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RENEWING OLD TIES: THE NEW BISHOP OF LONDON
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office Blogs
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The climate crisis and gender-based violence
8th November 2024
Ecolabels: A Catalyst for Sustainable Food Choices?
22nd October 2012
This post was published when the author was in a previous role
Australia wins seat on UN Security Council
Australia has just been elected to join the UN Security Council for two years from January. This is excellent news. William Hague called Foreign Minister Bob Carr to congratulate him. We look forward to having such a strong partner on the UNSC. This will keep my political team in Canberra busier than ever, coordinating on the […]
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22nd October 2012 New Delhi, India
Are you a future science leader of India?
Now entering its second year the Chevening Rolls-Royce Science and Innovation Leadership Programme (CRISP) is open for applications for the academic year 2013. This 11 week programme aimed at high-flying mid-career scientists and innovators is held at the Saïd Business School at the University of Oxford. It offers lectures, workshops, debates and meetings with high-profile […]
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19th October 2012 Paris, France
Our commercial diplomacy activities in France
I’ve been thinking this week about commercial diplomacy, that is something that our Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary are very keen that the diplomatic network of Embassies around the world should be even more active and engaged in.
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19th October 2012
This post was published when the author was in a previous role
Palm Trees in Kazakhstan
Astana, the capital city of Kazakhstan, is not noted for its mild climate. In fact it is amongst the world’s coldest capitals, with temperatures regularly below minus 30 in the winter. But at the centre of the city a huge atrium houses dozens of palm trees, surrounded by students and professors going about their business. […]
18th October 2012
This post was published when the author was in a previous role
Referendum 2013: the islander’s message to the world
May I welcome our guest bloggers for this week: Bruce Callow, Communications Officer at the British Embassy in Costa Rica, who along with Eduardo Smith, Political Officer at the British Embassy in Guatemala, are in the Falkland Islands with a group Central American journalists (including Luis Velasquez of Guatemala’s Prensa Libre) where they have traveled […]
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18th October 2012
This post was published when the author was in a previous role
End Slavery Now
179 years ago today the British Parliament passed the Slavery Abolition Act, outlawing the slave trade after years of courageous campaigning by William Wilberforce and others who spoke out against the exploitation of men and women and opposed the vested economic interests in this vile business. Unfortunately this trade continues today, here in Europe. Last […]
18th October 2012 Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Medals from London
Last week I visited Uzbekistan’s National Olympic Committee, to meet the President of the Committee and the President of the National Paralympic Association. The Embassy worked with both organisations in preparation for this summer’s Olympic and Paralympic Games in London, including helping to organise a table-tennis tournament for the diplomatic community with Paralympians. President Boboev […]
17th October 2012
This post was published when the author was in a previous role
Guatemala at the United Nations
October is an historic month for Guatemala. For the first time ever, it is presiding over the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). Guatemala is currently a non-permanent member of the UNSC, and will be until the end of 2013. It’s one of 15 members, ten non-permanent and five permanent members, including the UK, who discuss […]
17th October 2012 Yerevan, Armenia
Trusting justice
I’ve been thinking this week about one of the hardest tasks for a young democracy: building a justice system people can trust. This is partly because I was back in the UK last week, meeting with British businesses who are interested in working in Armenia and the wider region. Near the top of the list […]
17th October 2012 Beirut, Lebanon
There’s Nothing Wrong with The Leftovers
I’ve become used to my team suggesting life or career threatening stunts to highlight our priorities. In recent weeks, they got me to teach an English lesson to promote Language Day, read The Gruffalo to bemused non-English speakers to promote the British Council’s Kids Read project, and dress up as Bond to promote British brands. […]
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