Tag: Foreign Office

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 7 October 2024.

UK farmers and traders will once again be able to export poultry to South Africa.

British poultry can once again reach South African tables, after the UK secured market access estimated to bring up to £160m to industry over the next five years.

The development will allow UK traders to export poultry to South Africa for the first time in eight years, after restrictions were placed on UK imports following outbreaks of avian influenza in the UK. The UK was declared free from avian influenza earlier this year.

Lowering this trade barrier has been one of the UK’s priorities for agricultural trade, and its resolution marks a significant step forward, benefiting South African consumers with access to high-quality and securely supplied poultry meat.

Food Security Minister Daniel Zeichner met South African ministers, Deputy Minister Rosemary Capa (Agriculture) and Deputy Minister Andrew Whitfield (Trade), last week to finalise the deal. This access will provide further opportunities to grow the UK economy and strengthen the trading relationship between both countries.

Minister for Food Security Daniel Zeichner said:

This deal not only opens new opportunities for UK poultry traders, but grants a new avenue through which to grow the UK economy.

We’re one step further on our journey to securing better trade deals for UK farmers, improving industry resilience and kickstarting our food exports.

South Africa has historically been an important market for UK poultry, with exports of poultry worth over £37 million to South Africa in 2016. Teams from across government have worked in combination with their counterparts in South Africa for many years to regain market access.

International Meat Trade Association CEO Katie Doherty said:

The reopening of South Africa for UK poultry meat exports is fantastic news for UK producers and exporters – prior to the ban, it was a vital market for UK exporters.

It is testament to all the hard work by Defra’s market access team and the agricultural attachés and other officials who have supported this crucial work over many years, for which we are very grateful.

British Poultry Council Chief Executive Richard Griffiths said:

Our relationships with markets around the world underpin economic growth right here in the UK. Providing half the meat the nation eats every year, plus the breeding stock of 70% of all poultry consumed globally, British Poultry Council members actively contribute to both domestic and global food security.

That trade of British poultry can resume with South Africa following the lifting of the avian influenza ban is a great example of government and industry working together to overcome technical trade barriers. Unlocking access to what was once one of our biggest markets is incredibly exciting.

Thank you to the Defra market access team and all Government officials and industry representatives involved for their support and engagement throughout this process. We look forward to continuing our work together to build, maintain and enhance trading relationships – both existing and new!

Defra will work closely with UK poultry producers and traders, as well as relevant industry bodies, to ensure the smooth export of their goods to South Africa.

This development follows recent success in securing new beetroot exports to the US.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 7 October 2024.

UK statement for the Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Cambodia. Delivered by the UK’s Human Rights Ambassador, Eleanor Sanders.

Thank you, Mr. President. And thank you Special Rapporteur for your latest report and update on the human rights situation in Cambodia.

The UK recognises the positives steps that Cambodia has taken to expand healthcare and social protection, and we commend its commitment to climate change, education, and poverty reduction. The UK remains committed to supporting Cambodia’s vision of achieving an upper-middle income status by 2030.

However, the UK shares the Special Rapporteur’s concerns regarding the use of the judiciary to silence political and human rights actors as well as journalists. We are also concerned about the lasting impacts resulting from the online scamming industry in the country.

In this light, we encourage the Cambodian government to engage in inclusive dialogue with all actors, especially Civil Society Organisations, in its legislative and policy-making processes ahead of the 2027 and 2028 elections. We believe that a flourishing free press and freedom of speech are essential if Cambodia is to achieve its vision.

Special Rapporteur,

What further steps should the Cambodian government take to better promote and protect freedom of expression, including press freedom?

Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 7 October 2024.

Ms Libby Green has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Ecuador in succession to Mr Christopher Campbell who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment. Ms Green will take up her appointment during August 2025.

Curriculum vitae

Full name: Elisabeth Clare Green

	2022 to Present	New Delhi, Head of Climate and Energy
	2017 to 2020	FCO, Deputy Head of Department, Asia Pacific Directorate
	2015 to 2017	Department of Health, Head of Department
	2012 to 2015	Beijing, First Secretary Health
	2010 to 2012	Beijing, First Secretary Climate and Energy
	2008 to 2010	Copenhagen, Deputy Head of Mission
	2007 to 2008	Copenhagen, Second Secretary
	2006 to 2007	Pre-posting training (including Danish language training
	2003 to 2006	FCO, Desk Officer, Security Policy Department
	2001 to 2003	FCO, Press Officer
	2001	Joined FCO

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 7 October 2024.

UK statement for the Interactive Dialogue with the Independent Expert on Somalia. Delivered by the UK’s Permanent Representative to the WTO and UN, Simon Manley.

Thank you.

Let me thank the Independent Expert. We look forward to the renewal of her mandate. We welcome the presence of the Director General from the Ministry of Family and Human Rights Development and his team from Mogadishu.

We welcome the Somali government’s formation of an inter-ministerial technical working group on human rights and efforts to accede to the UN Conventions against Transnational Organised Crime and Corruption, as well as the government’s passing of the Disability Rights Bill in August 2024.

