UK strengthens international diplomacy to tackle illegal migration

The UK is bolstering its border security and tackling illegal migration through international diplomacy, including returns, to deter small boat crossings and undermine organised criminal gangs. The government has now further strengthened its vital strategic partnership with the Government of Iraq, including on repatriation and enhanced border security collaboration. As part of a two-day visit […]

Continue Reading

Preparation for transfer to The National Archives of FCDO annual departmental files

In 2013 the UK government began its move towards releasing records when they are 20 years old, instead of 30. Government departments were required to transfer 2 years’ worth of their records to The National Archives (TNA) each year until 2022. Until the merger of the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) and the Department for […]

Continue Reading

Joint donor statement on the situation in and around El Fasher, Sudan

“As fighting continues unabated in North Darfur, Sudan, hundreds of thousands of civilians are trapped in and around the city of El Fasher besieged by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). All trade routes and supply lines have been cut off, and humanitarian organisations have been unable to deliver lifesaving aid for over a year. Even […]

Continue Reading

The Spirit of Locarno: Foreign Secretary’s speech, August 2025

It’s a real pleasure to be here in Locarno – a place of immense beauty and profound historical significance. Thank you so much to my good friend Minister Councillor Cassis. And I want to thank Professor Frank for his reflections on the Treaties — signed during a remarkable period in history.   It was perhaps when the world […]

Continue Reading

The Government of Israel’s decision to further escalate its military operations in Gaza is wrong: UK statement at the UN Security Council

The United Kingdom requested this meeting alongside Denmark, France, Greece and Slovenia in response to the Government of Israel’s decision to further escalate its military operations in Gaza. As my Prime Minister said, this decision is wrong, and we urge the Government of Israel to reconsider immediately.  Expanding military operations will do nothing to bring […]

Continue Reading

Joint Foreign Ministers’ statement on Gaza

The Foreign Ministers of Australia, Germany, Italy, New Zealand and the United Kingdom strongly reject the decision of the Israeli Security Cabinet on 8th August to launch an additional large-scale military operation in Gaza. It will aggravate the catastrophic humanitarian situation, endanger the lives of the hostages, and further risk the mass displacement of civilians. […]

Continue Reading

The United Kingdom reiterates its call for all States to fully implement their obligations under Resolution 1540: UK statement at the UN Security Council

President, allow me to make three brief points. Firstly, resolution 1540 (2004) is a cornerstone of the international non-proliferation architecture.  Since its adoption, however, the threat posed by weapons of mass destruction has not diminished. Instead, new challenges have emerged. Against this backdrop, the United Kingdom reiterates its call for all States to implement their […]

Continue Reading

FCDO technical competency frameworks – GOV.UK

Updates to this page Published 27 August 2013 Last updated 4 August 2025 + show all updates 4 August 2025 Updates to the Food and Agriculture and Private Sector Development technical competency frameworks. 29 April 2025 The Climate, Environment, Infrastructure and Energy technical competency framework has been updated. 11 February 2025 Added new ‘Climate, Environment, […]

Continue Reading

Every Russian strike is a commitment not to peace, but an attempt to destroy life and liberty in Ukraine: UK statement at the UN Security Council

As we meet here, only a day after our last discussion on Russia’s continued aggression in Ukraine, I do so acutely aware that this is a day of mourning in Kyiv. And I extend my sympathy and condolences to all who mourn in Ukraine today. Russia continues to inflict devastation across Ukraine. The Russian strikes […]

Continue Reading

Ukraine continues to show its commitment to peace. But President Putin prefers war: UK statement at the UN Security Council

Colleagues, the world has rallied around President Trump’s call for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire. Ukraine has agreed. And we echo that call once again today. Yet week after week, night after night, we see the number of Russian assaults grow. June was the deadliest month yet, and July is on track to be even […]

Continue Reading