Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office Blogs

A unique insight into UK foreign and development policy

5th March 2012 Islamabad, Pakistan

Susan Hyland

by Susan Hyland

Political Counsellor, British High Commission, Pakistan

Introduction – Susan Hyland

I have been Political Counsellor at the British High Commission in Islamabad since December 2011. This is my first posting to South Asia.   Before coming to Pakistan, I was Head of Human Rights and Democracy Department at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London, and before that I served in Moscow, Paris, New York and […]

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2nd March 2012

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by Leigh Turner

Ambassador to Austria and UK Permanent Representative to the United Nations and other International Organisations in Vienna

New ways for teenagers to save energy

Click on the front door and you can enter the house.  Indoors, links lead to practical tips for how people can save energy and, in doing so, save money.  Welcome to the digital eco-house, a project backed by the British Embassy in Kyiv, the singer Alyosha, financially supported by SCM Capital Management and TNK-BP, and […]

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1st March 2012 Washington DC, USA

Rosalind Campion portrait

by Rosalind Campion

Counsellor for Global Issues

Economic diplomacy from St James’ to San Juan

Last week I took a very belated Christmas holiday to Puerto Rico.  It was very lovely…even if it has meant that one particular friend and colleague has sung West Side Story’s “America” (which compares the perceived pros and cons of living in NYC to San Juan) every time we’ve bumped into each other since my return.  But […]

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1st March 2012

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by Nigel Baker

Ambassador to the Holy See (2011-2016)

St David’s Day

St David, or Dewi, is the patron saint of Wales. The arrival of his feast day – 1 March – always gives a sense, at least in the United Kingdom, that Spring is now definitely on the way. But it is also a useful reminder to non-Welsh of the importance of Wales to the United […]

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1st March 2012

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by Greg Dorey

Diplomat

"Those little things…."

Observant drivers and pedestrians on Comoros Street outside the British Embassy (possibly a contradiction in terms) today will notice the Welsh flag fluttering in the breeze from our flagpole – the famous red dragon on a green and white background. And anyone who comes into contact with me will see that I am wearing a […]

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29th February 2012 Washington DC, USA

by Peter Westmacott

Former Ambassador to the United States of America

The Innovation Generation

After just six weeks in this fascinating job, I can hardly believe how much I am learning. South Carolina and Florida in my first 10 days to get a flavour of the Republican presidential candidates race, some time in Washington finding my feet and rediscovering old friends, then three days in New York followed by, […]

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29th February 2012 Washington DC, USA

by Major General Buster Howes

Defence Attaché

Wounded Warriors Show Their Sporting Spirit

General George S. Patton once told his troops, “Accept the challenges so that you can feel the exhilaration of victory.” At the Marine Corps Trials at Camp Pendleton last weekend, some extraordinary Royal Marines—who have already faced their full share of challenges—competed and felt the exhilaration of victory. The Trials are an eight-sport competition for all wounded, […]

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29th February 2012 Athens, Greece

by Artemis Papakostouli

Public Diplomacy Officer

GREAT events in Greece

One of the areas I’m working on in the Embassy is the GREAT campaign which is designed to promote the UK abroad. Under the new brand the Embassy is able to join forces with the British Council and other local partners and showcase what UK has to offer. The campaign message is simple and our […]

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