We are concerned at the ongoing loss of civilian life due to conflict and insecurity, continuing cases of conflict-related sexual violence, and restrictions on the freedom of expression, including detention of journalists. Women and children, and those internally displaced, continue to be acutely vulnerable to human rights abuses.

We encourage the Somali government to strengthen the rule of law and enhance basic freedoms by finalising the establishment of the National Human Rights Commission, and ensuring that the constitutional review process and future legislation meets Somalia’s human rights obligations and is undertaken through a consultative process. The UK stands ready to work with Somalia on all these issues.

Ms Dyfan,

Looking forward, what HR benchmarks are most cause for concern, and what action can the UN and other international partners take to support Somalia to meet these over the next year?

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 4 October 2024.

UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue with the OHCHR on technical assistance for South Sudan. Delivered by the UK’s Human Rights Ambassador, Eleanor Sanders.

Mr President,

We thank the High Commissioner for today’s update and commend OHCHR’s continued provision of crucial technical assistance in South Sudan.

We are concerned by the government of South Sudan’s recent decision to extend the revitalised peace agreement by two years. This has delayed democracy for the South Sudanese, who have not had the chance to elect their leaders since independence.

The forthcoming extension period represents an opportunity for the government to demonstrate its commitment to justice and accountability. The recent passing of legislation on transitional justice institutions represents some progress towards this goal. Consultation with civil society and victim groups to operationalise these bodies must now be prioritised. In this context, the Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan remains vital and we welcome South Sudan’s continued engagement with this important body.

We are also concerned about the recently passed National Security Service Bill, which allows arrests to be made without a warrant.

High Commissioner, how is OHCHR working with the government of South Sudan to ensure this Bill does not undermine civic space nor further entrench impunity within South Sudan’s security forces?

Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 4 October 2024.

Statement by Jess Jambert-Gray, Deputy Political Coordinator, at the UN Security Council meeting on threats to international peace and security.

I will keep my remarks brief and I will focus on three points.

First, the UK takes the sabotage of the Nord Stream pipelines extremely seriously and we share the desire of other Council members to understand what happened and who was responsible.

We believe the best way to get those answers is to support the ongoing national investigation being conducted by Germany.

We recognise this is a complex investigation and that it is important it is conducted thoroughly and to the highest standards.

We therefore welcome the update provided to the Council on 9 September by the Permanent Representatives of Sweden, Germany and Denmark, which outlined the German authorities’ commitment to ensuring the investigation is carried out impartially and in line with the rule of law.

Second, as we have said many times before, we do not believe it helpful for the Security Council to try to prejudge the outcome of this ongoing investigation, dictate how the investigation is conducted or seek to politicise the issue.

The Council should focus our efforts on supporting the process rather than engaging in unhelpful speculation or trying to undermine it.

Third, we must point out that while Russia is consistently calling Council meetings on this topic to vocally condemn attacks on critical national infrastructure, it is simultaneously deliberately targeting Ukraine’s energy system and attacking its critical national infrastructure.

These attacks are killing thousands and inflicting a terrible human cost.

We urge Russia to translate its stated concern for the protection of civilian infrastructure into action by immediately ceasing such attacks and ending its illegal war of aggression against Ukraine. Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 4 October 2024.

UK statement for the Enhanced Interactive Dialogue on Nuclear Legacy in the Marshall Islands.

Thank you, Mr Vice-President,

Let me start by thanking Her Excellency, President Hilde Heine of the Marshall Islands for her address of this Council and the Permanent Mission of the Marshall Islands for their moving side event on this issue last week.

The UK fully recognises the seriousness and sensitivity of the challenges faced by people of the Marshall Islands, following nuclear testing between 1946 and 1958.

We commend the constructive and positive spirit with which the core group of the report’s mandating resolution approached its task.

The UK notes the report of the OHCHR and has previously set out its concerns that the OHCHR is not the appropriate body to advise the National Nuclear Commission on these matters.

We commend efforts made by the United States of America and the Republic of the Marshall Islands to address the historic legacy and welcome the remediation efforts that have taken place.

The UK supports that bilateral cooperation between the Marshall Islands and the United States. We hope that the OHCHR takes due account of those efforts and we trust that the historic ties of friendship between the Marshall Islands and the United States remain steadfast.

Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 4 October 2024.

£10 million humanitarian package will support thousands of people who have been displaced and impacted by the conflict.

• the Foreign Secretary continues to work with his counterparts to reduce tensions in the Middle East
• comes as the UK government has chartered more flights to help British nationals leave Lebanon

The UK is boosting its humanitarian support for Lebanon with a further £10 million to respond to the mass displacement of people, as well as the growing number of civilian casualties.

The funding comes as the UK continues to urge all British nationals to leave the country as soon as possible, and for an immediate ceasefire between Lebanese Hizballah and Israel. A ceasefire would provide the space necessary to find a political solution in line with Resolution 1701 and enable civilians on both sides to return to their homes.

The aid package responds to serious concerns over a widespread lack of shelter, and reduced access to clean water, hygiene and healthcare. It will be delivered through trusted humanitarian organisations, who have a long-established presence delivering aid within Lebanon.

The announcement follows the £5 million humanitarian package delivered through UNICEF to support access to clean water and sanitation, health, and nutrition supplies.

