Simon Shercliff

It is the honour of my life to be appointed Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs. The world faces huge challenges, but we will navigate them with the UK's enormous strengths. We will reconnect Britain for our security and prosperity at home.

Change begins now.

The UK strongly condemns the death sentence of prominent and fearless artist Toomaj Salehi. Iran’s deliberate attempts to silence dissenting voices are clear for all to see. We call for his immediate release, and that of all who are unjustly detained.

Today I formally condemned in the strongest terms Iran’s attack on Israel in a call with Iranian Foreign Minister Amir-Abdollahian. I made clear that Iran must stop these reckless attacks, de-escalate and release the MSC Aries.

Additional @RoyalAirForce jets and air refuelling tankers have deployed to the Middle East to bolster Op Shader, the UK’s existing counter-Daesh operation in Iraq & Syria.   In addition, the jets will intercept airborne attacks within range of our existing missions. My statement:

Iran's reckless attacks on Israel will only further inflame tensions in the Middle East. The UK calls on the Iranian regime to stop this serious escalation, which is in no one’s interest.

Read my statement on the Iranian regime’s reckless attack against Israel.

Today I made clear to Foreign Minister Amir-Abdollahian that Iran must not draw the Middle East into a wider conflict. I am deeply concerned about the potential for miscalculation leading to further violence. Iran should instead work to de-escalate and prevent further attacks.

The resolution adopted by the @UN_HRC on the (dire) situation of human rights in Iran is a vital one. It extends the mandates of both the Special Rapporteur and the Fact-Finding Mission. I salute the leadership of Iceland and the close collaboration of our core group 🇩🇪🇮🇸🇲🇩🇲🇰🇬🇧

The UK condemns in the strongest terms the deadly terrorist attack at the Crocus City Hall near Moscow. We offer our heartfelt condolences and express our deepest sympathy to the families of the many victims. Nothing can ever justify such horrific violence.

Why we must #StandWithUkraine ⬇️ #SlavaUkraini

In February 2022 we raised the Ukrainian flag above 10 Downing Street. It has continued to fly alongside the Union flag ever since. This is why. Two years ago, in the middle of the night, Vladimir Putin launched the unprovoked and illegal invasion of Ukraine – a sovereign, independent democracy in Europe, eight years after illegally annexing Crimea. He thought the country would fall within days. Instead, he exposed the strength of the Ukrainian people. The free world united behind Ukraine, taking action to isolate the Russian economy with the largest and most severe package of sanctions ever imposed on a major economy. Throughout the conflict, the United Kingdom has been at the forefront of ensuring Ukraine has what it needs to continue to stand against Russian aggression. This has included the delivery of Challenger 2 tanks, armoured vehicles, air defence missiles and thousands of rounds of artillery ammunition. We have welcomed Ukrainian troops to our own soil, training over 30,000 soldiers through Operation INTERFLEX. And in August last year, the RAF began training Ukrainian fighter pilots to defend the skies of Ukraine. We have also taken action to guarantee Ukraine’s long-term security and recovery. In Kyiv last month the Prime Minister and President Zelenskyy signed an Agreement on Security Cooperation bolstering Ukraine’s long-term security, providing a further £2.5 billion in military support this year. And last year’s Ukraine Recovery Conference, hosted in London, raised over $60 billion to rebuild the Ukrainian economy. We cannot lose sight of the reality on the ground. The war continues and Ukrainians continue to pay the devastating price of it. Our unity and resolve of ensuing Ukraine has what it needs to resist the Russian onslaught remains as pressing as ever. If Putin wins in Ukraine, all our freedoms are under threat. That is why we have stepped up support to Ukraine this year, and why the Ukrainian flag will continue to fly above Downing Street – as a symbol of our enduring commitment to Ukraine, its people, and the defence of freedom and democracy itself.

Ukraine’s security is our security.    Our military, humanitarian and economic support is an investment in the international rules that keep us all safe.    We will #StandWithUkraine for as long as it takes 🇬🇧 🇺🇦   #SlavaUkraini

Life will win over death. Light will win over darkness. Ukraine will prevail. Slava Ukraini 🇺🇦

Wishing His Majesty a full and speedy recovery. I have no doubt he’ll be back to full strength in no time and I know the whole country will be wishing him well.

@shareknowsley Iran.consular@fcdo.gov.uk

Statement from UK Government after the meeting between the British and Iranian Foreign Ministers on 17 Jan. shrtm.nu/qDM

Iran must cease supplying the Houthis with weapons and intelligence and use its influence to stop Houthi attacks in the Red Sea. Iran must also stop using the regional situation as cover to act recklessly and violate others’ sovereignty. I made this clear to FM @Amirabdolahian

Iran's attack on Pakistani territory, which has killed innocent children, is completely unacceptable. Our thoughts and prayers are with those who have lost loved ones. The UK will continue to work with international partners to hold Iran to account.