Tag: Foreign Office

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 18 November 2024.

Catherine West, the UK’s Minister for the Indo-Pacific visits India to reiterate the UK’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations.

Climate, tech, health, education and development on the agenda as Catherine West, the UK’s Minister for the Indo-Pacific, visits India to reiterate the UK’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations.

During her 2-day visit she will hold meetings with senior Indian ministers and officials and learn more about the unique living bridge both countries share.

Building upon the ambitions for the UK-India relationship set out by the Foreign Secretary in his visit in July, Minister West will continue to unlock the full potential of the UK-India partnership and drive forward greater growth for both countries.

Her visit will include a meeting at the Ministry of External Affairs in Delhi, where she will reinforce the UK’s commitment to a stronger partnership and the importance of the enduring links between our people.

She will also reiterate that the UK remains committed to negotiating a mutually beneficial Free Trade Agreement and Bilateral Investment Treaty.

Minister for the Indo-Pacific Catherine West said:

I am delighted to be visiting India for the first time as Minister for the Indo-Pacific. As one of the fastest growing economies in the world, India is a vital partner.

My visit reaffirms the UK’s commitment to fostering deeper cooperation with India and to driving forward greater growth and prosperity for both our nations.

During an education roundtable at the British Council, the Minister will learn more about the unique “living bridge” between the UK and India, representing the 1.7 million people in the UK with Indian heritage and connecting our two countries across our culture, education, food, sport and more.

Further deepening this cultural understanding, the Minister will visit the Jama Masjid in Delhi, where she will learn about its history and architecture.

Her visit follows a 2-day visit to Bangladesh, where she reaffirmed UK support for the Interim Government’s work to build a more prosperous and democratic future for the country.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 17 November 2024.

The UK has announced an aid package for Sudan and neighbouring countries.

• UK announces a major aid increase of £113 million for people in Sudan and those who have fled to neighbouring countries
• Foreign Secretary will call for the Adre border crossing to remain open indefinitely and for immediate action to end the violence
• Draft UN Security Council resolution introduced to push for the protection of civilians and an unrestricted passage of aid.

Today [Sunday 17 November] the UK has announced an aid package which will support more than one million people affected by the devastating war in Sudan, providing vital aid for those in need.

The new £113 million aid package, which doubles the UK’s aid commitment to Sudan and the region this year, will assist over 600,000 people in Sudan and 700,000 people in neighbouring countries who have fled the conflict, including Chad and South Sudan.

During the Foreign Secretary’s visit to the United Nations Security Council tomorrow [Monday 18 November], he will call on the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) to keep the vital Adre border crossing open indefinitely and for the removal of restrictions, which have limited the amount of aid coming through it.  The Foreign Secretary will also call for the SAF and Rapid Support Forces to stop blocking aid convoys.

After 18 months of violent conflict, Sudan is facing the worst humanitarian crisis of the decade, with over 500,000 people in Darfur in famine conditions. Over 11 million people are displaced, 25 million are in desperate need of aid, and famine is likely to spread.

The new funding package announced today will support UN and NGO partners in providing food, cash, shelter, medical assistance, water and sanitation.

Not only is this aid vitally needed, but it will also help people to stay within their home region so they can return to their homes when conditions allow.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy said:

The brutal conflict in Sudan has caused unimaginable suffering. The people of Sudan need more aid, which is why the UK is helping to provide much-needed food, shelter and education for the most vulnerable.

But we cannot deliver aid without access. Starvation must not be used as a weapon of war and we can only stop this famine if every border crossing and route is open, accessible and safe.

As the lead on Sudan in the UN Security Council, I will be using the UK’s Presidency on Monday to press for a resolution that ensures the protection of civilians and an unrestricted passage of aid.

The UK will never forget Sudan.

At the UN, the Foreign Secretary will bring together international partners to lead a discussion on steps to push the warring parties to remove obstacles to humanitarian access.

Humanitarian workers face significant challenges delivering aid to those most in need with instances of aid workers killed, access being blocked by the warring parties, and UN workers unable to move freely. The Adre border crossing re-opened in August and offers a vital lifeline to allow aid to be delivered from Chad into Darfur.

The Minister of State for Development Anneliese Dodds said:

During my visit to South Sudan in August, I saw first-hand the heart-breaking impact the violence is having on those fleeing the conflict.

