December 2023 - United Kingdom Special Weapons News

Venezuelan Military Remains on Guard Until UK Warship Leaves Guyana's Coast Sputnik 31 Dec 2023 -- Venezuela will continue to deploy its military forces throughout the country until the United Kingdom removes its warship stationed off the coast of Guyana amid a simmering border dispute, Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez said.
Arrival of British warship in Guyana waters escalates tensions with Venezuela Press TV 30 Dec 2023 -- A persisting territorial dispute between Guyana and Venezuela over the oil-rich Essequibo region has escalated as a British warship provocatively just arrived in Guyana waters.
Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Call With U.K. Secretary of State for Defence Grant Shapps DoD 30 Dec 2023
The Taliban has a responsibility to meet its international commitments: UK statement at the UN Security Council UK FCDO 29 Dec 2023 -- Explanation of vote by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the UN Security Council meeting on Afghanistan.
Yet another brutal attack by Russia against the Ukrainian people: UK statement at the UN Security Council UK FCDO 29 Dec 2023 -- Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the UN Security Council meeting on Ukraine.
Venezuela's Maduro orders military exercise over British warship 'threat' Press TV 29 Dec 2023 -- Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro has ordered a "defensive" military exercise off the coast of the disputed region of Essequibo over Britain's "provocative" deployment of a warship to neighboring Guyana.
Many more will die from attacks, disease and famine if we do not stop the humanitarian catastrophe: UK statement at the UN Security Council UK FCDO 29 Dec 2023 -- Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the UN Security Council meeting on Gaza.
The UK bolsters Ukraine's air defence after Putin's latest air strikes UK FCDO 29 Dec 2023 -- Defence Secretary announces that hundreds of British-made air defence missiles are being shipped to Ukraine to protect civilians and infrastructure from drones and bombing.
Iran says E3, US had better stop pressure on its nuclear program Press TV 29 Dec 2023 -- Iran says France, Germany, Britain and the United States must quit issuing statements and exerting fruitless pressure on Tehran and take the necessary political steps instead.
Media Freedom Coalition Statement on the Second Anniversary of the Closure of Stand News and Media Freedom in Hong Kong US Dept. of State 29 Dec 2023 -- The text of the following statement was signed by the Governments of Australia, Austria, Canada, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Norway, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Maduro Orders 'Defensive' Military Drills After UK Deploys British Warship Off Guyana Coast Sputnik 28 Dec 2023 -- Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro ordered on Thursday the armed forces to launch "the activation of a joint defensive action" in response to the deployment of a British warship off the coast of Guyana.

UK to lead NATO's 2024 rapid response force

NATO

UK takes lead of NATO Rapid Response Force UK MOD 28 Dec 2023 -- UK forces are taking lead of NATO's rapid response force on 1 January 2024, placing thousands of soldiers on standby and ready to deploy within days.
Joint Statement on the Latest Iranian Nuclear Steps Reported by the IAEA US Dept. of State 28 Dec 2023 -- The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America, France, Germany and the United Kingdom.
Ukrainian pilots learn to fly F-16 fighter jets after completing basic training in the UK UK MOD 26 Dec 2023 -- The UK has been providing basic training to Ukraine's combat air pilots as a contribution to the international Air Force Capability Coalition for Ukraine
UK to Deploy Royal Navy Warship to Ex-Colony Amid Guyana-Venezuela Dispute Sputnik 24 Dec 2023 -- Guyanese President Irfaan Ali and Venezuela's leader Nicolas Maduro met in mid-December under the aegis of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States and the Caribbean Community to defuse tensions around the disputed region of Essequibo. The two agreed to "continue dialogue to resolve the dispute over the Essequibo territory."
UK Navy Says Received Report About Incident off Yemen Coast in Bab al-Mandab Strait Sputnik 23 Dec 2023 -- The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said on Saturday it received a report on an incident off the Yemeni coast in the Bab al-Mandab Strait, adding that the investigation is underway.
British Army's Ajax vehicle rounds out positive year UK MOD 23 Dec 2023 -- The Ajax Programme is making positive progress towards the delivery of a new generation of armoured fighting vehicles that meets the Army's needs.
The UK supports Security Council resolution 2720 on aid to Gaza UK FCDO 22 Dec 2023 -- Today, 22 December 2023, the UK voted in favour of United Nations Security Council resolution 2720 calling for expanded humanitarian access in Gaza.
