11th May 2026
The Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Bill: turning a global ocean agreement into UK law
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office Blogs
A unique insight into UK foreign and development policy
9th April 2026
The Gulf, Berlin and the Commission on the Status of Women: building global alliances to advance women’s progress
26th February 2026
Different Memories, Shared Futures: Why Inclusive Remembrance Matters for Serbia and the Region
6th July 2011 Ottawa, Canada
A week in Canada’s high Arctic
I spent the week of 17-24 June in Canada’s high Arctic. We started in Iqaluit, flying there from Ottawa over the vast territory of northern Quebec, and a Hudson Strait dotted with retreating ice, but with the bays still frozen hard. We plunged into the town, past huskies tethered at the airport, relaxing on summer vacation – […]
6th July 2011 Windhoek, Namibia
Windhoek calling
Welcome to my first blog. I am the new British High Commissioner Designate to the Republic of Namibia. ‘Designate’ because I have just arrived in Namibia’s capital, Windhoek, and am waiting to present my credentials from my head of state, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, to the Namibian Head of State, President Pohamba, to confirm […]
5th July 2011
This post was published when the author was in a previous role
Justice and politics in Ukraine
I first had the idea of writing a blog about justice and politics in Ukraine in autumn 2009. At that time the campaign leading up to the presidential elections of February 2010 was in full swing. One presidential candidate made the campaign pledge that, if successful, he or she would ensure that another candidate stood […]
5th July 2011 Geneva, Switzerland
Libya
The Human Rights Council broke new ground this week and I ended up rather in the thick of it. On Tuesday, as part of the UK’s decision to do everything it can to hold the Gaddafi regime to account, the team in Geneva went after the 16 signatures needed from Human Rights Council members to […]
4th July 2011
This post was published when the author was in a previous role
الرشوة والفساد
قرأت قبل أيام الاقتباس التالي: "الفساد هو وسيلة طبيعية لاستعادة ثقتنا في الديموقراطية". فهذا الاقتباس ظريف لكنه جعلني أفكر بمعناه الحقيقي خصوصا أن آفة الفساد تذكر بكثرة في وسائل الإعلام وهي واحدة من أهم مطالب الناس في الشارع في منطقة الشرق الأوسط بما في ذلك الأردن. هذا يعني أن العملية الديمقراطية يجب أن تكشف الفساد […]
4th July 2011
This post was published when the author was in a previous role
Bribery and Corruption
I came across a neat quotation the other day: “Corruption is nature’s way of restoring our faith in democracy.” That sounds snappy and amusing but it made me think about what it really means, especially as the scourge of corruption is mentioned frequently in the media and is one of the main demands of people […]
1st July 2011
This post was published when the author was in a previous role
1 July – It's a good day to trade
It’s almost two years since I arrived out here in DC in the summer of 2009. The weather’s the same – hot and humid. But trade politics have got a lot more exciting. Many eyes are avidly watching what is happening on the Hill concerning the pending US FTAs with Korea, Colombia and Panama. It’s […]
1st July 2011
This post was published when the author was in a previous role
Adelaide: Australia’s most English city
Adelaide with its graceful buildings and abundant parkland is sometimes described as the most British, even English, of Australian cities. I certainly found many connections there. The Premier, Mike Rann, is English-born. The Governor, Admiral Kevin Scarce, served in Portsmouth as a young naval officer. And Lord Mayor Stephen Yarwood had just returned from a […]
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30th June 2011 Ottawa, Canada
Happy Canada Day!
In his first video blog High Commissioner Dr. Andrew Pocock wishes Canadians a happy Canada Day, shares his thoughts on the Royal Tour, and invites you to share your UK connection on our facebook page. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hxEA1hJKg8w
30th June 2011
This post was published when the author was in a previous role
Bribery and corruption
Bribery damages international trade and business, undermines societies, and blights economic development. Like fraud, it damages free enterprise and adds costs to business. It is estimated that corruption adds up to 10% to the total cost of doing business globally, and up to 25% of the cost of procurement contracts in developing countries. In other […]