As ever @WilliamJHague is spot on - The Foreign Office is a great office of state and as someone who had the honour to serve UK 🇬🇧 @FCDOGovUK for over 7 years as Minister Of State - for me continuity is crucial, it’s the investment in international relationships that strengthens the UK’s global role and influence - it’s not always about grand announcements and gestures - but often it’s the discreet diplomacy, the building of bridges and convening of warring parties that make a real difference.
I extend my, and on behalf of Saddiqa and our family, our deepest deepest, most heartfelt condolences to His Highness Sheikh @TamimBinHamad Emir of Qatar , the Al Thani family, and the people of the State of Qatar, following the passing of the Father Emir, His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.
إِنَّا لِلَّٰهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ
Indeed, to Allah we belong and to Him we shall return.
The Father Emir was a towering statesman whose visionary leadership and unwavering dedication fundamentally transformed Qatar, charting a course that built the modern, prosperous, and successful nation we see today. His remarkable legacy of progress, education, and global diplomacy will forever remain a beacon for the region and the wider world. He did not merely lead; he inspired a generation and carved out an enduring place for Qatar on the international stage.
In this moment of immense national grief, my thoughts and prayers are with His Highness, the Al- Thani family, and all Qataris around the world . May Almighty Allah grant him eternal peace, ‘maghfrat’ and receive him into the highest stations of Jannat al-Firdous, ‘ Ameen’ and grant you all comfort, fortitude , and patience during this time of great loss.
Come On @nadhimzahawi you’re better than this. You know what @KemiBadenoch is saying and it’s a message which resonates with us all - ‘all lives matter’ and they should.
Shocked by the attacks in Edinburgh which have targeted Muslims - I have long warned about the rising tide of anti Muslim hatred fuelled by rhetoric seeking to instil fear hate and division. This has now manifested itself on the streets of Edinburgh.
This is an important initiative by @ALLMEP - whilst conflict continues, both Israelis and Palestinians continue their dialogue recognising that a shared future built on mutual respect and human dignity, is what will lead to sustainable peace.
There was lot of work put into this deal post Brexit and whilst recognising and celebrating that this agreement has been reached on tuna tariffs, as the Minister of State for South Asia into 2024 I pay tribute also to both by fellow Minister and friends @ZacGoldsmith and as we can both testify, the strong advocacy of former FM of Maldives @abdulla_shahid and the former High Comissioner of Maldives to the UK 🇬🇧 @DrFarahFaizal - win for all- bring on the toasted tuna melt
Delighted that this FTA between the UK 🇬🇧 with The Gulf Cooperation-had been signed - a long time in the making, but great news as it’s the first FTA between Gulf partners and any G7 nation. Congratulations to my dear friend @GCCSG Jassim Al-Budawi and to all friends across the GCC 🇧🇭 🇰🇼 🇶🇦 🇸🇦 🇴🇲 🇦🇪 ‘Mubarak ‘
This is a heartbreaking and graphic @SkyNews report by @DominicWaghorn of the missile attacks on the Iranian primary school and how the madness of war sees innocent children’s lives being brutally taken- a moving and timely reminder that as the war drums get louder this evening - diplomacy must be intensified and leave no stone unturned in pursuit of peace.
@NazShahBfd made a powerful , witty and moving speech in proposing the Loyal address in @HouseofCommons - I know of the incredible challenges she has faced in life But with determination, deep faith and good old Yorkshire grit - she is a living example of the art of the possible and perseverance in the face of adversity.
I know @zubirahmed -and although we are from different political traditions - he is a decent and hardworking minister with a strong sense of public duty reflective of his long and devoted service as a surgeon in the @NHS. A real loss for the Government.
When @Keir_Starmer spoke this morning -it was billed as a defining moment - 30 Labour MPs at that time had asked the PM to resign - now 10 hours after he spoke, the number has risen to 70. The writing is on the wall and with reports that @ShabanaMahmood has joined the call for him to go - it’s clear the Starmer Premiership is nearing its end - Having seen several PMs suffer this fate -it’s a really tough time, but it goes with the territory and tonight it’s clear that he’s lost the faith and trust of both the nation as the elections showed on Thursday and tonight also his @LabourParty Parliamentary colleagues.
#Qatar’s leadership and key mediation role has been and continues to be crucial, in providing a bridge of diplomacy in pursuit of permanent and sustainable peace between Israel and Palestine, as well as the wider Arab world. @MBA_AlThani_@Dr_Al_Khulaifi
I am so very proud of my dear friend @VictoriaPrentis not just by the poignancy of her words, which saw many of us @UKHouseofLords well up with tears, but inspired by her courage in face of adversity. Thank you 🙏 Victoria and God bless you always.
AMG's exclusive roundtable in London focused on opportunities in the Middle East amid evolving geopolitical dynamics.
It was an honour to host H.E. Noor bint Ali Alkhulaif, Minister of Sustainable Development of Bahrain, in conversation with Rt Hon Lord Tariq Ahmad.