The UK is doing everything we can to get more aid into Gaza: UK statement at the UN Security Council UK FCDO 22 Dec 2023 -- Explanation of vote by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the UN Security Council meeting on Gaza.
Syria's chemical weapons remain a threat to international peace and security: UK statement at the UN Security Council UK FCDO 22 Dec 2023 -- Statement by Deputy Political Coordinator Tom Phipps at the UN Security Council meeting on Syria chemical weapons.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom David Cameron Prime Minister of Canada 22 Dec 2023 -- Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with the Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom, David Cameron.
British Businesses Wait on Sidelines as China's Economy Struggles VOA 21 Dec 2023 -- Beijing's hopes for a swift return of foreign investors after it began lifting its harsh COVID-19 restrictions late last year were not answered in 2023.
African Union peace support operations play an important role in delivering peace and security: UK statement at the UN Security Council UK FCDO 21 Dec 2023 -- Explanation of vote by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the UN Security Council meeting on Africa.
UK steps up humanitarian aid commitments to Gaza UK FCDO 21 Dec 2023 -- The Foreign Secretary will visit Al Arish as the UK continues to urge Israel to increase the flow of aid into Gaza through as many routes possible.
UK and Saudi Arabia emphasise commitment to Middle East security UK MOD 21 Dec 2023 -- The UK and Saudi Arabia have reaffirmed their long-standing defence partnership, amid the deteriorating security situation in the Red Sea.
UN humanitarian access at Bab al Hawa remains a critical lifeline for 4.1 million Syrians: UK statement at the UN Security Council UK FCDO 21 Dec 2023 -- Statement by Deputy Political Coordinator Tom Phipps at the UN Security Council meeting on Syria.
Iranian Spies Wanted To Assassinate London-Based Journalists, ITV Investigation Finds RFE/RL 21 Dec 2023 -- Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) plotted to assassinate two U.K.-based Iranian journalists using a people smuggler to organize and carry out the killings in exchange for $200,000, British television channel ITV News has revealed.
The international community must maintain its advocacy on women's rights in Afghanistan: UK statement at the UN Security Council UK FCDO 20 Dec 2023 -- Statement by Deputy Political Coordinator Tom Phipps at the UN Security Council meeting on Afghanistan.
UK and partners form The Tallinn Mechanism for cyber security UK FCDO 20 Dec 2023 -- UK and partners join together to establish The Tallinn Mechanism to bolster Ukraine's cyber security
The United Kingdom unequivocally condemns the DPRK's launch of yet another inter-continental ballistic missile: UK statement at the UN Security Council UK FCDO 19 Dec 2023 -- Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN Security Council meeting on North Korea.
HMS Diamond joins new international task force to protect shipping in the Red Sea UK MOD 19 Dec 2023 -- Royal Navy Destroyer HMS Diamond joins Operation Prosperity Guardian, a new international task force to protect merchant shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
PM call with Prime Minister Donald Tusk of Poland: 19 December 2023 Gov.UK 19 Dec 2023
North Korea/DPRK: G7 Foreign Ministers' statement on the launch of an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile European External Action Service (EEAS) 19 Dec 2023 -- "We, the G7 Foreign Ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, and the High Representative of the European Union, condemn in the strongest terms North Korea's December 18 (local time) launch of an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM), following four previous ICBM launches this year as well as other launches using ballistic missile technology."
First UK Trade Mission to Kyiv Boosts Defence Cooperation UK MOD 18 Dec 2023 -- UK Government and UK defence industry conduct their first trade mission to Ukraine.
The UK will continue to support work across Libya's divides to deliver for the Libyan people: UK statement at the UN Security Council UK FCDO 18 Dec 2023 -- Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN Security Council meeting on Libya.
The UK is committed to using all diplomatic tools to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon: UK statement at the UN Security Council UK FCDO 18 Dec 2023 -- Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN Security Council meeting on Iran.
We remain determined that Iran must never develop a nuclear weapon and must reverse its nuclear escalation: E3 at the UN Security Council UK FCDO 18 Dec 2023 -- Joint statement by UK, France and Germany following the Security Council meeting on the implementation of resolution 2231.
North Korea missile tests: Minister Trevelyan's statement, December 2023 UK FCDO 18 Dec 2023 -- UK Minister for the Indo-Pacific, Anne-Marie Trevelyan, responds to North Korea missile tests.
