3rd December 2024
RENEWING OLD TIES: THE NEW BISHOP OF LONDON
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office Blogs
A unique insight into UK foreign and development policy
25th November 2024
The climate crisis and gender-based violence
8th November 2024
Ecolabels: A Catalyst for Sustainable Food Choices?
6th June 2016 Geneva, Switzerland
Humanity’s Great Project
Each of the three annual sessions of the UN’s Human Rights Council has its own character. This reflects the issues that everyone knows will dominate the session. But each member of the Council also has their own priorities, too. The June session of the Council starts on 13 June and runs to Friday 1 July. […]
6th June 2016 Khartoum
Ramadan Reflections
Ramadan Kareem! On behalf of the British Embassy, and all the British people, I would like to wish all those observing the holy month a very happy and peaceful Ramadan. The central themes of Ramadan – where many take time to reflect on their own behaviours and give goodwill to others – are universal. Here […]
6th June 2016 Tripoli, Libya
Ramadan Mubarak
Today marks the first day of Ramadan. It is the source of many misunderstandings for non-Muslims. Some people might regard it as inappropriate for a non-Muslim to comment on this religious practice. But, as seen by an outsider, it a central to life in the Arab world. Moreover, the true purpose on Ramadan is very […]
6th June 2016 Canberra, Australia
Birthday parties and British policy; first impressions of an FCO newbie
Having joined the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) just four weeks prior to the British High Commission in Canberra hosting the official celebration for Her Majesty The Queen’s 90th birthday, attending a black-tie affair with Ambassadors and diplomats from around the globe certainly fitted, if not exceeded, my mental picture of working life in an embassy. […]
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3rd June 2016
This post was published when the author was in a previous role
Havana – an exotic destination – and competition? Only a step away from Turks and Caicos
Travelling to any new destination is always exciting, and a visit I made to Havana recently met all my expectations. Given President Obama’s recent visit there, and the Rolling Stones free performance in front of about one million people, Havana and Cuba are certainly high on the list of many people’s “must visit” locations. Thanks […]
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1st June 2016
This post was published when the author was in a previous role
#Adiosistanbul 5: brilliant museums
A sometimes overlooked #reasonstolikeistanbul is the profusion of quirky museums. Some famous Istanbul museums reflect the city’s ancient history, such as the Archaeology Museum (housing exhibits from both within and outside what is today Turkey) or the unparalleled Aya Sofya. These should be on the itinerary of any visitor. But some of my favourite museums […]
31st May 2016 Beijing, China
Newton expands upon Chinese science links started by the Queen
The UK and China have a long history of collaboration in science. The Newton Fund is taking this to a broader spectrum by supporting both leading researchers that have worked with the UK for decades and young researchers who are working with the UK for the first time. Professor Yong-guan Zhu, the Director General of […]
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27th May 2016 Hanoi, Vietnam
Son Doong – a Jewel in Vietnam’s crown
Last week I was fortunate enough to enjoy an amazing adventure, joining a group of fellow ambassadors on a five-day expedition to the world’s largest cave, Son Doong in Quang Binh province’s Phong Nha-Ke Bang national park. (Although the trip was organised by the Vietnamese government, let me assure readers that I took the time […]
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27th May 2016 Beijing, China
UK goes GREAT at China’s Big Data Expo
This week saw the UK Day at China’s national Big Data Expo in Guiyang. Big data is a significant priority for the Chinese Government, which was highlighted by the attendance of Premier Li Keqiang to give the opening speech. Premier Li described big and open data as the new oil in our economy and the […]
27th May 2016 Delhi, India
ASSOCHAM summit on making India entrepreneurial, creative & innovative
Last week, I was invited to share experiences on how the UK links intellectual property rights with increased innovation, entrepreneurship and economic growth at ASSOCHAM’s 2nd ICI Summit. The theme of the event was ‘India: Entrepreneurial, Creative & Innovative’. The highlight of the conference was the Chief Guest’s address by Mr. YS Chowdhary, Hon’ble Minister […]
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