Government taskforce meets in Hull to boost flood preparedness

Preparations to ensure the nation is flood ready over the remaining winter months were at the top of the agenda for the government’s Floods Resilience Taskforce, which convened today (Thursday 18 December) in Hull. The Floods Resilience Taskforce’s fifth meeting heard from the Met Office for the festive period and the rest of winter. They […]
Joint Statement from the Troika Capitals on South Sudan

When the Revitalised Agreement for the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) was signed just over seven years ago, it was hoped that it would bring peace after the country’s initial years of independence were scarred by conflict, including brutal violence against civilians. Despite the support of the international community, the optimism and relief that followed […]
Cornwall man given suspended sentence for running illegal site

A Cornwall man who repeatedly ignored warnings about the amount of waste that he illegally stockpiled at his business has been prosecuted by the Environment Agency (EA). Treve Young, 52, operated the illegal site from Lower Spargo Farm, Mabe Burnthouse, to the west of Falmouth in Cornwall. He appeared before Plymouth Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 17 December. Young pleaded guilty in October to two offences: one of operating a regulated facility without an environmental permit, and one for failing to provide when demanded copies of all written descriptions of waste. […]
Dame Carol Black appointed as independent advisor on drugs

Dame Carol Black GBE has been appointed to the role of independent advisor to the UK government on drugs for a 3-year term until November 2028. Source link
British Embassy Celebrates King Charles III’s Birthday in Guatemala

The event brought together government authorities, diplomatic representatives, and partners from across sectors to reaffirm the strong ties between the United Kingdom and Guatemala. In her remarks, British Ambassador Juliana Correa highlighted the Embassy’s achievements over the past year, including efforts to combat climate change, protect biodiversity in regions such as Trifinio, Verapaces, and Petén, and safeguard endangered […]
Dr Christian Turner CMG appointed as His Majesty’s Ambassador to the United States of America

Dr Christian Turner CMG, one of the UK’s most experienced senior diplomats at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the United States of America. His Majesty The King appointed the new Ambassador after the Prime Minister approved the recommendation of the Foreign Secretary to the Palace. Following HM The King’s approval, we […]
The UN has a vital role to play in supporting Syria as it enters the second year of its political transition: UK statement at the UN Security Council

This month we marked a year since the end of the Assad regime’s brutal rule and the start of a brighter chapter for Syria. During the Security Council’s historic visit to Damascus to mark this anniversary, we met with the Syrian Government, civil society actors and religious leaders. Across these engagements, we heard a strong […]
Nature Restoration Fund to accelerate housebuilding and improve nature

New Nature Restoration Fund will help restore protected habitats and species First Environmental Delivery Plans to launch in 2026 to tackle pollution blocking homes Communities and nature across England will benefit from improved environmental outcomes and faster delivery of homes through the Nature Restoration Fund, as the Planning and Infrastructure Bill becomes law. The Nature Restoration Fund offers an alternative to the current system that too often has […]
New UK-France Nuclear Steering Group Meets to Advance Cooperation Under Northwood Declaration

Statement by the United Kingdom and the French Republic on Nuclear Policy and Cooperation. Source link
Russia’s escalation of attacks deepen the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine: UK statement to the OSCE

Thank you, Mr Chair. As we conclude this year’s work at the Permanent Council, the UK wishes to reiterate its profound concern at Russia’s ongoing campaign against Ukraine, and the grave consequences for civilians, including the OSCE’s own staff, and respect for international law. This week’s Eighth Interim Report from ODIHR documents a further intensification […]