Americas Minister visits Guyana to demonstrate UK support for its territorial integrity UK FCDO 18 Dec 2023 -- The UK will today reaffirm its support for Guyana on the first ministerial visit to the country from a G7 nation since the Venezuelan regime renewed its border claim on the Essequibo region.
Why the UK and Germany back a sustainable ceasefire: article by the Foreign Secretary and the German Foreign Minister UK FCDO 17 Dec 2023 -- In The Sunday Times, Foreign Secretary David Cameron and his German counterpart Annalena Baerbock write on paving the way to a sustainable ceasefire in Gaza.
Foreign Secretary statement following the death of the Amir of Kuwait UK FCDO 16 Dec 2023 -- The Foreign Secretary, David Cameron, expressed his condolences following the death of His Highness Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah of Kuwait.
PM meeting with Prime Minister Meloni of Italy: 16 December 2023 Gov.UK 16 Dec 2023
PM trilateral meeting with Italy and Albania: 16 December 2023 Gov.UK 16 Dec 2023
US Air Force bombers integrate with UK 5th Gen fighters in pre-planned mission EUCOM 15 Dec 2023 -- U.S. Air Force B-2 Spirits assigned to Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, conducted a flight from their home station to a training area over the North Sea, linking with United Kingdom F-35 Lightning II's during a long-planned Bomber Task Force mission Dec. 13.
The UK supports calls for a sustainable ceasefire: UK statement at the UN General Assembly UK FCDO 15 Dec 2023 -- Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN General Assembly tenth emergency special session on Gaza.
West Bank settler violence: joint statement, December 2023 UK FCDO 15 Dec 2023 -- The UK and international partners call on Israel to take immediate and concrete steps to tackle record high settler violence in the occupied West Bank.
Reports of sexual violence perpetrated by Hamas: Lord Ahmad's statement UK FCDO 15 Dec 2023 -- Lord Ahmad gave a statement on reports of sexual violence by Hamas, calling for them to be fully investigated to ensure justice for survivors and victims.
The effective control of small arms should unite us all: UK statement at the UN Security Council UK FCDO 15 Dec 2023 -- Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN Security Council meeting on small arms.
US, UK's support for anti-China rioters exposes ill intention to destabilize HKSAR: Chinese FM Global Times 15 Dec 2023 -- The US and the UK's support for anti-China rioters exposed their ill intention to destabilize the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at Friday's regular press briefing, in response to the latest remarks by US and UK politicians regarding the issuing of arrest warrants for five fugitives that have fled the HKSAR to overseas.
Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin's Call With U.K. Secretary of State for Defence Grant Shapps DoD 15 Dec 2023
Over 434,000 people have arrived in South Sudan since the outbreak of the Sudanese conflict: UK statement at the UN Security Council UK FCDO 14 Dec 2023 -- Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN Security Council meeting on Sudan and South Sudan.
UK, Japan, and Italy sign international stealth fighter jet programme treaty UK MOD 14 Dec 2023 -- UK signs international Treaty with Japan and Italy for a future combat air programme that aims to develop an innovative stealth fighter with supersonic capability and equipped with cutting-edge technology.
UK, Japan, Italy Sign Defense Agreement to Develop Stealth Fighter Sputnik 14 Dec 2023 -- The United Kingdom, Italy and Japan have inked an international agreement within the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) military program to develop a cutting-edge stealth fighter with supersonic capability that is expected to come into operation by 2035, the UK Defense Ministry said on Thursday.
It is right to remain focused on Russia's unprovoked, full-scale and illegal invasion of Ukraine: UK Statement to the OSCE UK FCDO 14 Dec 2023 -- Ambassador Neil Holland thanks Canada for chairing the Forum for Security Cooperation professionally, despite Russia's unacceptable behaviour.
Russia's war of choice has resulted in unacceptable Ukrainian civilian deaths: UK statement to the OSCE UK FCDO 14 Dec 2023 -- Ambassador Neil Holland notes Russia's continued, remorseless war of aggression against Ukraine and emphasises the UK's unwavering support for Ukraine.
New trade and financial sanctions against Russia come into force UK FCDO 14 Dec 2023 -- UK government legislates for further sanctions on goods, technology, and sources of funding that could support Russia's war effort.
