Latest news with #UKForeignOffice
The Independent
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Independent
Family of UK embassy staff withdrawn from Israel as air strikes continue
The families of British diplomatic staff in Israel have been 'temporarily withdrawn' as Tel Aviv and Tehran continue to exchange fire. The Foreign Office said on Wednesday that family members of staff at the embassy in Tel Aviv and consulate in Jerusalem had been 'temporarily withdrawn as a precautionary measure'. Britons have already been advised against all travel to Israel, and those already in the country have been urged to register their presence with the embassy. Earlier in the week, Downing Street said the UK had no plans to evacuate British nationals stranded in Israel but had increased support in Jordan and Egypt for people making their own way out of the country overland. The decision to withdraw family members comes as Israel's air campaign against Iran entered its sixth day, with jets striking the Iranian capital Tehran overnight. Israeli military chiefs said the air strikes targeted a facility used to make uranium centrifuges, part of Iran's nuclear programme, and a factory building missile components. Tehran has accused Tel Aviv of attacking civilians, while a US-based group Human Rights Activists said on Wednesday that Israeli bombardment had killed 585 people in Iran, including 239 civilians. In response, Iran has fired some 400 missiles and hundreds of drones at Israel, killing at least 24 people. But its response appeared to diminish on Tuesday night, with only 10 missiles intercepted by Israel's Iron Dome. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump is reported to be considering whether to deploy American forces in support of Israel's operations against Iran. Mr Trump met with top military advisers on Tuesday night to discuss the situation, shortly after a series of social media posts in which he described Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as an 'easy target'. The posts followed Mr Trump's decision to leave the G7 conference in Canada a day early to deal with what he called 'big stuff', triggering speculation that American forces might join Israeli strikes. Earlier, Sir Keir Starmer had insisted Mr Trump was interested in de-escalation in the Middle East, saying 'nothing' he had heard from the president suggested Washington was poised to get involved. In a statement on Monday, before Mr Trump's departure, leaders reiterated their 'commitment to peace and stability' but stopped short of calling for a truce between Israel and Iran. British Typhoon fighter jets have also been deployed to the region, which Defence Secretary John Healey said on Tuesday was 'part of the moves to reinforce de-escalation in the region, to reinforce security in the region, and may also be used to help support our allies'.
The Independent
4 days ago
- The Independent
Is it safe to travel to Tunisia? Foreign Office issue advice amid Iran-Israel conflict
Summer travel plans to Tunisia are being questioned by tourists amid ongoing missile attacks between Israel and Iran. Advice from the UK Foreign Office currently considers Tunisian tourist resorts safe to travel to – however, travel guidance has been updated to reflect escalating tensions in the Middle East. Hostilities were sparked by an Israeli attack on Tehran and Iran's nuclear facilities on Friday (13 June). As Israel and Iran continue the deadly conflict, closed airspaces and regional safety warnings are impacting travel to North Africa. Tunisia has long been a popular tourist destination due to its dependably hot weather and historic cities, but as missile attacks pose security risks for the wider region, travellers have raised concerns about their holiday plans. Here's the latest travel advice for Tunisia, plus all the key questions and answers. What does the Foreign Office say? According to Foreign Office travel advice for Tunisia, as of 13 June: 'Ongoing hostilities in the region and between Israel and Iran could escalate quickly and pose security risks for the wider region.' Tourists are told to monitor local and international media for the latest information, 'be vigilant' and follow the instructions of local authorities. Generally, the FCDO advises against all travel to parts of Tunisia. This includes the Tunisia-Algeria border and the Chaambi Mountains National Park due to 'cross-border terrorist activity and operations by the Tunisian security forces'. Also included in Tunisia's 'do not travel' area is within 20km of the Tunisia-Libya border, the militarised zone south of the towns of El Borma and Dhehiba, and the town of Ben Guerdane and the immediate surrounding area. It says: 'This is due to cross-border terrorist activity and fighting in Libya.' The FCDO advises against all but essential travel to other areas in southern and western Tunisia and reminds tourists that there is a 'high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests'. Travellers are also warned to avoid demonstrations in response to the current situation in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories in some Tunisian cities, including outside some western embassies. Are flights continuing to Tunisia? Yes, flights are operating as scheduled to Tunisia's main tourist aviation hubs, including Tunis-Carthage and Enfidha-Hammamet airports What if I have booked a holiday to Tunisia? As the Foreign Office has not warned against travel to most of Tunisia, there will be no special circumstances to cancel a trip for a full refund due to safety concerns. The main tourist spots – Hammamet and Tunis – are a fair distance from Tunisia's 'do not travel' areas anyway. The conditions for cancelling your trip will depend on your holiday provider, so it's best to contact them if you wish to postpone. There is no obligation for companies to refund bookings if you want to cancel, and you will not be able to claim travel insurance due to safety concerns unless FCDO advice changes.
