Monday 7 March An early and intense start to the week, as I work with ministers from many different government departments on the new legislation that we will be debating and on voting in the House of Commons this evening. This will strengthen the sanctions laws in the UK, and allow us to be much faster and more robust in applying financial sanctions against those associated with the Russian regime.
Tuesday 8 March I join the three other ministers for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office in the House of Commons to take questions from MPs. Most of the questions relate to the terrible situation in Ukraine where the UK has led the way in shoring up international support for the people of Ukraine, providing military training and weapons, as well as introducing sanctions especially on the financial sector, development and international transactions. This is extremely important because of me influence of the city of London and financial services. We are also leading the way in delivering humanitarian assistance to the people of Ukraine, and refugees, especially those in neighbouring countries.
The Foreign Secretary answers the questions on Ukraine, assisted by the Europe Minister but I play my part in responding to questions about other parts of the world, including Ethiopia. There is great urgency of responding to the dreadful War on Ukraine, but we mustn’t drop our focus on atrocities and crises that are happening in other parts of the world as well.
After meetings in the Foreign Office, I head to Heathrow for a long flight.
Wednesday 9 March I arrive in Chile, where Presidents, Prime Ministers and Foreign Ministers from all across the globe are gathering together for the inauguration of the new President. Chile has been a close friend of the UK for over 200 years and we have many common values, including respect for democracy and the rule of law. We have a strong relationship on defence cooperation and trade. Chile also has an important role to play in the global effort to tackle climate change, they held the COP Presidency immediately before the UK. Both countries want to work together to ensure that the promises that were made at the Glasgow climate change conference are turned into action.
However, the country faces great challenges especially after a massive social crisis and it is not clear what route the new government will take.
I spend the day meeting various organisations the UK has supported, including an innovative project to help women have been victims of abuse, and another that supports women entrepreneurs and meet with the Bush Chamber of Commerce locally to discuss how we can increase trade links.
Thursday 10 March I meet with the incoming Chilean Foreign Minister, Environment Minister and Finance Minister to better understand their priorities and discuss how we can work together. Chile has been a strong voice in Latin America condemning the actions of Russian aggression against Ukraine. The new Foreign Minister is a passionate advocate for human rights so I am pleased to hear that the leadership in this area will continue.
I represent the United Kingdom in a formal function to say farewell to the outgoing president, where I also speak with many other like-minded countries about the situation in Ukraine.
Friday 11 March Today is the day of the inauguration, and it is packed full of events which are attended by counterparts from across the world. At this time when world peace and democracy is under threat in a way that we have not seen since the end of the Second World War it is vital that the global support for rule of law, sovereignty and territorial integrity stay firm.
Again and again throughout the day, I am asked by representatives from other countries about how the UK sees the situation unfolding, unfortunately my response is sombre. We are concerned that Russian aggression is likely to become even more severe. However I am encouraged by the strength of feeling that is evident from so many corners of the planet.
Right now we must stand together, support the people of Ukraine and condemn Putin’s regime.
