Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office Blogs

A unique insight into UK foreign and development policy

11th August 2014

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by Jonathan Allen

Former Ambassador to Bulgaria

We Need to Celebrate Ability and not Fear Disability

On 8 August, 11 young Bulgarians strode to the centre of Old Trafford cricket ground, during the lunch break of the game between England and India. In front of 25,000 people, they showed off their talents at this most English of games. I am sure it was an experience that none of them will ever […]

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8th August 2014

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by Peter Beckingham

Former governor in Turks and Caicos Islands

Working to secure our borders through regional co-operation

Protecting our borders is one of the most important and difficult tasks we face. This is not something special to Turks and Caicos. Some of the other Caribbean Overseas Territories are challenged by Cuban and other migrants trying to reach their shores, while across Europe, including the UK, countries employ hundreds to safeguard their land […]

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8th August 2014

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by Nigel Baker

Ambassador to the Holy See (2011-2016)

Pope Francis to visit South Korea

The following is a guest blog by Steve Townsend, Deputy Head of Mission at the British Embassy to the Holy See On 14-18 August Pope Francis will make his first visit to Asia, to attend the Asian Youth Day in Daejon, South Korea. He will also beatify 124 martyrs, killed in the eighteenth century for […]

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8th August 2014

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by Paul Madden

British Ambassador to Japan

Australia mourns MH17 victims

The official memorial service for the Australian victims of the Malaysian Airlines tragedy took place at St Patrick’s Cathedral in Melbourne yesterday. I sat with the Dutch and Malaysian ambassadors as we mourned this senseless loss of life. Australian leaders turned out in force to demonstrate the whole country’s support for the bereaved families. The […]

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7th August 2014 Bucharest, Romania

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by Raluca Bragarea

Head of Communications, Bucharest

Great Britons: The best of Health

Our Charge d’Affaires a.i. Esther Blythe has been impressed with the city and county of Arad and the work done there by Dr Graham Giles. Read her account below. ‘Last week I met some amazing people in Arad County. We were celebrating the successful first stage of their project to bring equipment and expertise from […]

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6th August 2014 Skopje, North Macedonia

Beauty is unity in diversity

Just in case you thought diversity was a modern obsession, peddled by management consultants and politically correct Human Resources teams, here’s a quote from John Scotus Eriugena, Irish philosopher who lived 1200 years ago: ‘Beauty is unity in diversity.’ It took me a while in my career to understand the value of diversity. I really […]

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6th August 2014 Kingston, Jamaica

by David Fitton

High Commissioner to Jamaica

One year later …..My Jamaica

As Jamaica celebrates her 52nd anniversary of independence on today , I would like to offer my congratulations, and say thanks for a remarkable and rewarding year working here so far. The UK/Jamaica relationship is a strong partnership. We cooperate in many areas . My continuing objective is to do more. I arrived just over a […]

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