2024	British Embassy Berne, Deputy Head of Mission and HM Consul-General to Switzerland & Liechtenstein
2019	FCO, Full time Language Training in German
2018	FCO, Deputy Head, Global Britain Task Force
2014 to 2018	Her Majesty’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Cambodia
2011 to 2013	FCO, Deputy Head, ASEAN Department
2007 to 2011	British Embassy Belgrade, Deputy Head of Mission and HM Consul-General
2006 to 2007	FCO, Full time Language Training in Serbian
2001 to 2006	UK Mission to the United Nations in New York, First Secretary (Finance and Management Reform)
1998 to 2001	Department of Trade and Industry, Head of Exports to Japan Unit
1995 to 1998	British Embassy Tokyo, First Secretary (Commercial)
1992 to 1995	British Embassy Seoul, Third Secretary (Economic), later Second Secretary (Political and Information)
1990 1991	FCO Assistant Desk Officer, Economic Relations Department
1990	Joined Foreign & Commonwealth Office

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 16 June 2026.

UK Statement on the High Commissioner’s Annual Report. Delivered by the UK’s Human Rights Ambassador, Eleanor Sanders.

Mr President,

Thank you, High Commissioner,

In Iran, the killing of thousands of Iran’s own people, including the continued execution of protesters, lays bare Iran’s longstanding violent suppression of peaceful dissent. This Council condemned that brutality in January, and we remain steadfast in supporting international accountability efforts.

Four years on from your Office’s Xinjiang Assessment, China has not implemented its recommendations. Human rights violations in Xinjiang and Tibet continue. We support your efforts to understand the impact of the Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress on ethnic and religious minorities.

The situation in Afghanistan is alarming. The erosion of the rights of women and girls, and religious and ethnic minorities, is deeply troubling. As UN reports make clear, Taliban decrees entrench gender inequality, restrict access to justice, and institutionalise religious discrimination. We condemn these laws.

In Russia, the Kremlin claims to act for the Russian people but crushes dissent and uses repressive legislation to create a climate of fear internally while targeting civilian infrastructure in Ukraine. In Russia, people are behind bars for exercising their human rights.

We must shine a spotlight on Russia to hold it to account for its repression of Russian people – and its continued atrocities in Ukraine.