The humanitarian crisis in Sudan is worsening. Famine and disease are spreading, and by next year, many more will be in desperate need of aid.

We have to prevent further suffering by acting now. Support announced today will reach over a million people, providing food for some of those most in need and will assist neighbouring countries to continue hosting refugees.

The UK has also introduced a new UN Security Council resolution which will pressure the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces to protect civilians, deliver a ceasefire and allow the safe passage of aid.

On 22 August, the UK Minister for Development, Anneliese Dodds, announced £15 million to support those fleeing violence in Sudan, including those displaced to South Sudan and Chad.

Background

• The conflict in Sudan began last April 2023 when violence erupted between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Tensions between SAF General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and RSF General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti) had been escalating for months following disagreements on a transition to a civilian led government.
• On 18 October, the UK led a joint statement with 10 other donors, condemning the obstruction of aid and called upon the warring parties to comply with obligations under international humanitarian law.
• Funding announced today includes:
• £43.5 million for Sudan
• Funding will also include £69.5 million of support for people affected by the conflict in neighbouring countries including:
• Chad
• Sudan
• Uganda
• Education Cannot Wait will receive support to provide safe learning spaces and psychosocial support for 200,000 vulnerable children in refugee and host communities in Chad, Ethiopia, Libya, South Sudan, Central African Republic and Uganda.
• Libya

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 16 November 2024.

UK Minister for the Indo-Pacific arrives in Bangladesh, marking the first UK ministerial visit to the country since the formation of the Interim Government.

• The one-day visit will include key meetings with the Chief Adviser and Foreign Affairs Adviser, as well as political and business leaders and civil society.
• Rohingya refugees and the communities which host them in Bangladesh will receive essential assistance and services through new UK funding.
• Bangladeshis affected by natural disasters this year will also receive UK funded assistance.

The UK shows support for Bangladesh today (16 November) as Indo-Pacific Minister Catherine West meets counterparts in the Interim Government for the first time.

Since the establishment of the Interim Government in August 2024, the UK has been clear in its support for Interim Government’s work on accountability and creating a pathway to an inclusive democratic future for Bangladesh.

During her visit to Dhaka, Minister West will discuss the UK’s ongoing support for political and economic reforms, security, trade cooperation and UK-Bangladesh migration with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus and Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain.

She will meet with student leaders and political parties to discuss the UK’s support for Bangladesh’s democratic recovery, and with business leaders to discuss how the UK government can continue to create strong ties and boost mutually beneficial trade and investment.

The recently announced UK funding has already provided food to 200,000 Rohingya refugees for a three-month period. It will now provide further support to Rohingya refugees with clean water, hygiene and sanitation services, primary healthcare, protection services and shelter materials. It will also provide assistance to those impacted by natural disasters in Bangladesh earlier this year.

UK Minister for the Indo-Pacific Catherine West said

“The UK supports the Interim Government’s work to build a more prosperous and democratic future for the Bangladeshi people.

“I am proud to announce new UK funding to support Rohingya refugees and the Bangladeshi communities which host them with essential services and assistance.”

British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke Said

“I am delighted to welcome UK Minister for the Indo-Pacific Catherine West to Bangladesh. This visit will deepen and broaden the UK’s economic and security partnership with Bangladesh.

“Bangladesh is currently undergoing a transformation, and as a longstanding friend, the UK will assist in the economic and political reforms which will help Bangladesh to continue its social and economic growth as it moves towards an inclusive and democratic future.”

Protests over the summer saw shocking loss of life and injuries. The UK’s support following this has included the deployment of a specialised medical team to care for some of those more critically wounded during protests over the summer.

Notes to Editors/Background only

The £10.3m of new UK support is intended to provide:

• Clean water, hygiene and sanitation support for up to 11,000 Rohingya refugees, delivered by the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
• Primary healthcare for 8,000 Rohingya refugees; and support to address housing, land and property issues in the Rohingya refugee camps and the communities which host them. This will be delivered by an NGO consortium that includes Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), International Rescue Committee (IRC), Danish Refugee Council and Humanity and Inclusion (HI).
• Protection services and shelter materials for Rohingya refugees, delivered by the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and UN’s International Organization for Migration (IOM).
• Assistance to support communities recover from natural disasters in Bangladesh earlier this year, as requested in the humanitarian appeal launched by the UN in September.
• The funding has already provided food to 200,000 Rohingya refugees per month for three months earlier this year, delivered by the UN’s World Food Programme (WFP).

