As my time as 🇬🇧 Ambassador to Jordan has come to a close, I want to express my deep appreciation for the incredible hospitality I have received from so many wonderful people in 🇯🇴. I wish Jordan all the best for the future. You can follow my successor Philip Hall @UKinJordan
Statement by Minister for Development Andrew Mitchell MP to the 🇬🇧 parliament on the situation in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories here👇
https://t.co/wXAjWOkVfh
The Prime Minister has asked me to serve as his Foreign Secretary and I have gladly accepted.
We are facing a daunting set of international challenges, including the war in Ukraine and the crisis in the Middle East. At this time of profound global change, it has rarely been more important for this country to stand by our allies, strengthen our partnerships and make sure our voice is heard.
While I have been out of front-line politics for the last seven years, I hope that my experience – as Conservative Leader for eleven years and Prime Minister for six – will assist me in helping the Prime Minister to meet these vital challenges.
Britain is a truly international country. Our people live all over the world and our businesses trade in every corner of the globe. Working to help ensure stability and security on the global stage is both essential and squarely in our national interest. International security is vital for our domestic security.
Though I may have disagreed with some individual decisions, it is clear to me that Rishi Sunak is a strong and capable Prime Minister, who is showing exemplary leadership at a difficult time. I want to help him to deliver the security and prosperity our country needs and be part of the strongest possible team that serves the United Kingdom and that can be presented to the country when the General Election is held.
I believe in public service. That is what first motivated me to get involved in politics in the 1980s, to work in government in the 1990s, become a Member of Parliament in the 2000s and put myself forward as Party Leader and Prime Minister.
The UK’s Foreign Office, our Diplomatic Service, our Intelligence Services and our Aid and Development capabilities are some of the finest assets of their kind anywhere in the world. I know from my time in office that they are staffed by brilliant, patriotic and hard-working people. They have been well led by James Cleverly, with whom I look forward to working in his vital new role.
It will be an honour to serve our country alongside our dedicated FCDO staff and provide the continued leadership and support that they deserve.
Deeply distressed by the loss of life in Gaza's hospitals. Hospitals must be allowed to operate safely and treat the vulnerable. We continue to impress upon Israel the need to comply with international humanitarian law.
UK is pushing for sustained humanitarian access to Gaza, including for a humanitarian pause. In a meeting with humanitarian reps @tariqahmadbt commended the courageous work of aid workers and vital role of the #UN & civil society in delivering vital humanitarian assistance.
I met Palestinian leaders to reiterate UK support to the Palestinian Authority in trying to establish stability. We agreed on the need for humanitarian access to allow aid to reach those in need. 🇬🇧 will continue to work with partners in the region to deliver a two-state solution
الوضع في #غزة يتدهور يوميا. والمملكة المتحدة تعمل لأجل:
⬅️ ضمان حماية المدنيين والإفراج عن الرهائن
⬅️ زيادة المساعدات الإنسانية وتحسين سبل وصولها للمحتاجين إليها
⬅️ الحيلولة دون انتشار الصراع في المنطقة
The situation in #Gaza deteriorates daily.
The UK is working to:
➡️ Ensure protection of civilians and release of hostages.
➡️ Increase humanitarian aid and improve access to those in need.
➡️ Prevent conflict from spilling over into the region.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak meets with the President of the Palestinian Authority, Mahmoud Abbas. More details from their meeting 👇
https://t.co/bUWLCKCYzN
Trucks carrying lifesaving aid are beginning to cross at Rafah into Gaza.
This aid is a lifeline for those suffering.
But it cannot be a one off.
The UK continues to push for humanitarian access to Gaza.
Intense diplomatic efforts continue in the Middle East.
Today Foreign Secretary @JamesCleverly met his counterparts in Egypt @MFAEgypt, Qatar @MofaQatar_EN and at the League of Arab States to discuss how to prevent the spread of conflict across the region.
Today I spoke with Hussein Al Sheikh @HusseinSheikhpl of the Palestinian Authority. We discussed the tragic loss of civilian life in Gaza and the West Bank, as well as preventing the crisis escalating further.
West Bank travel update: We advise against all travel to the West Bank, excluding East Jerusalem where we advise against all but essential travel.
All British Nationals in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories should register their presence and follow travel advice: https://t.co/AaVRuERwki
Every effort must be made to stop terrorism and protect civilians.
That's what @AlsisiOfficial and I agreed when we spoke in Cairo earlier today.
I welcome efforts by Egypt to reopen the Rafah border crossing, and I will continue working with leaders to find routes to peace.
I had an important and productive meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
We agreed on coordinated action to prevent further escalation in the region, provide vital humanitarian aid in Gaza and support stability, both now and in the long-term.
Following the recent terrorist attack on Israel by Hamas @CommonsSpeaker led a minute’s silence today in recognition of all those innocent Israelis, Palestinians and others who have lost their lives, all those taken hostage and those affected by this conflict in the region.