Cyber: EU and UK launch Cyber Dialogue European External Action Service (EEAS) 14 Dec 2023 -- On 14 December, the European Union (EU) and United Kingdom (UK) held their first Cyber Dialogue in Brussels. Underlining the need to advance an open, free, stable and secure cyberspace respecting human rights and fundamental freedoms, the EU and UK presented their latest developments on a range of cyber policy issues as set out under the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA).
The first UK-EU Cyber Dialogue takes place in Brussels UK FCDO 14 Dec 2023 -- The inaugural UK-EU Cyber Dialogue took place in Brussels on 14 December 2023, the first one held under the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement.
UK Carrier Strike Group to visit Japan in 2025 UK MOD 14 Dec 2023 -- The UK's Carrier Strike Group will visit Japan as part of the flagship 2025 Indo-Pacific deployment, Defence Secretary Grant Shapps has announced today
U.S. and U.K. Target IRGC-QF Support to Hamas and Other Proxy Groups US Treasury 14 Dec 2023 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) and the United Kingdom are jointly taking action against Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps - Qods Force (IRGC-QF), Hamas, and Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ). The U.K. is taking its first action pursuant to new Iran-related authorities, targeting eight actors, including the head of the IRGC-QF, and individuals linked to Iran's support for Hamas and PIJ. The U.K.'s new sanctions authority has been developed to respond to unprecedented threats from the Iranian regime, including efforts to undermine peace and security across the Middle East and plots to kill individuals on U.K. soil. OFAC is designating an IRGC-QF official involved in support to Hamas.
New Iranian sanction regime comes in to force UK FCDO 14 Dec 2023 -- The UK's new Iran sanctions regime comes into force today, giving the UK extensive new powers to hold Iran and its decision makers to account.
UK Slaps Sanctions on 7 Iranians Previously Sanctioned by US VOA 14 Dec 2023 -- The United Kingdom followed the United States in taking action against Iran on Thursday, imposing sanctions on seven individuals, including the head of Iran's Quds Force.
British gov't sanctions IRGC Quds commander IRNA 14 Dec 2023 -- The British government, as part of its anti-Iran policies, has imposed sanctions on the Commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Quds Force Esmail Qaani along with six other Iranian and Palestinian officials.
UK sanctions Quds Force chief, others in coordination with US Press TV 14 Dec 2023 -- Britain has introduced a raft of new sanctions targeting head of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC)'s Quds Force Gen. Esmail Qaani and several others.
US, Britain Impose New Sanctions Against Hamas Operatives VOA 14 Dec 2023 -- The United States and Britain on Wednesday imposed a fourth round of sanctions targeting funding operations for the Hamas militants fighting Israeli forces for control of Gaza.
The UK encourages the Central African region to commit to inclusive political transitional processes: UK statement at the UN Security Council UK FCDO 13 Dec 2023 -- Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN Security Council meeting on the Central African region.
UK and US target Hamas with new sanctions to isolate terror group UK FCDO 13 Dec 2023 -- The UK and US have announced new sanctions on the leaders and financiers of Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ).
Defence Secretary Grant Shapps announces further maritime support to the Ukrainian Navy UK MOD 12 Dec 2023 -- Defence Secretary Grant Shapps confirming the transfer of two Royal Navy minehunter ships to the Ukrainian Navy.
The DRC must assume MONUSCO's responsibilities to protect civilians: UK statement at the UN Security Council UK FCDO 11 Dec 2023 -- Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN Security Council meeting on the DRC.
FCDO spokesperson statement on incidents in the South China Sea UK FCDO 11 Dec 2023 -- UK statement in response to Chinese escalation against the Philippines in the South China Sea
Former UK General Says Britain 'Betrays' Afghan Soldier Allies VOA 11 Dec 2023 -- Afghan special forces trained and funded by Britain and who worked side-by-side with British troops in Afghanistan in the fight against the Taliban are now facing the possibility of being deported from Pakistan, where the Afghan troops and their families fled, according to a BBC report.
We are proud to support Ukraine's right to self-defence for as long as it takes: UK statement at the UN Security Council UK FCDO 11 Dec 2023 -- Statement by UK Political Coordinator Fergus Eckersley at the UN Security Council meeting on Ukraine.