The UN’s Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), which the UK is the largest donor to, this week also allocated £7.6 million to respond to the urgent conflict-related needs and displacement in Lebanon.

Anneliese Dodds, Minister of State for Development and Minister of State for Women and Equalities, said:

The human cost of the conflict in Lebanon is clear for all to see. This additional funding from the UK will help to address the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation, providing relief for people displaced by the continuing violence.

This lifesaving aid is vital, but not a long-term solution. The only way to truly address the growing humanitarian crisis is an immediate ceasefire adhered to by both sides.

We continue to urge British nationals in Lebanon to leave immediately.

The government yesterday (3 October) announced that it is also chartering more flights to help British nationals leave Lebanon. More than 150 British nationals and dependants left Beirut on a government-chartered flight on Wednesday (2 October).

British nationals and their spouse or partner, and children under the age of 18 are eligible. All passengers must hold a valid travel document. Dependants who are not British nationals will require a valid visa that has been granted for a period of stay in the UK of more than 6 months.

The UK continues to work with partners to increase capacity on commercial flights for British nationals. Around 700 troops and Foreign Office and Home Office staff, including Border Force officers, have been deployed to Cyprus for contingency planning.

Defence Secretary John Healey travelled to Cyprus yesterday to meet and thank deployed military personnel.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 4 October 2024.

More than 250 British nationals have left Lebanon on flights chartered by the UK government. Remaining British nationals who want to leave should register immediately or use commercial routes.

The UK has chartered a flight to leave Beirut on Sunday (6 Oct) as tensions in the region escalate.

There are no more scheduled flights, due to a decrease in demand. However, the situation will be kept under constant review.

Any remaining British nationals who want to leave Lebanon are urged to register with the government immediately.

The government has been advising British nationals to leave Lebanon since October last year due to a deteriorating security situation. So far 3 chartered flights organised by the government have left Beirut, with a fourth to leave on Sunday.

The government added the extra capacity due to high demand for places on commercial flights and has enabled more than 250 additional people to leave in the last week.

The government committed to charter flights as long as there was demand and the security situation allows. However, demand has now significantly reduced, and this Sunday’s flight is currently the only one scheduled.

Any British nationals who have not booked a place and still wish to secure a seat on the flight are advised to register immediately.

British nationals and their spouse or partner, and children under the age of 18 are eligible. All passengers must hold a valid travel document.

Dependants who are not British nationals will require a valid visa that has been granted for a period of stay in the UK of more than 6 months.

UK government officials have been working round the clock in London, Beirut and the wider region to provide support to British nationals. An FCDO Rapid Deployment Team has also arrived in Lebanon to bolster the support offered by British Embassy officials.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy said:

The situation in Lebanon remains volatile, so I am glad that we have helped the many people who have heeded our advice to leave the country immediately.

With demand falling, and the security situation deteriorating, there is no guarantee other options to leave quickly will become available. I urge anyone who wants to leave to register now.

Sunday’s flight will depart from Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport and British nationals who have registered their presence with the government will be sent details on how to request a seat.

British nationals and their dependants should not travel to the airport unless they have a seat booked on a plane.

The FCDO urges everyone to continue to follow the relevant travel advice, exercise caution, and monitor media in Lebanon for developments.

The safety of British nationals is the top priority and around 700 troops and Foreign Office and Home Office staff, including Border Force officers, have been deployed to Cyprus for contingency planning.

The UK continues to call for a ceasefire between Lebanese Hizballah and Israel. A ceasefire would provide the space necessary to find a political solution that enables civilians on both sides to return to their homes in safety.

Background

• British nationals and dependants will be eligible to request a space on the flight. Any non-British dependants will require a visa to enter the UK, granted for a period of stay in the UK of longer than 6 months, in line with usual immigration rules and entry process
• the FCDO launched the register your presence service on Wednesday 25 September 2024
• a limited number of commercial flights are still operating and the FCDO has been working with partners to increase capacity to enable British nationals to leave
• the FCDO has been advising British nationals to leave Lebanon since October 2023

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 4 October 2024.

UK Statement for Item 9 General Debate on racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related forms of intolerance. Delivered by the UK’s Human Rights Ambassador, Eleanor Sanders.

Thank you Mr Vice President,

The UK condemns all forms of racism, racial discrimination and xenophobia and related forms of intolerance. We remain steadfast in our commitment to combatting it, at home and abroad.

We celebrate Black History Month this October in the UK. That is a moment to reflect on the impact of black heritage and culture on our country and our place in the world. It’s a chance to celebrate the enormous contribution of black Britons in all walks of life. It is also a chance for us to acknowledge some of our country’s most painful history.

As in all societies, challenges persist. Ongoing efforts to address racial and ethnic inequalities are essential to ensure better outcomes for all communities.

The UK stands firmly against the scourge of racism and is committed to taking further meaningful action domestically and internationally to shape a better society for all. This includes bringing forward new legislation to tackle persistent racial inequalities. We are dedicated to fostering a society where everyone, regardless of race, ethnicity or background, can thrive and live a life free from discrimination and intolerance.