Expansion of settlements undermines peace and must cease immediately: UK Explanation of Vote at the UN Fourth Committee

The United Kingdom has voted Yes on this resolution as an expression of our longstanding position on the illegality of Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. Expansion of settlements undermines prospects for peace and must cease immediately. We have witnessed, with grave concern, how an increasing number of Israeli settlers have systemically used harassment, […]

Continue Reading

Putin only responds to strength. We must stand as strong as the Ukrainian people: UK Statement at the UN Security Council

Here in this Council, 1,000 days into Putin’s full-scale invasion, the UK is keeping the spotlight on Ukraine. Not just for the security of the Ukrainian people. Or just for Europe’s security.  But for something much more fundamental. Which every UN member should care about.  The right to be a sovereign, independent country free to choose its […]

Continue Reading

We must work together in these committees to protect our citizens and prevent the spread of terrorism: UK statement at the UN Security Council

Earlier this year, the OPCW IIT released its report on the devastating chemical weapons attack in Marea, Syria in 2015, which held Da’esh responsible. This is just one demonstration of why coordination between these three committees remains so important.  The threat from terrorists and non-state actors continues to adapt. Terrorist groups, including Al-Qaeda and Daesh […]

Continue Reading

The UK remains a strong supporter of UN Security Council reform: UK Statement in the UN General Assembly

Let me start by congratulating Ambassadors Albanai and Marschik, on their well-deserved reappointment as co-chairs of the inter-governmental negotiations this year; their leadership and commitment on this important issue was invaluable in agreeing the text on Security Council reform in the Pact for the Future. We look forward to working closely with them over the […]

Continue Reading

The UK will work with international partners to dismantle the cyber criminal ecosystem: UK statement at the UN Security Council

Earlier this year in the General Assembly open-ended working group on information communication technologies, all states recognised that ransomware attacks “may have an impact on international peace and security.” Ransomware actors have consistently attacked critical national infrastructure, local government, and hospitals for personal financial gain. Most groups exist in jurisdictions that allow them to operate […]

Continue Reading

Russia turns to Pyongyang to bolster its combat capabilities: UK statement to the OSCE

Thank you, Chairs and good afternoon colleagues. Thank you for the opportunity to debate the important topic of involvement by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) in Russia’s illegal war of aggression. Chairs, Russia’s illegal full-scale invasion of Ukraine has been ongoing for nearly 1,000 days. This regrettable landmark is a damning indictment of […]

Continue Reading

Growth at the heart of Foreign Secretary’s visit to Nigeria and South Africa

Economic growth to underpin work in both Nigeria and South Africa, as Foreign Secretary agrees to develop a new UK-South Africa Growth Plan and a new Strategic Partnership with Nigeria. Climate continues to top the agenda of Foreign Secretary’s engagement as he visits Earthshot+ event in Cape Town. Foreign Secretary sets out “Growth is the […]

Continue Reading

No good can come from pouring more fuel on the flames of this cycle of violence: UK statement at the UN Security Council on the Middle East Debacle

Last weekend, Israel struck military targets inside Iran. Both Iran and Israel have conducted direct strikes against each other. But Iran is not the victim in this conflict. Now however, is the time to stop – Iran should not respond. All sides must exercise restraint. No good can come of pouring more fuel on the […]

Continue Reading

Ukraine travel advice – GOV.UK

Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). Areas where FCDO advises against travel  Crimea   FCDO advises against all travel to Crimea. Border with Belarus   FCDO advises against all travel to within 50km of the border with Belarus in the following regions:  Volyn  […]

Continue Reading

The full and safe participation of women is crucial to successful peacebuilding efforts: UK statement at the UN Security Council

On UN day, I want to start by recalling that last month my Prime Minister gave a clear recommitment to the United Nations, to the rule of law, and to the need to work together for peace, progress and equality.  And empowering women and girls is a vital part of this. Addressing structural gender inequality […]

Continue Reading