Britain and Norway will support Ukraine in building coastal and maritime defence Government of Norway 11 Dec 2023 -- Britain, Norway and several other nations will assist in the strengthening of Ukraine's security along their coastlines and to the sea. Ukraine will receive the support they need to build their own maritime capabilities, says defence minister Bjørn Arild Gram (Sp)
UK to Transfer 2 Sandown-Class Minehunter Ships to Ukraine Sputnik 11 Dec 2023 -- The UK government announced on Monday the transfer of two Sandown-class minehunter ships to the Ukrainian armed forces as part of a new maritime coalition with Norway designed to provide further support to Kiev.
BRITISH MINEHUNTING SHIPS TO BOLSTER UKRAINIAN NAVY AS UK AND NORWAY LAUNCH MARITIME SUPPORT INITIATIVE UK MOD 11 Dec 2023 -- The UK is to lead a new Maritime Capability Coalition alongside Norway, with Defence Secretary Grant Shapps confirming the transfer of two Royal Navy minehunter ships to the Ukrainian Navy.
New unit to crack down on firms dodging Russian sanctions UK FCDO 11 Dec 2023 -- Government announces new unit to clamp down on companies evading sanctions
UK announces further support for Ukraine's efforts to bring war criminals to justice UK FCDO 10 Dec 2023 -- The UK Government has announced funding to support the documentation, investigation and prosecution of war crimes in Ukraine.
'US, UK, Canada should be held accountable for Israeli crimes' IRNA 10 Dec 2023 -- The governments of the United States, Britain, and Canada should be held accountable as accomplices to the atrocities committed by the Israeli regime over the past two months in the Gaza Strip, a spokesman for Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
US, UK, Canada complicit in Israeli war on Gaza, must be held accountable: Iran Press TV 10 Dec 2023 -- Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman says the US, British and Canadian governments must be held to account for their complicity in the Israeli genocidal war on Gaza and their unflinching support for the Tel Aviv regime.
Minister for the Middle East travels to Qatar for the Doha Forum UK FCDO 10 Dec 2023 -- Minister for the Middle East Lord Ahmad is attending the Doha Forum and holding meetings with senior Qatari leaders to discuss the Israel and Gaza conflict.
The UK is investing $1.2 billion in effective humanitarian systems: UK statement at the UN General Assembly UK FCDO 08 Dec 2023 -- Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN General Assembly meeting on humanitarian aid.
The UK supports Israel's right to defend itself against Hamas but Israel must be targeted in achieving that goal: UK statement at the UN Security Council UK FCDO 08 Dec 2023 -- Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the UN Security Council meeting on Gaza.
We call for further and longer pauses to get aid to Palestinians: UK statement at the UN Security Council UK FCDO 08 Dec 2023 -- Explanation of vote by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the UN Security Council meeting on Gaza.
Indo-Pacific Minister's speech to Western Australia defence conference: 8 December 2023 UK FCDO 08 Dec 2023 -- UK Minister for the Indo-Pacific, Anne-Marie Trevelyan, gave a keynote speech on AUKUS at a conference on "The Future of Defence in Western Australia" in Perth.
Aspen Security Forum 2023 DC Edition: Foreign Secretary's speech UK FCDO 07 Dec 2023 -- Foreign Secretary David Cameron gave a speech at the Aspen Security Forum in Washington DC.
Two Russian Nationals Working with Russia's Federal Security Service Charged with Global Computer Intrusion Campaign US Dept. of Justice 07 Dec 2023 -- Indictment Alleges the So-Called "Callisto Group" Hacked Computers in the United States and Allied Countries, and Stole Information Used in Foreign Malign Influence Operations Designed to Influence the U.K.'s 2019 Elections
U.S. Takes Action to Further Disrupt Russian Cyber Activities US Dept. of State 07 Dec 2023 -- The United States government is taking a series of actions today against cyber actors Callisto Group, Star Blizzard, and COLDRIVER, which are connected to Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) Center 18 for long-running cyber espionage campaigns that targeted numerous U.S.-based entities and individuals.
U.K., U.S. Sanction Two Russians Accused Of Cyber Spying On British Politicians, Journalists RFE/RL 07 Dec 2023 -- The British Foreign Office and the U.S. Treasury Department announced sanctions on December 7 against two Russians for their ties to a group of cybercriminals sponsored by Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) that Britain and the United States say has targeted people and entities in the two countries and other partner countries.
