We deeply regret today’s veto of the Iran Panel of Experts mandate renewal: UK Explanation of Vote at the UN Security Council

Thank you to the US for their work on this important mandate. For over twenty years, the international community has sought to address the threat posed by Iran’s nuclear and missile programmes.  The United Kingdom has consistently championed a diplomatic solution. Regrettably, Iran has too often chosen escalation over cooperation, creating the circumstances that continue […]

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The UK stands ready to support efforts in the destruction of Assad-era chemical weapons for Syria to emerge as a sovereign, stable state: UK statement at the UN Security Council

President, last week marked a significant step forward in Syria’s compliance with its international obligations, with the IAEA closure of Syria’s longstanding safeguards file by consensus. After fifteen years of obstruction by the Assad regime, this decision is an important symbol of Syria’s commitment to meeting its international obligations. And we also commend Syria’s constructive engagement with […]

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The human rights situation in Belarus: Joint Statement to the OSCE, September 2026

Thank you, Mr Chair. I am delivering this statement on behalf of the following members of  the Informal Group of Friends of Democratic Belarus: Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Canada, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Montenegro, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom, Ukraine and […]

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Strengthening European security: UK statement to the OSCE

Thank you, Chair. President Clinton’s National Security Advisor, Sandy Berger, once observed that: “History is seen through a rear-view mirror, but it unfolds through a foggy windshield.” That feels apt in these uncertain times. We can see clearly enough how Russia’s aggression has changed Europe. We can see its consequences in Ukraine, and the pressure […]

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Planning for later life as a British person in Thailand

Planning to live abroad  You’re responsible for your welfare if you choose to live abroad. As part of your planning, consider your future health and social care requirements. Read Living in Thailand and Thailand travel advice for guidance on topics including: residency and visas healthcare passports safety and security emergency help support available in Thailand Choosing where to live […]

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Russia’s threat extends beyond Ukraine: UK statement to the OSCE

Thank you, Mr Chair. We also think it is important to start by saying that the United Kingdom stands in full solidarity with Germany following the reckless attack in Leipzig. The facts are not in dispute. Shortly before midnight on 4 August, a drone carrying a military-grade explosive charge was flown into the secure cargo […]

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The UK strongly condemns the Taliban’s systematic discrimination against women and girls: UK statement at the UN Security Council

Thank you, President. And, I thank Special Representative Gagnon and Nargis Nehan for their briefing. Let me begin by expressing our deep appreciation to UNAMA for its vital work.  We welcome the appointment of Special Representative Rabab Fatima and reaffirm our strong commitment to UNAMA’s success. Today, I want to highlight three points. First, the […]

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Family law in Saudi Arabia 

Saudi legal system Saudi Arabia’s legal system is based on Islamic Sharia law. The Personal Status Law (2022) (in Arabic) covers many family-related matters. This law applies to you if you’re in Saudi Arabia regardless of your nationality. For some matters, the law varies depending on your religion and other personal circumstances. Finding a lawyer in Saudi […]

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Joint Statement of the Multilateral Sanctions Monitoring Team (MSMT) on the Report Covering the DPRK’s Overseas Labour Program

The Governments of Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America gave a statement following the publication of the latest report of the Multilateral Sanctions Monitoring Team (MSMT): We, the participating states of the Multilateral Sanctions Monitoring Team (MSMT), have […]

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Employment disputes in Saudi Arabia

Saudi labour law  The Saudi Labour Law (Royal Decree No. M/51 of 2005, as amended) and its Executive Regulations govern employment in Saudi Arabia. This law covers: employment contract requirements working hours and overtime annual and sick leave entitlements end-of-service benefits termination procedures and notice periods wage protection dispute resolution Getting help with an employment […]

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