1st October 2026
A Year Too Big for Two Suitcases: Notes From a Chevening Scholar
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office Blogs
A unique insight into UK foreign and development policy
11th May 2026
The Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Bill: turning a global ocean agreement into UK law
9th April 2026
The Gulf, Berlin and the Commission on the Status of Women: building global alliances to advance women’s progress
10th December 2015 Beirut, Lebanon
Human Rights and Berytus
Preamble C: “…respect for public liberties, especially the freedom of opinion and belief, and respect for social justice and equality of rights.” Art. 7: the right to “… be equal before the law” Art. 8: “Individual liberty is guaranteed and protected by law.” Art. 13: “The freedom to express one’s opinion orally or in writing, […]
10th December 2015 London, UK
Counter extremism in the Middle East
Extremism in all its forms attacks the fundamental values that bind us as a global community and undermine our efforts to build a better, more tolerant world. These values of democracy, liberty, rule of law, mutual respect and tolerance are enshrined in the UN’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights and today – UN Human Rights […]
10th December 2015
Entering the Holy Door of Mercy
Pope Francis formally inaugurated the Holy Year of Mercy in Rome when he opened the Holy Door at St Peter’s Basilica on 8 December. He was the first through the Door, followed by Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI and the assembled throngs of cardinals, bishops and clergy. We diplomats were also fortunate enough to be allowed […]
10th December 2015 London, UK
8 November Elections a Landmark Achievement – But Now the Hard Work Starts
On Sunday 8 November the people of Burma went to the polls. Millions of Burmese men and women turned out to queue, patiently, for hours to cast their vote. Make no mistake – these are historic elections. For the first time in over 50 years, the people of Burma were able to freely choose their […]
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10th December 2015 London, UK
Why promoting human rights will remain an important part of my career
I gave a radio interview yesterday. Unexpectedly I was asked why I had joined the British Diplomatic Service 25 years ago. In the midst of my off-the-cuff answer I found myself talking about the opportunity to serve, the opportunity to make a positive difference to people’s lives and the chance to make a small contribution […]
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10th December 2015 London, England
The human rights situation in Burundi
Last year on Human Rights Day, I was able to reflect with pride on the work of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in hosting the first Global Summit to End Sexual Violence in Conflict. The UK Government has committed to ending the use of these despicable and deliberate crimes as weapons of war, and I […]
10th December 2015 Stockholm, Sweden
Celebrating Success in Stockholm – the Nobel Prizes
On arrival at Stockholm Arlanda airport is a large sign welcoming visitors to the Swedish capital. Nothing unusual in that of course. But what makes this sign different is exactly who the sign is welcoming. Holidaymakers back from Thailand? Weary business people from the US? Neither. The sign says ‘Welcome Students and Researchers.’ Anyone who […]
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10th December 2015 London, UK
International Human Rights Day: Reflections from Burma
Last month I witnessed the remarkable elections: this was a historic turning point in the country’s long road towards democracy. Although it has only been one month since Burmese citizens used their right to vote, I hope we are approaching another turning point in Burma, one where all rights are protected and promoted. As well […]
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9th December 2015 Asuncion, Paraguay
Three years in Paraguay
As the wheels touched down in Asuncion late on on 3 January 2013, my mind rehearsed the lines I had prepared about the UK re-opening its Embassy after an 8 year gap. No press on this occasion so we make our way to the first new “Embassy”, room 109 of Hotel La Mision, which was […]
9th December 2015
This post was published when the author was in a previous role
Diplomatic Board Games
Years ago, studying in London, I was puzzled by the enthusiasm of international relations students for spending days at a time for running from room to room playing ‘Diplomacy’. Throughout my subsequent years as a diplomat the board game has seemed far removed from what I do – until now. Last week I attended my […]