Since 2017, the UK has provided £401 million to support the Rohingya refugees and communities which host them in Bangladesh with essential assistance and services.

A UK Emergency Medical Team (EMT) is in Bangladesh to provide specialised medical treatment to students more critically injured during the July-August 2024 protests. This deployment is taking place in response to formal requests from Interim Government of Bangladesh.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 16 November 2024.

British High Commissioner, Jane Marriott CMG OBE, welcomed guests to celebrate His Majesty King Charles III’s 76th birthday in Islamabad and Karachi.

In Islamabad, Ahsan Iqbal the Federal Minister for Planning, Development, Special Initiatives and Inter Provincial Coordination, attended as Chief Guest, and Chief Minister Sindh, Murad Ali Shah in Karachi.

The UK’s Honourable Artillery Company Regimental Band, the oldest surviving regiment of the British army, visited Pakistan for the occasion, performing in both cities and at the Pakistan Monument. Both events captured audiences with live performances, including by Gharvi Group, who went viral this year for their iconic ‘Blockbuster’ song.

British High Commissioner to Pakistan, Jane Marriott CMG OBE, said:

“Brilliantly British captures everything we love about the UK, a powerhouse of creativity, diversity, and cultural vibrancy. British films, TV dramas, songs and fashion are some of the most renowned things that connect the UK and Pakistan.”

In Islamabad, rock band Khudgharz left crowds calling for more with their British and Pakistani covers set. In Karachi, the Acton House garden was home to “Actonbury”, a festival featuring 5 artists: Maria Unera, Jermeas Naeem, Alycia Dias, Hussain Dossa and the Honourable Artillery Company Regimental Band.

2024 marks a significant year for artistic and people-to-people exchanges between the UK and Pakistan. Key moments include the 90th anniversary of the creation of the British Council, a thrilling test cricket series, and the release of a previously undiscovered album by late Qawwali maestro Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, ‘Chain of Light’.

Through music and art, the events celebrated the UK’s creative sector, which generates over £50 billion in exports, shaping the global art and cultural landscape.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 14 November 2024.

Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on 1267/1989/2253 Committee, 1373 Committee and 1540 Committee.

Earlier this year, the OPCW IIT released its report on the devastating chemical weapons attack in Marea, Syria in 2015, which held Da’esh responsible. This is just one demonstration of why coordination between these three committees remains so important.

The threat from terrorists and non-state actors continues to adapt. Terrorist groups, including Al-Qaeda and Daesh affiliates, operate around the world.

It is vital that we choose to work together in these committees to protect our citizens, to prevent the spread of terrorism, and to ensure the safe and secure development of chemical, nuclear and life-sciences industries globally. We thank the Chairs for notable achievements this year, which includes the following:

First, the 1267 monitoring team’s analysis of the evolving threat and effectiveness of sanctions remains a crucial resource for member states. And the Ombudsperson’s office continues to offer a robust and independent process to challenge designations.

We welcome the renewal of their mandate earlier this year, and applaud that this Council now recognises sexual and gender-based violence as tactics of terrorism and grounds for listing under the regime.

Second, the 1540 Committee has secured progress on monitoring implementation, and the development of technical reference guides. Its 20th anniversary in April was an important milestone.

And third, the participation of technical experts, civil society, and the private sector have made invaluable contributions to the Counterterrorism Committee’s work.

Colleagues, these committees share a common goal: to tackle the persistent and significant threat to international peace and security posed by terrorist groups and non-state actors. Through the continued effective and coordinated implementation of their mandates, together we can tackle these threats.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 14 November 2024.

The UK government and European Commission gave a joint statement following the 15th meeting of the Specialised Committee on Citizens’ Rights.

Joint statement from the UK government and European Commission following the 15th meeting of the Specialised Committee on Citizens’ Rights on 14 November 2024:

The 15th meeting of the Specialised Committee on Citizens’ Rights was held on 14 November 2024 in London, co-chaired by officials from the UK Government and the European Commission. Representatives from EU Member States were also in attendance.

The UK and the EU discussed the implementation and application of the Citizens’ Rights part of the Withdrawal Agreement, under the overall objective of ensuring the full and faithful implementation of the Agreement. In this context, the meeting allowed both sides to take stock of outstanding issues, as well as progress made and to intensify work with a view to ensuring that all citizens who are beneficiaries of the Withdrawal Agreement can fully enjoy their rights.

