11th May 2026
The Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Bill: turning a global ocean agreement into UK law
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office Blogs
A unique insight into UK foreign and development policy
9th April 2026
The Gulf, Berlin and the Commission on the Status of Women: building global alliances to advance women’s progress
26th February 2026
Different Memories, Shared Futures: Why Inclusive Remembrance Matters for Serbia and the Region
12th September 2015 Colombo, Sri Lanka
In celebration of Her Majesty The Queen: “we are friends, and shall remain so”
On Wednesday 9 September, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second became the longest reigning monarch in more than a thousand years of British history. She has been on the throne for 63 years and seven months. Although we think of British democracy as old, we have only had universal franchise since 1928, just three years […]
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11th September 2015 Houston, USA
Bugs Without Borders
Globalization, evolving pathogens, and a changing climate pose new challenges for disease control. This past June, the BBSRC, USDA-NIFA, RCUK-US, and UK SIN-US arranged a workshop for scientists and funders from the USA and the UK to meet in Washington D.C., to identify top priorities for research investment within Animal Health and Welfare, including Food Safety, […]
11th September 2015
This post was published when the author was in a previous role
TURKS AND CAICOS VERSUS THE CARIBBEAN: THE WINNER IS…………
One of the best ways of improving a business is to take a careful look at your competitors. I was able to do just that recently, with a short visit to the Eastern Caribbean, where Jill and I saw in a few days holiday what sort of attractions St Maarten (Dutch), St Martin (French), Anguilla […]
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11th September 2015
This post was published when the author was in a previous role
Enkuan Aderesachihu! (Happy New Year)
The Ethiopian New Year is an important part of the unique and beautiful Ethiopian culture. It has always been a pleasure for me to be here at this time of year and witness this enjoyable experience. I have served as the UK Ambassador to Ethiopia for approaching four years now. And this Ethiopian New Year […]
11th September 2015 Vientiane, Laos
Laos: River Pleasures
I am happy to be finally able to post my first blog as an UK Ambassador to Laos, and my first blog ever! I come from a generation that grew up without social media, and I am often wondering how we ever managed without it, seeing how much of an important role it now plays […]
10th September 2015 Havana, Cuba
Still Here
Manuel Barcia Paz was a Chevening scholar 14 years’ ago. He is now Professor of Latin American History at the University of Leeds. A big thanks to Manuel for sending me his story. It seems like ages since I arrived at London-Heathrow airport all those years ago alongside fellow Chevening scholar Davide Casagrandi. Since then […]
10th September 2015
This post was published when the author was in a previous role
#AdiosIstanbul 1: a tragic, evocative place
The sun is hot between the shade-trees. In the distance, the sea sparkles. Memorials mark the resting place of 6,000 British soldiers who died at the nearby Scutari Barracks of injuries and illness during the Crimean War of 1854-56, most in unmarked graves; British and Indian soldiers of World Wars I and II; German Jaeger […]
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9th September 2015 London, UK
#wedodigitalcomms
This month we’re looking to recruit digital communications experts who are up for the challenge of ensuring the FCO makes the most of digital to support UK foreign policy goals. The FCO has a great reputation for digital diplomacy but the challenge is huge and we constantly need to innovate. You will be joining the […]
9th September 2015
This post was published when the author was in a previous role
A Clear Head and Sense of Perspective
In August I arrived in a new country, new city, new home and new job. For diplomats moving is familiar but still brings upheaval. I remember my trepidation over 25 years ago at Helsinki station waiting for the train to Moscow and the start of my diplomatic career. I had little idea of the world […]
9th September 2015
This post was published when the author was in a previous role
The Queen: a personal view
This blog needs no other title. We all know who we mean when we speak of The Queen. And there is plenty of information around the web at the moment (the BBC, for example, has many fascinating details about Her Majesty’s reign on its website). At 63 years seven months and counting, The Queen this […]