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First Post
5 days ago
- Politics
- First Post
UK spy agency MI6 gets first woman chief. Who is Blaise Metreweli?
Blaise Metreweli has been named the next chief of MI6, becoming the first woman to lead the United Kingdom's foreign intelligence agency since its founding in 1909. She currently heads the agency's technology and innovation team, a role similar to the character 'Q' in the James Bond films, who creates gadgets and tech. Metreweli will take over this autumn from Richard Moore, who has served as chief for five years read more She is a long-serving intelligence officer who will now become the only publicly named employee of MI6. UK Foreign Office/AP For the first time, a woman will lead the United Kingdom's foreign intelligence agency, MI6. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has chosen Blaise Metreweli to take charge of the service, making her the first woman to head MI6 since it was set up in 1909. She currently oversees technology and innovation at MI6, a role similar to the character 'Q' in the James Bond films, known for developing gadgets and tech. In his statement, the Prime Minister said her appointment comes at a time when the UK is 'facing threats on an unprecedented scale'. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD So who is Blaise Metreweli? What is known about MI6 and the job she will take on? Here are the answers: Who is Blaise Metreweli? The 47-year-old is a long-serving intelligence officer who will now become the only publicly named employee of MI6. She described her appointment as a moment of pride and said, 'I am proud and honoured to be asked to lead my Service.' She will step into the role this autumn, taking over from Richard Moore, who has served as the agency's chief for five years. The head of MI6 is traditionally known as 'C', not to be confused with 'M' from the James Bond films. While the fictional 'M', once played by Judi Dench, has been a woman, the real-life 'C' has never been. As MI6 chief, Metreweli will report directly to Foreign Secretary David Lammy. Reuters/File Photo Metreweli is currently MI6's director general for technology and innovation, a position similar to the role of 'Q' in the Bond series. Though the films have never featured a female Q, Metreweli is the second woman known to have held the post in real life. She joined the service in 1999 after studying anthropology at Cambridge University. Over the years, she has held senior roles in both MI6 and MI5, working mainly in operational roles across West Asia and Europe. Her appointment follows a broader shift in UK intelligence services. MI5 named its first woman chief, Stella Rimington, in 1992, with Eliza Manningham-Buller following in 2002. GCHQ appointed its first female head, Anne Keast-Butler, in 2023. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD As MI6 chief, Metreweli will report directly to Foreign Secretary David Lammy. What are some of the challenges she will face? Her biggest challenges in the top job will include dealing with Russia, China and Iran. British intelligence agencies have accused Russia of carrying out sabotage across Europe to try to scare other countries from supporting Ukraine in its war with Moscow. In 2021, outgoing MI6 chief Richard Moore described China as the agency's top priority. Meanwhile, MI5 said Iran has been linked to 20 attempts since 2022 to kidnap, kill or target political opponents or dissidents in the UK. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said, 'The historic appointment of Blaise Metreweli comes at a time when the work of our intelligence services has never been more vital.' He added that the UK is facing 'threats on an unprecedented scale – be it aggressors who send their spy ships to our waters or hackers whose sophisticated cyber plots seek to disrupt our public services.' Notably, MI6 focuses on overseas intelligence gathering to protect the UK. File Photo/AFP How people reacted to Metreweli's appointment Foreign Secretary David Lammy, who Metreweli will report to, said she is taking charge at a time of 'global instability and emerging security threats, where technology is power and our adversaries are working ever closer together.' He added, 'Blaise will ensure the UK can tackle these challenges head-on to keep Britain safe and secure at home and abroad.