Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office Blogs

A unique insight into UK foreign and development policy

15th September 2010

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by Nigel Baker

Ambassador to the Holy See (2011-2016)

Visit of Pope Benedict XVI to Britain

Pope Benedict XVI will visit the United Kingdom from 16 – 19 September. This will be the first ever official Papal Visit to the United Kingdom – the last visit by Pope John Paul II in 1982 being purely pastoral. He will be visiting both as a Head of State, and as the head of […]

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13th September 2010 London, UK

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by David Lidington

Minister for Europe, London

Discussions with Pierre Lellouche

Earlier this week I went to France for meetings with Pierre Lellouche (French Minister with responsibility for European affairs). We discussed a wide range of issues of common importance, such as defence cooperation, but also Europe’s relationships with China, India and Turkey. In between our meetings I recorded a video blog. Watch it and find […]

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10th September 2010

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by Nigel Baker

Ambassador to the Holy See (2011-2016)

Diplomacy and human rights

I have written before about diplomacy and human rights in my Spanish blog . But I thought I would return to the charge following a recent interesting article by William Hague, the British Foreign Secretary. Mr Hague’s article was prompted by the devastation caused by the floods in Pakistan, and the generous response of the British […]

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9th September 2010

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by Peter Beckingham

Former governor in Turks and Caicos Islands

Oxford spires and Middlesex campuses lure Indian students

Two visitors to Mumbai in September from very different English universities illustrated areas where there are immense opportunities for British interests in India. Professor Lionel Tarassenko, Chair of Electrical Engineering at Oxford University,  came to Mumbai and other Indian cities to give a lecture on “mHealth for the management of chronic diseases”.  In a fascinating […]

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9th September 2010 London, UK

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by David Lidington

Minister for Europe, London

British weather (and investment) in Lithuania

Resuming my video blog with a post from Vilnius, Lithuania. Transcript: ‘Well today I’m in Vilnius the capital of Lithuania. And as you can see they’ve kindly arranged some British weather to greet me so I feel that summer really is home from home. I’ve been having some talks with the Lithuanian Foreign Minster about […]

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2nd September 2010 New York, USA

Marshall Scholarship

Guest blog by Ann Reinking: Political, Press & Public Affairs, British Consulate-General, New York As September begins and university students make their way back to campus for the start of the semester, I’m reminded that we’re gearing up for this year’s Marshall Scholarship candidates. The Marshall Scholarship, named in honour of US Secretary of State George C […]

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30th August 2010 Ottawa, Canada

What is "Innovation"?

Have you ever asked yourself: “What is innovation?” Maybe not, but as a Science & “Innovation” officer, I ask myself that all the time!  So with this blog posting, I thought I’d give myself the excellent excuse to figure out just what we mean by Innovation, and also, what it means in Canada in particular. […]

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20th August 2010 Ottawa, Canada

More team introductions: Claire Hastings

On to more team Science & Innovation Canada intros!  Continuing with my Toronto theme, let me introduce you to our Science & Innovation Associate, Claire Hastings. Photo by Frank Wimart Claire is a lovely person with a sparkling personality.  She’s bubbly, intelligent, fun to be around, and VERY knowledgeable about all things FCO and UKinCanada […]

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