Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office

Foreign Secretary, David Lammy outlines his priorities ⬇️

Foreign Secretary David Lammy was in Germany, Poland and Sweden this weekend. Here’s why ⤵️

This government will reset relations with Europe as a reliable partner, a dependable ally and a good neighbour. That is why I am travelling immediately to Germany, Poland and Sweden with a simple message:: let us seize this opportunity, working even more closely together to tackle shared challenges. The most immediate of these challenges, of course, is Ukraine. We will stand by the brave people of Ukraine, as they defend their freedom against Vladimir Putin’s new form of fascism. British military, economic, political and diplomatic support for Ukraine will remain ironclad. But we are always stronger when we work with others. European security will be this government’s foreign and defence priority. Russia’s barbaric invasion has made clear the need for us to do more to strengthen our own defences. Next week, the Prime Minister, the Defence Secretary and I will all travel to Washington for the NATO Summit. This Government’s commitment to the Alliance is unshakeable, just as it was in Bevin’s time. This weekend I am discussing how NATO allies can go further in investing in our tightly connected defence industries and providing Ukraine with its own clear path to joining our alliance. Alongside security, we want to do more together to bring prosperity to our continent. None of us can address the urgency of the climate emergency alone – we need coordinated global action. And finally, we must do more to champion the ties between our people and our culture. Holidays, family ties, school and student exchanges, the arts, and sport. Thanks to this, our citizens benefit from the rich diversity of our continent. We can deliver more cooperation in many areas bilaterally, via NATO and in groupings like the G7, the Joint Expeditionary Force or the European Political Community who will gather at Blenheim Palace on 18 July. But if we are to fulfil our ambitions for a reset, we must also improve Britain’s relationship with the European Union. I am explaining to my new fellow Foreign Ministers how our new Government’s proposal for an ambitious and broad-ranging UK-EU Security Pact would underpin closer cooperation between us, enshrining a new geopolitical partnership. I am also hearing their ideas for how we can rebuild trust and reset the relationship between the UK and the EU. Over centuries, our individual and national stories have come together to tell a wider story of shared progress. Today, we all share a commitment to democracy, human rights and international law. Tragic experiences in our continent’s shared past have helped us to understand how our shared security and prosperity depend on these shared values. And I believe these values also offer a foundation for closer partnership in the future. My visit this weekend is just the beginning. I look forward to seeing Britain reconnect with our European neighbours in the years ahead.

It is the honour of my life to be appointed as Foreign Secretary.   A descendant of enslaved people.   A black, working class man from Tottenham.   A community which has never produced a Foreign Secretary before.   This speaks to what a modern, multicultural Britain can be.   Proudly internationalist.   Determined to deliver for working people.   And committed to building a better future for us all.   Britain has enormous potential but the world faces huge challenges.   More countries engaged in conflict than at any time since World War II.   Rapidly changing technology.   And a climate emergency.   This government will reconnect Britain for our security and prosperity at home.   What happens here in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office is essential.   Diplomacy matters.   We will begin with a reset with Europe, on climate and with the global South.   And a gear-shift when it comes to delivering on European security, global security and British growth.   My story is a story of progress.    Progress won by all those who fought for a better future.   Together, let us fight for a better future once again.    Change begins now.

We welcome David Lammy as the new Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Affairs.

Congratulations to everyone who has been recognised in His Majesty The King’s Birthday Honours List 2024. Eighty-four people have received awards for their exceptional service to the UK overseas or internationally, including for contributions to British foreign policy and international development, as well as voluntary and charitable work. Sir Philip Barton, Permanent Under-Secretary at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and Head of the Diplomatic Service, said: “At a time of intense global challenge, I am as ever deeply impressed by the exceptional work being done by individuals around the world. “I congratulate the recipients of His Majesty’s Birthday Honours this year and thank them for their dedication and service. They are a shining example of the impact the UK can have internationally.” Read more: https://lnkd.in/eHCUxmXc

In an historic first, tech companies from across the globe have committed to developing AI safely. On day one of the #AISeoulSummit, 16 leading tech companies from OpenAI to Meta have signed up to the ‘Frontier AI Safety Commitments.’ AI tech companies will each publish safety frameworks on how they will measure risks. The companies have committed to not developing or deploying AI models if the risks cannot be sufficiently mitigated. Find out more: https://lnkd.in/eru_VSsj Amazon | Anthropic | Cohere | Google DeepMind | G42 | IBM | Inflection AI | Microsoft | Mistral AI | NAVER Corp | Samsung Electronics | Technology Innovation Institute | xAI | Zhipu AI

We’re hugely proud that two FCDO colleagues have been recognised in the latest Civilian Gallantry List, published earlier this month.   Lawrie Elsdon-Dew has been awarded the King’s Gallantry Medal for protecting others during a nine-day siege midst fierce fighting outside the the British Embassy in Sudan in April 2023.    Stephen Ellison has been awarded the King’s Commendation for Bravery for rescuing a stranger from a river in Chongqing, China, in November 2020.    Read more ⤵  https://lnkd.in/ecRDV6en

Access to safe, quality higher education raises earning potential for women and girls. It brings freedom, boosts prosperity and strengthens global security. This new £45 million funding will help reform the university systems in sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, Southeast Asia and the Middle East and North Africa.

The first shipment of UK aid has left the port in Cyprus.  Jointly with the US, Cyprus, and other partners, we have created a sea route between Cyprus and a temporary pier off Gaza that allows ships to bring international aid directly over the shore.  Our initial contribution totals nearly 100 tonnes of shelter coverage kits. We are working hard to get more aid into Gaza. https://lnkd.in/e2ZBJ623