UK sanctions actors forcibly deporting, indoctrinating and militarising Ukrainian children

New sanctions target those supporting Putin’s attempts to forcibly deport and indoctrinate Ukraine’s children and erase their Ukrainian cultural heritage.   Package of 11 designations includes leading Russian officials and state-linked youth organisations.   Defence intelligence demonstrates that Russia is pursuing a long-standing Russification policy in illegally temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, seeking to eradicate Ukrainian culture, […]

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Iran must take the necessary steps to address the international community’s serious concerns over its nuclear programme: Joint statement on the decision to trigger the snapback mechanism to end sanctions relief against Iran

Yesterday, in accordance with UN Security Council resolution 2231, the Foreign Ministers of France, Germany and my own country, the United Kingdom, notified the Security Council that we believe Iran to be in significant non-performance of its commitments under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.  Since 2019, Iran has increasingly and deliberately ceased performing almost […]

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The United Kingdom remains deeply concerned about the escalating humanitarian crisis in Haiti: UK statement at the UN Security Council

Thank you, President. I thank the Secretary-General, Executive Director Russell and Mr Roosevelt for briefing us today. And I welcome the participation of the representatives of Haiti, the Dominican Republic and Barbados in our meeting. I will make three points. First, the United Kingdom remains deeply concerned about the escalating humanitarian crisis in Haiti.  As […]

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G7 Chair’s statement on the Independence Day of Ukraine

“On the Independence Day of Ukraine, G7 Foreign Ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States of America, and the High Representative of the European Union, met virtually with Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Sybiha.  “Participants welcomed ongoing diplomatic efforts by the United States, under the leadership of President Trump, which […]

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The UK is deeply concerned by the scale of human rights abuses, including sexual violence, by armed groups in eastern DRC: UK statement at the UN Security Council

I will make three points. First, the United Kingdom welcomes the positive momentum towards peace generated by the work of EAC-SADC and the AU, the signing of the Peace Agreement between DRC and Rwanda in Washington, and the Declaration of Principles between DRC and M23 in Doha. Second, the United Kingdom condemns the widespread killing […]

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International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief: UK Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief’s statement

Today, 22nd August we observe the 6th annual International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief. Adopted unanimously by the UN General Assembly in 2019, this is both a day of remembrance and a call to action for us all. The UK is committed to championing Freedom of Religion […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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