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Outgoing MI6 chief Richard Moore called it a 'historic appointment' and said, 'Blaise is a highly accomplished intelligence officer and leader, and one of our foremost thinkers on technology. I am excited to welcome her as the first female head of MI6.' Notably, MI6 focuses on overseas intelligence gathering to protect the UK. Its main tasks include countering terrorism, dealing with hostile states and strengthening cybersecurity. With inputs from agencies
The Independent
10-06-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Foreign Office staff told to consider resigning after challenging Gaza policy
Civil servants in the Foreign Office have reportedly been told to resign if they disagree with the Government's policy over Gaza. Some 300 staff, working both in the UK and abroad, sent a letter to Foreign Secretary David Lammy expressing serious concerns about Israel 's conduct in Gaza, the BBC reported. The letter warned of 'complicity' in Israel 's actions and questioned continued UK arms sales to the country, according to the broadcaster. The Foreign Office 's two most senior officials, Sir Oliver Robbins and Nick Dyer, responded to the letter, writing: 'If your disagreement with any aspect of Government policy or action is profound, your ultimate recourse is to resign from the Civil Service. 'This is an honourable course.' The two Foreign Office bosses insisted they wanted to see a 'healthy challenge' to policy but said it was up to civil servants to deliver on the will of the Government. The letter, which follows several other similar missives to Civil Service chiefs, was signed on May 16, the BBC reported. In it, the signatories said: 'In July 2024, staff expressed concern about Israel's violations of international humanitarian law and potential UK government complicity. 'In the intervening period, the reality of Israel's disregard for international law has become more stark.' They went on to list the killing by Israeli forces of 15 aid workers in March, and the blockade on aid into Gaza, among their concerns. They added that 'supported by the Trump administration, the Israeli government has made explicit plans for the forcible transfer of Gaza's population'. Ministers' official line is that Israel is 'at risk' of breaching international law with its actions in Gaza. The Government halted 30 out of around 350 arms sales licences to Israel in September last year, for fear they may be used for war crimes. MPs critical of Israel's actions have called on ministers to go further and to halt all UK arms sales to the country. A Foreign Office spokesperson said: 'Since day one, this Government has rigorously applied international law in relation to the war in Gaza. 'One of our first acts in Government was to suspend export licences that could be used by the Israeli Defence Forces in Gaza. 'We have successfully implemented the suspension decision and continue to refuse all relevant licence applications. 'We have suspended direct exports of F-35 parts for use by Israel, and we categorically do not export any bombs or ammunition which could be used in Gaza. 'We have also suspended negotiations on a free trade agreement, while supporting humanitarian efforts through the restoration of funding to UNRWA, and the commitment of over £230 million in assistance across the past two financial years.' They added: 'It is the job of civil servants to deliver on the policies of the government of the day and to provide professional, impartial advice as set out in the Civil Service Code. There are systems in place which allow them to raise concerns if they have them.'
