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
21st February 2020 Geneva, Switzerland
Disarmament blog: the P5 meet in London
Last week saw a major milestone in preparations for the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) Review Conference in April, when the five NPT Nuclear Weapon States met at Lancaster House in London for their ninth annual ‘P5’ conference. We began the Conference by welcoming the new RevCon President-designate, Gustavo Zlauvinen of Argentina, and the chairs of […]
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13th February 2020
This post was published when the author was in a previous role
What will you do?
In November this year, the UK and Italy will together host the UN Climate Change Conference, popularly called COP 26, in Glasgow. It is a great responsibility, but one which both of our governments are enthusiastic and determined to deliver on. The situation facing all of us today is critical. The science is clear – […]
11th February 2020
Manchester: International links and ambition
A second evacuation plane, carrying over 200 passengers, travelled from Wuhan to the UK over the week-end. As colleagues are all too aware, the outbreak of the novel coronavirus, declared a global emergency by the World Health Organisation on 30 January, has been a big part of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s crisis work so […]
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11th February 2020 Vienna, Austria
How the British residence in Vienna was rescued: 1945-1950
“It is open to doubt whether this location in Vienna is really suitable for the Minister’s residence… it can in no way be considered a pleasant district in which to live.” How times change! Historic papers we recently unearthed about the restoration of the British ambassador’s residence at Metternichgasse 6 in Vienna after 1945 contain […]
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7th February 2020 United Kingdom
Sheak: a day in the life of a Foreign Office apprentice
Sheak is a Level 3 Business Administration Apprentice, working in the Legal Department at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO). My typical day at the Foreign Office My day starts in my office in the Legal Department. My colleagues are mostly International Lawyers working on Human Rights. They’re a great bunch who work extremely hard […]
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7th February 2020 United Kingdom
Molly: a day in the life of a Foreign Office apprentice
Molly is a Level 3 HR Support Apprentice, working in the Finance Directorate at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO). My typical day at the Foreign Office A typical day in the office for me is working with my team to help get our officers overseas. This can range from liaising with our freight contractors […]
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5th February 2020 United Kingdom
Simon: a day in the life of a Foreign Office apprentice
Simon is a Level 3 Business Administration Apprentice graduate. After completing his apprenticeship, he now works in a geographical team at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO). My typical day at the Foreign Office I work in a geographical department that is responsible for managing the UK’s relationships with 3 European countries. My role is […]
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4th February 2020 Vienna, Austria
All eyes on the UK’s tech sector
The UK has one of the world’s largest technology ecosystems with thousands of tech start-ups. As the third largest technology sector in the world, the UK is a global technology leader, with the state-of-the-art capabilities and resources to stay ahead of the curve. In the first eight months of 2019 alone, London attracted 114 FinTech […]
3rd February 2020 United Kingdom
Katie: a day in the life of a Foreign Office apprentice
Katie is a Level 3 Business Administration Apprentice, working in the Project Task Force at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO). My typical day at the Foreign Office I don’t think there is a typical day at the Foreign Office! I am based within the PTF (Projects Task Force). We work on time-limited projects on […]
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31st January 2020
Reflecting on 200 years of Antarctica
Antarctica – the name conjures up images of extraordinary natural beauty, inhospitable conditions and heroic, sometimes ill-fated, human endeavour. These days, it might also bring to mind worrying images of the impact of climate change, as huge sections of the ice-shelf break away, and majestic Emperor penguins struggle to survive. It is hard to believe […]