About our FCDO News
Latest news on the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), UK Foreign Office, providing comprehensive coverage of UK diplomacy, foreign policy, international aid and diplomatic missions.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) serves as the United Kingdom's ministry of foreign affairs, responsible for representing and promoting British interests worldwide. Created in September 2020 through the merger of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and the Department for International Development (DFID), the FCDO operates with an annual budget of over £8 billion and is led by Foreign Secretary David Lammy, who was appointed on 5 July 2024 following the general election.
Recent developments at the FCDO include the resumption of funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) in July 2024, after funding was temporarily suspended in January 2024. The department continues to navigate complex international challenges, including implementing the UK's post-Brexit foreign policy strategy and adapting to changing global power dynamics. The FCDO has also faced scrutiny over aid budget cuts from 0.7% to 0.5% of Gross National Income in 2021, which reduced funding for humanitarian interventions by 44% in places like Yemen and Syria.
Beyond policy work, the FCDO maintains a vast diplomatic network across 168 countries worldwide, with embassies, high commissions, and consulates providing critical support to British nationals overseas. Through initiatives like the Chevening Scholarships and the Diplomatic Academy, the department fosters global connections and develops diplomatic expertise. The Global Response Office, operating 24/7 from an undisclosed location, provides emergency assistance to British citizens experiencing crises abroad, handling issues from lost passports to arrests and medical emergencies.
The FCDO has a rich heritage dating back to 1782 when the Foreign Office was formed by combining the Southern and Northern Departments of the Secretary of State. Its historic Main Building in Whitehall, designed by architect George Gilbert Scott in the Italianate style, hosts the Locarno Suite where the Locarno Treaties were signed in 1925. After undergoing a 17-year, £100 million restoration completed in 1997, this Grade I listed building reflects the department's historical significance while serving modern diplomatic needs.
Staying informed about the FCDO's activities provides valuable insight into the UK's international relations, diplomatic efforts, and global engagement. As the department continues to adapt to a rapidly changing international landscape under the leadership of Permanent Under-Secretary Sir Olly Robbins, who took office on 8 January 2025, NewsNow's comprehensive coverage brings you the latest developments, policy announcements, and diplomatic initiatives from reliable sources, ensuring you understand how British foreign policy is shaping and responding to global events.