2nd December 2025
In cybersecurity, there are no limits – only new voices ready to lead
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office Blogs
A unique insight into UK foreign and development policy
14th October 2025
Lost and Found (but mostly lost)
13th October 2025
UK Special Envoy for Women and Girls: September visits to Sarajevo and New York
8th December 2017 London, UKLondon, UK
Faith Actors Can Play a Positive Role in Defending Human Rights. They Need Support.
The right to freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) is often misunderstood and dismissed as special pleading by the religious, when in reality, in its fullest form, it protects the right of all people to live their lives according to their deepest convictions, whether or not they have a religion or belief. It must be […]
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6th December 2017 Beijing, China
Science exchanges foster collaboration and understanding
Collaboration is part of the ethos of the Met Office and a fundamental component of the Weather and Climate Science for Service Partnership (WCSSP) programme, supported by the UK Government’s Newton Fund. A core part of the WCSSP programme is the Climate Science for Service Partnership China (CSSP China) – a scientific research programme that […]
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6th December 2017 Vienna, Austria
What does an Ambassador do?
People often ask me what exactly an Ambassador does. I did a video blog about this earlier this year. As I noted then, I represent the UK and its interests in Austria, including at some of the international institutions based in Vienna; engage in debate around issues of Austrian and UK interest; build relationships; and […]
6th December 2017 Tokyo, Japan
Nagoya means business
Chubu, the region centred on Nagoya, may be only Japan’s third conurbation. But if it was a country it would be a member of G20. And Greater Nagoya, an industrial powerhouse, produces 1% of the entire world’s GDP. So, not surprisingly, business was a big focus of my recent visit, together with Sarah Wooton, our […]
6th December 2017 Holy See
The fight to end human trafficking: Nigerian women religious’ perspective
To mark the UN-led 16 Days of Activism to End Violence against Women and Girls, the British Embassy to the Holy See is delighted to introduce you to Sr. Patricia Ebegbulem, whose network of religious sisters in Nigeria is trying to make a reality of the UN’s theme “Leave no-one behind” for modern slavery victims […]
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4th December 2017 Vienna, Austria
#ViennaMemories #4: Ernst Haas: prisoners of war
During my first posting to Vienna 1984-87, as now, I used to admire the number of fascinating exhibitions in the city. Occasionally, I would be so impressed that I bought a souvenir. One such souvenir was this poster advertising an exhibition of the works of the famous Austrian photographer Ernst Haas, from October 1986. He […]
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2nd December 2017 Beirut, Lebanon
Lebanon, The Message
This week I was invited to speak at a conference entitled: ‘From the State of Greater Lebanon to Lebanon the Message’ organised by Adyan Foundation. I was asked to share my thoughts about Lebanon; its place in the region; the past and the lessons we can take from it; and together how we can deal […]
1st December 2017 Tripoli, Libya
The Weapon of Education
Nelson Mandela once said: “Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.” Weapon against what? Multiple enemies: ignorance, lack of opportunity, poverty. A poor education system will produce people who lack the skills that employers are looking for. So they will fail to find jobs and will be unable to […]
1st December 2017 Tokyo, Japan
Japan at the UN maintaining the pressure on DPRK
This month Japan will take on the chair of the UN Security Council, at the end of a distinguished two year term on the Council, where we have worked very closely together. This will be an opportunity for Japan and partners in the UN system to continue to maintain the pressure on the DPRK to […]
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30th November 2017 Guatemala City
Guatemala: the onion that makes you cry
My time as British Ambassador to Guatemala has come to an end. After slightly more than two years representing the UK in this fascinating country, I am changing my role to become British Ambassador to Honduras. One thing I can say about Guatemala is that I have never been bored here. I arrived in mid-August […]
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