US, UK Act Against Russian Hacker Group VOA 07 Dec 2023 -- The U.S. government on Thursday unveiled measures to combat Russian hackers accused of targeting U.S-based entities and individuals and meddling in a British election.
Russian FSB Cyber Actor Star Blizzard Continues Worldwide Spear-phishing Campaigns CISA 07 Dec 2023 -- The Russia-based actor is targeting organizations and individuals in the UK and other geographical areas of interest.
UK exposes attempted Russian cyber interference in politics and democratic processes UK FCDO 07 Dec 2023 -- The UK condemns Russia's sustained attempts at political interference in the UK and globally.
Statement on Russia's malicious cyber activity affecting the United Kingdom Canada 07 Dec 2023 -- The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence, and the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental Affairs, today issued the following statement:
Statement on cyberattacks targeting electoral processes in the United Kingdom Poland - Ministry of Foreign Affairs 07 Dec 2023 -- Poland is deeply concerned about the information provided by the United Kingdom regarding Russian cyberattacks directed against the UK's democratic institutions and electoral processes.
Cyber: Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the protection of democratic processes against malicious cyber activities EC/CEU 07 Dec 2023 -- The European Union and its Member States strongly condemn malicious cyber activities targeting democratic institutions and electoral processes.
Former UK PM Johnson admits COVID mistakes People's Daily 07 Dec 2023 -- Former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (UK) Boris Johnson admitted on Wednesday that he made mistakes during the COVID-19 pandemic and was "deeply sorry," but he insisted the mistakes were inevitable.
While Russia is isolated the international community is united: UK statement to the OSCE UK FCDO 07 Dec 2023 -- Ambassador Neil Holland says that the UK and partners will stand alongside Ukraine to protect its future, as well as protecting the OSCE.
Secretary Antony J. Blinken and United Kingdom Foreign Secretary David Cameron at a Joint Press Availability US Dept. of State 07 Dec 2023
PM meeting with Prime Minister Rutte of the Netherlands: 7 December 2023 Gov.UK 07 Dec 2023
United States and the United Kingdom Sanction Members of Russian State Intelligence-Sponsored Advanced Persistent Threat Group US Treasury 07 Dec 2023 -- Today, the Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), in coordination with the United Kingdom, designated two individuals associated with an advanced persistent threat (APT) group that is sponsored by the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) and has targeted individuals and entities in the United States, United Kingdom, and other allied and partner countries.
Defence Secretary visits Israel and Occupied Palestinian Territories to explore options to boost humanitarian aid UK FCDO 07 Dec 2023 -- As part of ongoing diplomatic efforts in the Middle East, the Defence Secretary travels to the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPTs) and Israel this week.
Readout of President Biden's Virtual Meeting with G7 Leaders The White House 06 Dec 2023
G7 Leaders' Statement The White House 06 Dec 2023
UK hits military suppliers propping up Russia's war machine UK FCDO 06 Dec 2023 -- The UK government announces new sanctions targeting people and groups that are supplying and funding Putin's war machine.
U.K. Announces Sanctions Targeting Businesses, Individuals Seen As Aiding 'Putin's War Machine' RFE/RL 06 Dec 2023 -- The United Kingdom has imposed new sanctions on 46 groups and individuals in countries ranging from Serbia to China that it says are supplying and financing Russia's war against Ukraine by helping it circumvent international sanctions.
Russia is diminished in the eyes of the international community through its own actions: UK statement to the OSCE UK FCDO 06 Dec 2023 -- UK military advisor, Nicholas Aucott, says Russia's casualty figures are now over 300,000 in its illegal war, which is an egregious violation of international law and the UN Charter.
Russia has not broken the spirit of the Ukrainian people nor our determination to support them: UK statement at the UN Security Council UK FCDO 06 Dec 2023 -- Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the UN Security Council meeting on Ukraine.
PM call with Prime Minister Netanyahu of Israel: 5 December 2023 Gov.UK 05 Dec 2023
UK condemns attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea: UK government statement UK FCDO 04 Dec 2023 -- Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and Ministry of Defence statement in response to attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea by Houthi militants.
Clean Energy Partnership: G7+ and Ukraine joint statement UK FCDO 04 Dec 2023 -- At COP28, G7+ countries and Ukraine launched the Clean Energy Partnership, to support the sustainable recovery and reconstruction of Ukraine.
