Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office Blogs

A unique insight into UK foreign and development policy

23rd May 2012 Harare, Zimbabwe

Catriona Laing

by Catriona Laing

British Ambassador to Zimbabwe

"Green on blue" in Helmand – what the international media don’t tell you

So Chicago has come and gone and the outcome has ensured the international community’s commitment post 2014. The funding pledges for Afghan security forces have been made; the international community has signalled it is with Afghanistan for the long-term but reminded their public of why we are here; “ to stop it becoming a haven […]

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22nd May 2012 Warsaw, Poland

Martin Oxley, Head, UKTI Poland

by Martin Oxley

Director of UKTI Warsaw

The GREAT British Olympics – Off to a GREAT start in Warsaw

Martin Oxley at the Samsung Irena Run

Just hours after BA 2012 landed in Cornwall marking the official 70 day countdown and the start of the Olympic Torch relay round the UK the British Embassy was in action in one of Warsaw’s most prestigious parks. Teaming up with the British Council at the Warsaw Samsung Run we enjoyed a superb opportunity to […]

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21st May 2012 Washington DC, USA

James Barbour

by James Barbour

Press Secretary and Head of Communications

Celebrating Olympic values

The countdown clock in our Embassy tells me that the that the London 2012 opening ceremony is barely two months away. The Olympic Torch has begun its tour of the UK. All around the world, athletes are qualifying for their national teams. Here in the US, the first goosebump-raising, Morgan Freeman-voiced Olympics ad hit the […]

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21st May 2012 Harare, Zimbabwe

Catriona Laing

by Catriona Laing

British Ambassador to Zimbabwe

Reflections on a newly elected Nahr-E-Saraj District Community Coucil

While I was away, the District Community Council elections took place in Nahr-e-Saraj.  Read the guest blog from our ‘man on the ground’, Jim Haggerty. At first glance it might appear to be business as usual for the residents of Malgir following the District Community Council elections in Nahr-e-Saraj District. Seven incumbent Councillors re-elected to […]

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21st May 2012 Washington DC, USA

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by Eric Hepburn

HM Consul General and Counsellor for Corporate Services

‘Commuter Idle’ – Bike to work day in GREAT style in Washington DC

One of Washington’s favorite radio stations, WTOP, has been running a competition for the past few called ‘Commuter idle’ (you’ll note the spelling). If Simon Cowell is reading this then it may hit a TV screen near you soon! The competition is aimed at finding the person with the worst commute and awards a prize […]

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21st May 2012

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by Nigel Baker

Ambassador to the Holy See (2011-2016)

A legacy for disabled people

21 May represents 100 days to go to the start of the Paralympic Games in London. The Paralympics are sometimes seen as an afterthought to the “main” Olympic event. This will not be the case for London 2012. As I told Vatican Radio, London 2012 are the first Games that bring the organisation of the […]

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21st May 2012 Nairobi, Kenya

by Matt Baugh

Ambassador to Somalia

The Roadmap: focus on the destination

This week the Roadmap signatories meet in Addis. Their aim? To resolve a number of outstanding issues relating to the political process. And it’s vital they do. Over the next few months, the Signatories have an historic opportunity to make real progress and help Somalia move forward towards greater stability. Theirs is a challenging agenda: […]

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21st May 2012

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by Peter Millett

Ambassador to Libya, Tripoli

Sport for all

The Olympic flame arrived in Britain last week ready for the London 2012 Olympics.  It is now on a journey round the British Isles that will take it within reach of the vast majority of the country’s population.  The message is clear: Sport for All. The flame was lit in Ancient Olympia where the tradition of […]

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