8th April 2011
The most controversial subject in Australian politics right now is climate change. The Labor government, with support from the Greens and some independents, is currently pursuing legislation aimed at introducing a carbon price leading to an emissions trading scheme. This is being heavily attacked by the Opposition coalition, who says it will increase the cost […]
28th March 2011
Last week I was away from Canberra travelling all week. That’s par for the course when you’re based in a continent-sized country. We hosted a large reception in Sydney to mark the milestone of “500 Days To Go” before the London 2012 Olympics. This attracted a lot of interest in a city which hosted one […]
Read more on Visiting Western Australia, with its vast natural resources | Reply
22nd March 2011
It has been a hectic eight weeks since I took up my post as High Commissioner in Canberra. I was delighted to be coming to a great country which I had visited quite a few times and where I had family connections (two of my Mum’s sisters had emigrated here as “ten pound poms”). On […]
24th January 2011
Which is the country which is most free in the CIS? Can we say confidently that it is Ukraine? Or how about a new pretender to that crown – Moldova? There are many ways to measure freedom, some more objective than others. As I noted in a recent blog on human rights, one can often […]
10th December 2010 Chevening, UK
My name is Ahmad Nadeem Khan and I am from Pakistan. I was a Chevening fellow in the year 2008 in the University of Birmingham and participated in the course ‘What makes democracy work’. I still cherish those days and the great learning environment. I just wanted to share on the occassion of International Human […]
Read more on Human Rights Day 2010 – a view from Pakistan | Reply
10th December 2010 Chevening, UK
Lishia Erza, a recent Chevening alumnus from Indonesia writes; We can be heroes, even just for one day. Great song to ring in my head on human rights day. Anyway… Back to topic. Nobody should be excluded or discriminated against in their effort to access basic rights. That is the general belief. While it is […]
Read more on Human Rights Day 2010 – a view from Indonesia | Reply
6th December 2010
This year, the UK is between Turkey (fabulous balloons) and Egypt (delicious traditional snacks). Yes, it’s the International Women’s Club of Kyiv (IWCK) annual seasonal charity bazaar. A brave band of embassy volunteers inspired by Olga, Caroline and Pippa has slaved to set up a spectacular-looking flag-draped stall with home-made jams, chutneys and Christmas puddings […]
29th November 2010 Islamabad, Pakistan
Do you want to study in the UK? The British Council here in Pakistan are running an exciting exhibition until 4 December. Anyone interested in studying in the UK really ought to visit it. It showcases the amazing range of courses and the high quality of student experience that British universities can offer international students. […]
12th November 2010 London, UK
On Thursday 11 November I introduced the EU Bill to the House of Commons. Find out more about the Bill by watching my video blog below. You can also find detailed information about the EU Bill, and see a text of the Bill itself on the FCO website.
22nd October 2010 London, UK
The UK supports Turkey’s accession to the EU. Ahead of my visit to the annual Bosphorus conference to support Turkey’s accession I spoke to Turkish news agency Anatolia. See the interview on video: