UK's first blind overseas ambassador: My sight loss helps me connect with people bbc.co.uk/news/disabilit…

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

This is the struggle of our generation.

Ukraine can win this war and achieve a just peace. But we must all, Americans and Europeans alike, do more.

The outcome is down to us.

🇬🇧🇺🇸🇺🇦

2 years ago Vladimir Kara-Murza was arrested for opposing Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine. The deliberately harmful prison conditions imposed by the Russian authorities are threatening his life.

Russia should release him immediately on humanitarian grounds. #FreeKaraMurza

Sad to read about wildlife abuse in Angkor to generate “content”.

Useful caution from Wildlife Alliance Nick Marx (who received a UK honour for wildlife conservation) that engaging with wild animal social media posts generates demand for these actions.

independent.co.uk/asia/southeast…

Did an extended interview in Khmer about the UK-Cambodia relationship (link below). Even after 1.5 years here, I have to do serious prep & make many mistakes. But I also know that most Cambodians are very forgiving of my errors and appreciate the effort.

youtu.be/SD6Z2AE_3NA

Yesterday we hosted a group of Embassy “staff alumni” for a Khmer New Year party. It was so nice to meet new people with fond memories of the Embassy and to see where their careers have taken them. I like to thing the UK has played a small, supporting role in their success!

Yesterday my wife, some of the Embassy team & I received a traditional Khmer New Year’s blessing at the British residence.

I wish everyone celebrating a healthy and prosperous new year.

សួស្តីឆ្នាំថ្មី 🇰🇭 🙏🏼 🇰🇭

A colleague today encouraged me to try a traditional dessert - saying it’s sticky rice and very nice.

He omitted to say it was sticky rice flavoured with durian…

Long live the Entente Cordiale,
Vive l’amitié franco-britannique !

UK aid is getting in to Gaza.

By land, by sea, and by air – we are working with our international partners to reach those in need.

NATO has never been stronger.

With Ukraine closer to the Alliance than ever, we must sustain the support they need to win the war.

This means spending more, producing more and delivering more on defence.

#NATO75

Cambodia quite some way ahead of UK!

Being Ambassador is a position of great privilege & I believe strongly in the importance of staying grounded.

So this morning, when I found no bread in the house but did find cake left over from a lunch on Monday, Marie Antoinette came painfully to mind.

Speaking with the new PM of the Palestinian Authority Mohammad Mustafa, I offered the UK’s support as his government implements much-needed reforms.

An effective PA is vital for lasting peace and progress towards a two-state solution.

I spoke with Israeli FM @Israel_Katz to underline that the deaths of World Central Kitchen aid workers in Gaza, including three British Nationals, are completely unacceptable.

Israel must urgently explain how this happened & make major changes to ensure safety of aid workers on the ground.

I joined the inaugural session of the new Senate to congratulate its members & pay my respects to King Sihamoni. I admire His Majesty’s message, encouraging the Senate to strengthen democracy & fulfil its responsibilities in the interests of Cambodia & the whole Cambodian people.

This looks worth checking out, for anyone in London in June!

Joined Cambodia-ASEAN Business Summit. Samdech Thipadei HUN MANET stressed importance of ASEAN connectivity & economic integration, areas UK supports as ASEAN’s newest dialogue partner. Minister of Mines & Energy set out potential of integrated ASEAN power grid, an area UK already engaged.

The Embassy is closed for Easter Monday but my kids still had school. So my wife and I took the chance for a morning date on Koh Norea - coffee, frozen yoghurt and a peaceful walk along the Mekong. A pretty good morning!