The UK discussed the difficulties faced by some UK nationals and their family members to acquire permanent residence rights in Member States, as well as various other issues in the implementation of the Withdrawal Agreement’s citizens’ rights provisions including family reunification rights in some Member States. The UK also asked about the possible impact of the EU’s planned Entry/Exit System (EES) on Withdrawal Agreement beneficiaries who do not hold residence documents which would exempt them from registration in EES.

The EU asked for updates on the implementation of the UK High Court’s ruling on the upgrade to settled status and on the legal clarity for EU citizens as to whether their rights are guaranteed by the Withdrawal Agreement or by domestic law. The EU also discussed NHS charges for those who submit a residence application after the June 2021 deadline, appeal rights, and travel on a Certificate of Application. The UK’s plans to digitalise all residence documents and its impact on Withdrawal Agreement beneficiaries were also discussed.

Both parties underlined the importance of administrative preparedness and proper communication. They called on Withdrawal Agreement beneficiaries concerned to take in good time all necessary measures to facilitate their future travel.

The European Commission and the UK’s Independent Monitoring Authority, established under Article 159(1) of the Withdrawal Agreement, presented their respective Annual Reports for 2023, adopted in accordance with Article 159(2) of the Withdrawal Agreement.

Representatives from civil society organisations, representing UK nationals living in the EU and EU citizens living in the UK, attended the meeting and asked questions about the implementation and application of Part Two (Citizens’ Rights) of the Withdrawal Agreement in the EU and the UK, in conformity with the rules of procedure of the Specialised Committee.

The UK and the EU underlined their ongoing commitment to the full implementation of Part Two of the Withdrawal Agreement. The co-chairs agreed to meet again in spring 2025.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 14 November 2024.

UK delivers more support for vulnerable developing countries at the forefront of the climate crisis.

• greater support for countries at forefront of climate and nature emergency
• UK announces new partnerships to help tackle illegal deforestation and support indigenous people
• part of UK’s commitment restoring its leadership in tackling climate change

The Foreign Secretary was at COP29 in Baku (12 November) to push for global action to tackle the climate crisis and preserve the natural world.

While at COP29, the Foreign Secretary held bilats and brush-bys with senior figures and leaders from countries including Colombia, Kuwait and the Democratic Republic of Congo. He also co-hosted a side event with the Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley and led another on advancing forest tenure rights for Indigenous Peoples and local communities as guardians of forests and nature.

At COP29, he committed to a new initiative supporting forest tenure rights for indigenous and local communities across the Amazon Basin, who play a vital role in protecting forest areas. £9.1 million has also been made available to local scientists working to protect the Congo Basin, home to the world’s largest tropical peatlands to help protect vital natural CO2 storage areas.

The Foreign Secretary underscored the UK’s commitment to halting and reversing deforestation, to protect areas which play a key role in absorbing CO2 emissions. This includes announcing partnerships aimed at improving forest management and a new 10-year investment to reduce illegal logging. The programme will build on long-running UK initiatives to improve the governance of forests, support the trade of sustainable forest products and crackdown on illegal ones.

Public finance alone is not going to finance the global transition, and the mobilisation of private capital plays an important role to tackling the challenge. This is why £100 million of funding will also be given for British International Investment’s (BII) new Mobilisation Facility, which will drive up to £500 million of private capital into investments that support other countries in their transition towards net zero.

The Foreign Secretary also announced a guarantee of $280 million (around £220 million) to the new IFCAP initiative, which the UK is a founding partner of together with the Asian Development Bank and the other financing partners. The UK’s guarantee contribution will unlock $1.2 billion of additional climate finance, at no upfront cost to the UK.

The Foreign Secretary said:

The climate and nature crisis is the defining challenge of our times, which is why we are working with other countries to tackle the issue at its root. Britain is back as a leader on the climate crisis because this is how we motivate global action to deliver security and clean growth at home, as well as protect our planet for future generations.

That is why we are doubling down on our support to protect and restore forests, and the communities that depend upon them, around the world. We are also boosting funding to help countries most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.

The last government’s commitment to £11.6 billion of climate finance from 2021/2022 to 2025/2026 will continue to be honoured. This includes at least £3 billion on nature, from which £1.5 billion will be dedicated to protecting and restoring forests.