UK Defense Ministry's 2023-2033 Equipment Plan $21.5Bln Over Budget - Watchdog Sputnik 04 Dec 2023 -- The UK Ministry of Defense's equipment plan for 2023-2033 is "unaffordable" as its current budget is almost $21.5 billion less than its expected costs, the National Audit Office (NAO) said on Monday.
United Kingdom joins Horizon Europe programme European Commission 04 Dec 2023 -- As of 1 January 2024, the United Kingdom becomes an associated country to Horizon Europe. Its researchers will be able to participate in this research and innovation programme of the EU on the same terms as researchers from other associated countries and will have access to Horizon Europe funding.
The United Kingdom stands firm in continued efforts to deliver justice for Daesh's atrocities: UK statement at the UN Security Council UK FCDO 04 Dec 2023 -- Statement by UK Political Coordinator Fergus Eckersley at the UN Security Council meeting on Iraq.
Australia Developing 'Secret Cloud Initiative' Interoperable With US, UK - Intelligence Chief Sputnik 04 Dec 2023 -- Australia is working to develop a "top secret cloud initiative" that will be "interoperable" with US and UK intelligence agencies, its director-general of national intelligence said Monday.
Widened AUKUS deal includes AI, space techs against China, triggering arms race fear Global Times 03 Dec 2023 -- Using the "China threat" as an excuse to build hegemony, the US, the UK and Australia are reportedly expanding their AUKUS military cooperation from nuclear-powered submarines to anti-submarine systems featuring drones and artificial intelligence (AI) as well as space tracking, all of which are sensitive fields that risk triggering an arms race, experts warned on Sunday.
New deep space radar will transform UK security UK MOD 02 Dec 2023 -- A new landmark radar initiative will increase UK security by being able to better detect, track and identify objects in deep space.
AUKUS Allies to Hold Series of Military Drills Beginning Next Year - Pentagon Chief Sputnik 02 Dec 2023 -- The US, UK, and Australia under AUKUS pillars have endorsed holding military drills beginning in 2024, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said after talks with his British and Australian counterparts in California.
UK powers up partnership with US and Australia to strengthen security UK MOD 02 Dec 2023 -- A landmark security partnership entered a new phase today as the Defence Ministers of the UK, Australia and United States met in California.
UK military activity in the Eastern Mediterranean UK MOD 02 Dec 2023 -- Statement on UK military activity in the Eastern Mediterranean
Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III Meeting With U.K. Secretary of State for Defence, the Right Honorable Grant Shapps DoD 01 Dec 2023
PM meeting with His Highness Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani of Qatar: 01 December 2023 Gov.UK 01 Dec 2023
PM meeting with His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan: 01 December 2023 Gov.UK 01 Dec 2023
PM meeting with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi: 01 December 2023 Gov.UK 01 Dec 2023
The UN and international community's support for Sudan remains crucial: UK statement at the UN Security Council UK FCDO 01 Dec 2023 -- Explanation of vote by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN Security Council meeting on Sudan.
The UK has demonstrated its commitment to supporting Somalia in building a freer and more secure country: UK statement at the UN Security Council UK FCDO 01 Dec 2023 -- Explanation of vote by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN Security Council meeting on Somalia.
NATO Allies: joint statement to the OSCE Ministerial Council 2023 UK FCDO 01 Dec 2023 -- NATO Allies condemn Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine and destructive behaviour in the OSCE. Allies reiterate that Ukraine's future is in NATO.
Marking the 90th anniversary of the Holodomor: joint statement to the OSCE Ministerial Council 2023 UK FCDO 01 Dec 2023 -- The UK and partners pay tribute to victims of the Holodomor and note Russia's continued weaponisation of food as one element of its illegal full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Iran rejects E3 statement on Fattah-2 missile IRNA 01 Dec 2023 -- Iran's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Nasser Kanaani termed the statement of France, Germany, and England regarding the Fattah-2 missile as misleading, lacking any legal basis, and having specific political goals and motives.
Iran dismisses 'misleading' E3 statement on its missile program Press TV 01 Dec 2023 -- Iran has dismissed a "misleading, politically motivated" statement issued by Britain, France, and Germany regarding the unveiling of the Fattah-2 missile.

NEWSLETTER

Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list

Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

December 2023 - United Kingdom Special Weapons News