BBC News
10-06-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Civil servants told to consider quitting if they disagree with policy over Gaza
More than 300 Foreign Office staff who raised concerns about potential UK "complicity" in Israel's conduct in Gaza were told if they profoundly disagreed with government policy they could consider staff letter, seen by the BBC, was sent to Foreign Secretary David Lammy last it, officials questioned the UK's continued arms sales and what they called a "stark… disregard for international law" by Foreign Office said it had systems for staff to raise concerns and added the government had "rigorously applied international law" in relation to the war in Gaza. The reply to the staff letter was sent from Sir Oliver Robbins and Nick Dyer, the two most senior civil servants in the Foreign told the signatories: "[I]f your disagreement with any aspect of government policy or action is profound your ultimate recourse is to resign from the Civil Service. This is an honourable course."The response was met with "outrage" according to one official who signed the letter. "[There is] frustration and a deep sense of disappointment that the space for challenge is being further shut down," said the official, speaking on condition of officials' letter signed on 16 May was at least the fourth such document sent by concerned civil servants to ministers and Foreign Office managers since late 2023. The BBC understands the signatories represent a wide range of expertise across Foreign Office departments, embassies and missions including in London and letters have reflected the scale of the civilian death toll in Gaza, Israel's restrictions on aid supply and Israeli settlement expansion and settler violence in the occupied West Bank, among other issues. Staff are also said to feel disquiet that many of their warnings have not been acted on, and those whose jobs it is to implement decisions could be liable in any future legal proceedings against the UK 16 May letter said: "In July 2024, staff expressed concern about Israel's violations of international humanitarian law and potential UK government complicity. In the intervening period, the reality of Israel's disregard for international law has become more stark."It went on to list the killing by Israeli forces of 15 humanitarian workers in March and Israel's suspension of all aid to Gaza in the same month "leading many experts and humanitarian organisations to accuse Israel of using starvation as a weapon of war". It said the UK government's position had contributed to "the erosion of global norms", citing continued weapons exports and the visit to London in April by Israel's foreign minister Gideon Sa'ar "despite concerns about violations of international law". It added that, "supported by the Trump administration, the Israeli government has made explicit plans for the forcible transfer of Gaza's population". In their response on 29 May, Sir Oliver and Mr Dyer told the staff the department wanted to see "healthy challenge" as part of the policy-making process and had already set up a "bespoke Challenge Board" and regular listening sessions with employees to hear concerns in this policy area. They wrote that officials were entitled to their personal views, but added it "might be helpful" to "remind" them of mechanisms available to those uncomfortable with policy. It went on to list a series of ways staff could raise issues, before adding that resignation was an "ultimate recourse" and "honourable course" for those with profound disagreements over government policy. "[T]he bargain at the heart of the British Civil Service is that we sign up to deliver the policies of the Government of the day wholeheartedly, within the limits imposed by the law and the Civil Service Code," it said.A former official who saw the correspondence described the response as "obfuscation"."This… simply provides the government with supposed 'plausible deniability' for enabling breaches of international law," said the former official who also spoke on condition of said that the FCDO and broader civil service seemed unable to learn the lessons of the past, referring to the 2016 Chilcot Report recommendations following the inquiry into the Iraq war. Chilcot criticised the emergence of an "ingrained belief" within senior levels of the UK policy community over the existence of weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. His recommendations led to civil service reforms designed to challenge "groupthink" and empowering officials to speak out about policy concerns. The UK government's position is that Israel is "at risk" of breaching humanitarian law. Israel has previously said it operates according to international law. Palestinian rights groups have rejected this, taking evidence to several legal cases brought September, Foreign Secretary David Lammy announced the suspension of around 30 arms export licenses to Israel, out of a total of about 350, citing a "clear risk" they might be used to commit or facilitate a serious violation of international humanitarian law. It came weeks before the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Israel's prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former defence minister Yoav Gallant as well as the military commander of Hamas. Israel's government has consistently rejected allegations it has committed war crimes in Gaza, calling the ICC's decision "antisemitic", while the US Department of State last week announced sanctions against four ICC judges for "transgressions against the United States and Israel".In a statement, the FCDO said the job of civil servants was to deliver on government policies and provide professional, impartial advice as set out in the Civil Service Code. "There are systems in place which allow them to raise concerns if they have them," said the spokesperson. They added: "Since day one, this government has rigorously applied international law in relation to the war in Gaza. One of our first acts in government was to suspend export licences that could be used by the Israeli Defence Forces in Gaza… "We have suspended direct exports of F-35 parts for use by Israel, and we categorically do not export any bombs or ammunition which could be used in Gaza," added the 19 May the UK issued a joint statement with France and Canada threatening "concrete actions" against Israel if it did not stop its renewed military offensive and lift aid restrictions.