Between April 2011 to March 2024 UK International Climate Finance has directly supported over 110 million people adapt to the effects of climate change, and help avoid over 105 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions.

The announcements build on our ambitious pledge to build a Global Clean Power Alliance. This will see Britain working with partners around the world to accelerate country transitions to affordable and clean energy and help secure a liveable plant for future generations.

Background

• the Foreign Secretary confirmed the UK will meet its commitment to the current Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities Forest Tenure Pledge (IPLC). This is £163 million between 2021 to 2025
• the UK is giving a further £10 million to the Global Environment Facility’s Special Climate Change Fund to provide adaptation finance to Small Island Developing States
• the UK will provide £5.3 million to the Pacific Catastrophe Risk Insurance (PCRIC) to make sure more Pacific countries have the insurance they need in place before catastrophic weather events

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 14 November 2024.

Deputy Ambassador Brown thanks the Co-Chairs of the Geneva International Discussions for their work in the 62nd round of discussions held on 5-6 November.

The United Kingdom continues to strongly support the Geneva International Discussions (GID). We thank the Co-Chairs for their work in the 62nd round of discussions held on 5-6 November, and welcome Magdalena Grono in co-chairing discussions for the first time as EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus and the Crisis in Georgia. As the only international forum that brings together all sides from the conflict, the GID plays a vital role in trying to achieve a lasting resolution and address the consequences of the conflict.

The United Kingdom welcomes the continued discussion on core issues, in particular the implementation of the 2008 six-point agreement. We encourage further efforts to make tangible progress, and once again call on the Russian Federation to immediately fulfil its obligation under the ceasefire agreement to withdraw its forces to pre-conflict positions and cease all borderisation tactics.

The United Kingdom also welcomes the constructive discussions on humanitarian issues, including freedom of movement, documentation, livelihoods, education and missing persons. We regret that important issues including of internally displaced persons and refugees were once again not discussed due to a walkout by Abkhaz, South Ossetian and Russian participants. It is vitally important that there is movement on these key issues through the GID, and walkouts undermine this process.

We underline our continued support for the Incident Prevention and Response Mechanisms (IPRM), and urge the resumption of the Gali IPRM without further delay or pre-conditions.

The United Kingdom reaffirms its full support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders. We continue to call for immediate and unimpeded access to Georgia’s breakaway regions for international and regional human rights mechanisms to fully implement their mandates.

We welcome the continuation of dialogue on challenging issues through the GID platform, and look forward to the next round of discussions in March 2025.

Thank you, Madam Chair.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 14 November 2024.

Ambassador Holland marks the grim forthcoming milestone of 1000 days of Russia’s illegal full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Next week marks the 1000th day since Russia launched its unprovoked and illegal full-scale invasion of Ukraine – a grim milestone. From the outset, Russia has shown a blatant disregard for sovereignty, territorial integrity, human rights and the impact of their actions on the frameworks that supports global peace and security.

Russia illegally annexed Crimea in 2014. For nearly a decade, Ukrainian citizens in Crimea – particularly Crimean Tatars – have endured systematic persecution, arbitrary detention and enforced disappearances. And with its renewed aggression, Russia has implemented its campaign to erase Ukrainian culture and identity throughout the newly occupied territories.

In the 995 days since, Russia’s aggression has targeted schools, hospitals, and homes across Ukraine with indiscriminate shelling. Just last week, Russian shells killed 14 civilians, including a one-year-old child, and left 88 more injured. Thousands of other Ukrainian civilians have been killed since February 2022, and millions have been forced to flee. The true scale of devastation is difficult to quantify, but cities such as Mariupol, Bucha, and Kharkiv bear the scars of a terror campaign designed to destabilise Ukraine.

Russia’s attacks on civilians, the systematic use of torture, forced deportations, and weaponisation of energy resources show complete disregard for human life. Recently, Russia has escalated its attacks on Ukrainian export infrastructure, blocking essential grain supplies to the global south and delaying aid to parts of the world that need it the most. As my Prime Minister said: “Putin is willing to gamble on global food security […] harming millions across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East to try and gain the upper hand in his barbaric war.”

Russia has even turned to Iran and DPRK for substantial military support. DPRK’s deployment of thousands of troops to Russia is a dangerous and reckless development that further destabilises European security and raises tensions in the Indo-Pacific. Russia relies on third country support to fuel its war machine and prolong the suffering of the Ukrainian people. So together with our partners we will continue to call on those responsible to stop enabling Russia’s illegal war.

