From: First published: 17 February 2017 Part of: James Brokenshire issued a statement following the shooting of a child in the Forest Street area of West Belfast on Thursday 16 February. Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Rt Hon James… read more
The Troika (Norway, UK and US) urge signatories of the AUHIP-brokered Roadmap Agreement to honour their commitments.
The Troika (Norway, the United Kingdom and the United States) expresses its continued support for the African Union High-Level Implementation Panel (AUHIP) peace process, led by former South African President Thabo Mbeki. In support of the AUHIP-brokered Roadmap Agreement signed by both the Government of Sudan and the opposition, the Troika urges the signatories to honor the Agreement by concluding comprehensive cessations of hostilities and engaging in an inclusive political dialogue. The Government of Sudan must now create an environment that is conducive to freedom of expression and political participation by both armed and unarmed opposition in Sudan.
The Troika is also encouraged by the Government of Sudan’s decision to accept the United States’ proposal to support humanitarian assistance to South Kordofan and Blue Nile states (the “Two Areas”). The U.S. proposal is intended to facilitate humanitarian assistance to affected populations in the Two Areas, in line with AUHIP efforts for broader negotiated humanitarian access. The Troika urges the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North to swiftly accept this proposal and facilitate the delivery of life-saving assistance to those in need in the Two Areas. The ongoing unilateral ceasefires are a significant step toward peace throughout Sudan. However, in order to realize sustainable peace, all parties must engage in a political process. The Troika also encourages continued engagement by the armed movements from Darfur with the AUHIP peace process. We call on the Sudan Liberation Movement – Abdul Wahid Al Nur to cease hostilities and immediately engage with the AUHIP peace process. The Troika also encourages the Government of Sudan to make progress on addressing the root causes of the conflict.
Mr Iain Walker has been appointed Her Majesty’s British High Commissioner to the Republic of Ghana
Mr Iain Walker has been appointed Her Majesty’s British High Commissioner to the Republic of Ghana in succession to Mr Jon Benjamin, who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment. Mr Walker will take up his appointment in August 2017.
| Full name | Iain Walker |
| Married to | Claire Walker |
| Children | Three |
| 2012 – present | FCO, Director Finance and Board member |
| 2010 – 2012 | FCO, Deputy Director Finance |
| 2010 | Joined FCO |
| 2008 – 2010 | Price Water House Coopers, Assistant Director, Consulting |
| 2006 – 2008 | Cabinet Office, Policy Advisor |
| 2004 – 2006 | Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, Head of Commercial and Change |
| 2002 – 2004 | GOAL (Global NGO) Programme Management and Change (Malawi, Ethiopia, & Zimbabwe) |
| 1998 – 2002 | Ernst & Young, Banking and Capital Markets |
Launching an ambitious framework for the UK’s defence engagement overseas, Sir Michael Fallon and Boris Johnson committed to increasing cooperation with partners across the globe to keep Britain safe.
For the first time, defence engagement was made a core defence task in the Strategic Defence and Security Review 2015. As a result, Britain is now stepping up its global commitments and leadership in international organisations, including NATO and the UN, as well as with bilateral partners.
Britain’s defence policy is becoming more ‘International by Design’, ensuring that we make our alliances and partnerships central to all that we do.
Defence engagement helps build the robust relationships on which our influence, prosperity and security depend. It enables us to respond to threats and crises when they emerge and strengthens our position as the world’s leading soft power.
Our commitment to international Defence Engagement includes:
Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon said:
Our increased ambition for Defence Engagement abroad demonstrates the UK’s global role.
Whether it’s by increasing our military expertise in the Middle East, training Nigerian forces in maritime security, or RAF Typhoons exercising over South Korea, Britain is committed to working internationally to protect our people and interests.
Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said:
The International Defence Engagement Strategy ensures we get the best value from our brilliant and brave Armed Forces and world-class Diplomatic Service, enabling them to deliver security and prosperity for the British people. This is about sending a clear signal of the UK’s intent as a dynamic, agile, cutting-edge global power.
Ahead of the annual Munich Security Conference, which started today, the Foreign and Defence Secretaries reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to European security. The Minister for Europe, Sir Alan Duncan, is also attending the conference. As Britain leaves the European Union, the UK is stepping up its global role and leadership in European security.
This year Britain is:
From: First published: 17 February 2017 The Office of Tax Simplification is looking for people to join its team. We are advertising for up to 3 tax professionals with current or recent experience in the private sector or within government, t… read more