Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office Blogs

A unique insight into UK foreign and development policy

9th July 2014

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by Bruce Bucknell

Former British Deputy High Commissioner Kolkata

A Day in Londongrad

Every so often Belarusians comment to me that London attracts Russians.  The British media regularly report on their activities.  The Guardian newspaper recently stated that there are 150,000 Russians living in “Moscow-on-Thames”.  And two of our newspapers – the Independent and the London Evening Standard are owned by a Russian. I spent a day in London last week at meetings on […]

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9th July 2014

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by Peter Millett

Ambassador to Libya, Tripoli

Ramadan: A Time to Reflect

The pace and rhythm of life in Amman has changed now that we are in Ramadan.  Many non-Muslims prefer to take their holidays at this time.  But just as Muslims are fasting to achieve greater self-awareness, so others can use this month to reflect. Commenting on religion is risky, so a diplomat should tread with […]

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9th July 2014 Bucharest, Romania

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by Raluca Bragarea

Head of Communications, Bucharest

Good Bye and Thank you Romania

Peter Thomas served as Head of the Political Section at the British Embassy in Bucharest from June 2009 – June 2014. On leaving Bucharest, he shared some of his thoughts regarding the five years he spent in Romania. At 17:10 on 30 June, our British Airways flight took off from Otopeni, bringing to a close […]

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8th July 2014 Houston, USA

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by Lauren George

Science and Innovation Officer

Antimicrobial Resistance: A Global Challenge

The following is a guest post by Patrick Hogan, intern at the British Consulate General in Houston. Patrick is a master’s student at the Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University. While there are many miracles of medicine that have allowed us to live longer, healthier lives, the real hero of […]

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8th July 2014 London, UK

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by Phil Buckley

Digital Transformation Manager

Service transformation at the Foreign Office

The Digital Transformation Unit (DTU) was set up to use Digital technology to transform the Foreign Office in three ways: firstly in communications, secondly in policy, and thirdly the area in which I work, in the services which the Foreign Office offers the public. It’s quite possible to go through your whole life without using […]

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7th July 2014 Islamabad, Pakistan

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by Philip Barton

Permanent Under-Secretary of the FCDO. Philip was the British High Commissioner to Pakistan from 2014 to 2016

Improving trade is the key to Pakistan’s prosperity

When I first arrived in Pakistan, I said that strengthening trade and investment between the UK and Pakistan is my top priority. British Prime Minister Cameron and Pakistani Prime Minister Sharif, in their last meeting in London, pledged to increase bilateral trade and investment between our two countries to £3 billion by the end of […]

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