Russia’s actions violate the UN Charter and every OSCE commitment, from the Helsinki Final Act to the Paris Charter. The international community has responded with unity, implementing sanctions that cut off Russian military funding and providing humanitarian and military support to Ukraine. We commend the resilience of the Ukrainian people, who have shown remarkable ingenuity in defence of democratic values.

Colleagues, we are approaching the 1000th day of what was sold as a 3-day war. Even in its original conception it was completely unnecessary. Russia can choose to end this war. The UK reaffirms our commitment to Ukraine’s independence and territorial integrity, alongside international partners. We will continue to hold Russia accountable and urge a just and lasting peace that respects the UN Charter and Helsinki Final Act.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 14 November 2024.

At COP29 in Baku, Minister for Development Anneliese Dodds will commit to help the Global South access clean forms of cooking that does not burn wood or coal.

• UK Minister for Development Anneliese Dodds will commit to supporting Global South countries to access clean forms of cooking
• the package, to be announced at COP in Baku, Azerbaijan, will help people to avoid burning wood, charcoal and other polluting fuels to cook – helping their health and the environment
• the minister is also announcing a package to help countries in Africa predict and prepare for extreme weather events

UK Minister for Development Anneliese Dodds will announce a major package to boost global access to clean forms of cooking that avoid burning wood or coal.

Globally, around 2.1 billion people still have to cook on firewood, charcoal or other polluting fuels, often worsening the health of many women and girls in particular, and damaging forests.

The funding of £74 million will extend clean cooking access to an additional 10 million people in countries across Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and the Indo-Pacific.

Minister for Development Anneliese Dodds said:

Britain is back with a voice on the world stage, and we are leading on new initiatives to support health and the environment.

This package will support 10 million people across Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and the Indo-Pacific to leave coal and wood cooking behind, helping the environment while also improving the health of women and girls who are so often exposed to damaging fumes from burning coal and wood.

Nothing could be more central to the UK’s own national interest than delivering progress on arresting rising temperatures. This is our chance to achieve clean and secure energy, both globally and at home, and, in doing so, drive growth for the UK.

The Minister for Development will make these pledges while attending COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan. With the Prime Minister, Foreign Secretary, Energy Secretary and others also attending, UK ministers are seeking to encourage ambitious emissions reductions and agreements that take the needs of the Global South into account while also growing the UK’s economy and maximising opportunities for Britain.

£44 million of the clean cooking package will come from a 5-year extension to the UK government’s Modern Energy Cooking Services (MECS) programme up to 2030. The remaining £30 million will come through the Ayrton Fund, which aims to accelerate the clean energy transition in Global South countries.

Alongside this, the minister will announce a $16 million investment by British International Investment (BII) into Africa Go Green, a fund backing early stage businesses taking climate action in Africa including accelerating access to clean cooking solutions.

The Minister for Development has also announced at COP29 a boost to support the Weather and Climate Information Services (WISER) programme in Africa.

WISER sees the UK Met Office partner with meteorological organisations across Africa to increase countries’ capacity to forecast and plan for extreme weather events and climate change. Additional funding of £30 million from the UK will support farmers and communities in adapting to a changing climate. This brings total funding up to £47 million.

This aligns with the modern approach to development outlined by Minister Dodds at Chatham House in October, based on working in partnership with the Global South.

This is additional to a £6 million commitment to launch Jahez, a project supporting climate vulnerable refugees in Jordan. This includes through the restoration of water supplies and introducing climate smart agriculture to generate growth that can withstand the impacts of the climate crisis.

The UK will continue to prioritise the most vulnerable and remains committed to spending £1.5 billion in 2025 to support countries with building resilience to the impacts of climate change, tripling adaptation spend from 2019 levels. This is part of the existing UK commitment to spend £11.6 billion in International Climate Finance between April 2021 and March 2026.

Minister Dodds also met with the Executive Director of the Green Climate Fund (GCF). The UK has confirmed its commitment to the GCF, helping millions of the world’s poorest and most vulnerable people deal with the impact of climate change, and help countries build a cleaner, greener future. The £1.62 billion funding – the UK’s largest single International Climate Finance (ICF) investment – shows the UK is playing a leading role in supporting the fund, which is already delivering 286 projects in 133 countries.