17th July 2025
Parting is Such Sweet Sorrow
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office Blogs
A unique insight into UK foreign and development policy
15th July 2025
International Day of Women in Diplomacy: UK Special Envoy for Women and Girls visit to Geneva
1st May 2025
The UN Commission on the Status of Women: My first visit as UK Special Envoy for Women and Girls
11th September 2013 Singapore
Take two aspirin, prevent cancer
Colorectal cancer (cancer of the colon or bowel) is the most common form of cancer in men in Singapore, and the second most common in women. A hereditary genetic condition called Lynch Syndrome significantly increases the risk of developing colorectal cancer. Research carried out by British clinical geneticist Sir John Burn at the University of Newcastle […]
10th September 2013 Havana, Cuba
Chevening Cubans
This month Aimée Gonzalez, a Cuban development worker, will travel to London to start her studies in local development. Aimée is a Chevening scholar and I’m really pleased that the British government will be paying for her to study a Masters degree at the London School of Economics (LSE). Every year all over the world […]
10th September 2013 Vientiane, Laos
Laos through my eyes – Alexander Robb-Millar
This article is part of a series of guest blogs contributed by Brits who have lived and worked in Laos, or who have other interesting links to Laos. Initially I was quite hesitant in writing this account; however I have enjoyed reading other people’s accounts and encourage others to do so in the hope we […]
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9th September 2013
This post was published when the author was in a previous role
Salvando el bosque, un árbol a la vez
Recientemente he tenido la oportunidad de visitar Peten, en el Norte de Guatemala. Sin querer sonar como un folleto, es una parte verdaderamente impresionante del país con lluvias tropicales, aves de todo tipo de colores, monos ruidosos y templos Mayas. Esta área es llamada Biosfera Maya. La razón de este viaje, fue para visitar a […]
9th September 2013
This post was published when the author was in a previous role
Saving the forest, one tree at a time
Recently I had the privilege of visiting Peten in Northern Guatemala. Without wanting to sound too much like a brochure, it is a truly stunning part of the country with tropical rain forests, colourful birds, loud monkeys and Mayan temples. The area is called the Maya Biosphere. The reason for the trip was to visit […]
9th September 2013 Toronto, Canada
Canadian science news: 2-8 September 2013
[View the story ” Canadian science news: 2-8 September 2013″ on Storify]
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9th September 2013
This post was published when the author was in a previous role
“I want diplomacy to be more efficient”
It is always good for a diplomat to be reminded that his job is to make a difference. The public image of diplomats too often remains that of the stereotypical cocktail party, and the focus on protocol for its own sake. I am glad to say that that is largely outdated. British ambassadors are appointed […]
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9th September 2013
This post was published when the author was in a previous role
Six Royals and 007: Memorial Service for Princess Lilian
I wrote in this space in March about the funeral of Princess Lilian of Sweden, and noted that we planned to organize a memorial service later in the year at the English Church. The service took place yesterday. It was a memorable event for all of us at the Embassy and in the English church […]
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9th September 2013 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Moving Up In The World!
What has three miles of telephone and IT cabling, a floor size of 13,000sqft, and 40% of its wall space covered in coloured, writable glass? Need another clue? It’s also the greenest building in Kuala Lumpur’s Central Business District. It’s the new British High Commission which opens its doors on 1 October! In just three […]
9th September 2013 Geneva, Switzerland
A September to Remember?
I hope you’ve had a good summer. My holidays have become a lot less adventurous since fatherhood, and gone are the days of disappearing off to far-away countries with a rucksack, a guidebook and a cautiously large amount of Immodium. Nowadays all I want from a holiday is some sleep and to spend my waking […]