WTO General Council May 2026: UK Statements for Agenda Items 1, 2 & 3

Agenda item 1: Election of Chairperson The UK would like to start by expressing our condolences at the passing of the Commerce Secretary, Mahbubur Rahman, a tragic loss. We would also like to bid a fond farewell to departing colleagues and to welcome new Members whom we look forward to working with. Importantly we would […]

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Russia’s Militarised Economy and the Destabilising Effects on Regional Security: UK Statement to the OSCE

The United Kingdom remains unequivocally committed to Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders. We warmly welcome President Trump’s achievement in brokering a 3-day ceasefire and a substantial prisoner exchange. We fully support US-led efforts to secure a just and lasting peace and would emphasise that Ukraine has demonstrated its commitment […]

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Bosnia and Herzegovina’s future cannot be held hostage by divisive politics: UK statement at the UN Security Council

The United Kingdom thanks High Representative Christian Schmidt for his dedicated service supporting peace and stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina and for his contribution to implementing the Dayton Peace Agreement.  The Peace Implementation Council will now take forward the selection and appointment of a successor.  We reiterate our support for a fully empowered High Representative […]

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UK statement to the Swiss OSCE Chairpersonship Conference “Anticipating Technologies – for a safe and humane future”.

Thank you Chair and thank you to all the panellists for their insightful remarks.    I would like to thank Federal Councillor Cassis and the Swiss Chairpersonship for convening us today, and for framing today’s discussions around responsibility and cooperation. In the context of rapidly evolving technologies, strengthening dialogue, reducing misunderstandings and developing common approaches are indispensable to building trust and securing the foundations for security.   We must however acknowledge […]

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UK sanctions Iranian targets in response to national security threats

New UK sanctions target organisations and individuals who threaten international and UK security.  Action demonstrates UK commitment to countering Iranian threats to UK national security, regional stability, and the global economy.  Sanctions will deter attacks against dissidents overseas and disrupt illicit revenue generation for the Iranian regime. Organisations and individuals enabling hostile Iranian activity are amongst those being targeted under new sanctions announced by the Foreign Secretary, Yvette Cooper, today (11 May). The measures come in response to Iranian action against global security and its use of […]

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International Growth Centre (IGC): pre-qualification round

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) is launching the next phase of its flagship economic development programme, the International Growth Centre (IGC). The IGC generates independent, rigorous research to inform economic growth policy making in low and middle-income countries. In September 2026, the IGC will enter a new phase to maximise impact and sustainability, characterised […]

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List of Russia Designations, 11 May 2026

This page lists the entities and individuals designated on 11 May 2026 under the UK’s Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019.  Entities and individuals involved in the forced deportation, re-education, and militarisation of Ukrainian children:  Yulia Sergeevna VELICHKO  Nadezhda Nikolaevna BOLTENKO   Andrey Alexandrovich USTINSKIKH  Grigory Alexandrovich GUROV  Vladislav Nikolaevich GOLOVIN  Mikhail Yuryevich DRUZHININ   Olga Sergeyevna DRUZHININA  Iryna Viktorivna KRAVCHENKO   […]

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UK targets hostile and heinous Russian activity with latest sanctions

The UK has sanctioned 85 individuals and entities involved in the forced deportation, indoctrination and militarisation of Ukrainian children, alongside those driving Russia’s information warfare campaigns  In some of the toughest action to date, the UK is exposing and combatting hostile Russian activity across multiple fronts, including recent attempts to interfere in Armenian elections  An additional £1.2 million in UK funding will help identify and return Ukrainian children to their homes and communities The UK is today [Monday 11 May] exposing and taking action against Russia’s hostile […]

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Settlements in the West Bank are a flagrant violation of international law and must cease: UK statement at the UN Arria meeting on the West Bank

Colleagues, at the outset, I want to underline UK concern at rising conflict in the region and beyond.  I also want to stress that peaceful co-existence between communities is essential.  The United Kingdom was shocked by the despicable antisemitic terror attack in London last week.  There is no place in our societies for racially motivated […]

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UKHSA update on the hantavirus cruise ship outbreak

8 May Statement from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC), and Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) The UK government continues to work with international authorities in preparing for the arrival of British nationals to the UK from the MV Hondius cruise ship where an outbreak of Hantavirus […]

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