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17th March 2014
This post was published when the author was in a previous role
Russia defies the Pope, and the world, on Ukraine
When Pope Francis spoke about Ukraine at the Sunday Angelus on 2 March, he called for all Ukrainians to overcome misunderstandings and to build the future of the nation together and made “a heartfelt appeal to the international community to support every initiative on behalf of dialogue and concord”. Regrettably, there is one country in […]
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17th March 2014 Warsaw, Poland
WHERE’S MY CHEESE? – The GREAT British Food Tour 2014 (part 4)
When it gets to four o’clock the Brits get big time into afternoon tea – it’s a tradition and an institution – I went off piste with Pawel from RadioJem to give him a feel for the GREAT British Afternoon Tea…. Afternoon Tea Continues to be a great tradition and a must-do for many visitors […]
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17th March 2014 Budapest, Hungary
The GREAT Mega Mission in Budapest
We brought the biggest business delegation to the region in living memory last week. Led by the Trade and Investment minister, Lord Livingston. A total of some 65 British companies came to the region, 40 of which came on the Budapest leg. It took an immense amount of preparation by the team here (and by […]
17th March 2014 Havana, Cuba
Why on earth would an Ambassador in Cuba tweet?
A lot of my diplomatic counterparts in Havana look completely bemused when I talk to them about Twitter or tell them what my last blog was about. That’s not because they don’t know what Twitter or blogging is but because they don’t really see social media as playing a role in their daily diplomacy. Many […]
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17th March 2014 Geneva, Switzerland
Shrinking Space
Human Rights Council sessions are always tough but this one feels particularly lacerating. As we reached the midway point on Friday evening there were some desperate looking faces heading towards the exits, including my own. The impact of several weeks of negotiating human rights at the UN is physically demanding, mentally exhausting and emotionally draining. […]
17th March 2014 Warsaw, Poland
WHERE’S MY CHEESE? – The GREAT British Food Tour 2014 (part 3)
London – A bit hungry? What’s on offer? A quick review….. Over lunch I took the time to ask our expert hosts about the different types of eating establishments in London – spoilt for choice is an understatement The GREAT British Pub and London Tavern As you can imagine there are thousands of pubs in […]
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17th March 2014 Warsaw, Poland
WHERE’S MY CHEESE? – The GREAT British Food Tour 2014 (part 2)
What you need to know about the GREAT London Food Scene in 5 minutes…… We met up with Adrian and his friends and we went on tour round Clerkenwell, Smithfield and a whole area inspired by the arts and media scene. Before we do that we took stock of what is now arguably the GREATEST […]
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17th March 2014 Warsaw, Poland
WHERE’S MY CHEESE? – The GREAT British Food Tour 2014 (part 1)
I’d just like to make it quite clear this blog is not about cheese! I am simply using the absence of GREAT British cheese in Poland as a synonym for a total lack of fine, specialty foods in this ravenous market. I am in the midst of a pasta, camembert and tapas revolution. Fast food […]
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17th March 2014 Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei
Sport Relief Mile & Brunei Regatta 2014
March so far has had a bit of a sporting flavour. This month, together with other British Embassies and High Commissions around the world, we have been helping to raise money for Sport Relief Mile. These are mass participation events open to anyone willing to run, walk or go the mile by whatever means. We […]
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15th March 2014 Dublin, Ireland
Ukrainians must choose their own future
Resolving the Ukraine crisis is a top priority for Britain and Poland: this matters to us because we both believe in a world where the rule of law is upheld and territorial integrity respected. We need to deter further Russian military action and de-escalate the situation. Our Prime Ministers David Cameron and Donald Tusk have […]
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