Collins of Highbury

Delighted to be the new Minister for Africa. The continent has some of the world's fastest growing economies and is a hub for innovation. I'm looking forward to working with our African partners to tackle climate change, boost prosperity and build security. Our future starts now.

Delighted to speak earlier this week at the opening of @attorneygeneral event on supporting and promoting the rule of law.   The rule of law underpins democracy and human rights and supports our prosperity and security #ruleoflaw.

Today's crises are testing the international community. We must collectively recommit to the principles of the @UN Charter to meet these challenges. The rule of law and multilateralism are the greatest tools we have to achieve peace and security.

Recent progress on peace processes gives us a path forward for ending violence in eastern DRC. I met with @martin_ngoga and @ZMukongo at UN #HLPF to urge swift implementation and continued commitment to peace.

The Sustainable Development Goals are our collective vision for the world we want to see by 2030. With 5 years to go, we must all pick up the pace to deliver progress. At the 2025 @UN High-level Political Forum @Lord_Collins made clear the UK’s commitment to our shared goals.

I welcome the news that the Government of DRC, through Qatari mediation, have agreed a Declaration of Principles with Alliance Fleuve Congo/M23. This is an important step towards peace.

Appalling attacks in Sudan’s Kordofan region since the weekend, with estimates of over 450 killed, among them many children and pregnant women. I echo @UNHumanRights Chief @volker_turk’s calls for urgent de-escalation and protection of civilians. This violence must end now.

Great to see @DCMS launch the Civil Society Covenant today - a real step towards more collaborative working with civil society. At @FCDOGovUK, we’re putting partnership at the centre of our work around the world because locally-led development drives growth that benefits everyone

The UK stands with Yazidi survivors of acts of genocide by Daesh & supports the full implementation of the Yazidi Survivors’ Law in Iraq. Yesterday, I met Mir Hazem Tashen to discuss the situation in Sinjar & challenges facing Yazidi survivors of conflict-related sexual violence.

A pleasure to host an event with @FCDO_FoRB_Envoy to outline the UK’s approach to freedom of religion or belief. The UK is committed to forging the partnerships we need to champion equality for all. The full text of my speech is available here - gov.uk/government/spe….

The FCDO is providing live saving humanitarian aid, education & healthcare for children affected by conflict across the world. Last week, I had an important meeting with @savechildrenuk & @WarChildUK to discuss the devastating impact of conflict on 473 million children globally.

A pleasure to host Türkiye 🇹🇷 Deputy Foreign Minister @burhanduran @MFATurkiye in London to discuss our shared security and growth goals at home and abroad.

A pleasure to welcome Qatar’s Minister of State for International Cooperation @MANAIMisned to London last week. We discussed regional developments and, in line with UK-Qatar Future Framework, agreed to step up our collaboration on ending conflict, development, and women & girls.

Like others across Europe I am hugely alarmed 🇭🇺 authorities have declared @BudapestPride illegal. Implying that LGBT+ people are threat to children has no place in society. Last week I urged 🇭🇺 Dep Foreign Minister in person to allow Pride to go ahead, free of fear & sanction.

The DRC and Rwanda signing a peace agreement is hugely welcome, facilitated by strong leadership and sustained effort from the US. Full implementation is now essential. All parties should continue engaging with African and Qatari led mediation processes.

🇬🇧 endorses the #FO_Coalition statement on Protecting Human Rights Online and Preventing Internet Shutdowns in Times of Armed Conflict and the importance of access to the Internet to enable the free flow of information and vital humanitarian co-ordination. #IGF2025

The UNSG’s report on Children and Armed Conflict is shocking. Children are being harmed and denied lifesaving aid on an unprecedented scale. All parties to armed conflict must do more to protect children and we must hold perpetrators to account.

I am delighted to hear of the release of Peter Huxham, which must be a huge relief for him and his family. His case has always been a priority for this Government. My thanks to everyone who has been involved in supporting him for over two years. I wish Peter and his family well.

I welcome Ukraine’s work, as current chair of the International Alliance on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict, to draw global attention to the issue of sexual violence in conflict. Justice for survivors is non-negotiable. #OneVoiceAgainstCRSV #UA_PSVI_LEADERSHIP