Latest news with #HamishFalconer
Libya Observer
6 days ago
- Politics
- Libya Observer
HNEC head discusses Libya's elections with UK minister
The head of the High National Elections Commission (HNEC), Imad Al-Sayeh, met on Tuesday with UK Minister of State for the Middle East and North Africa, Hamish Falconer to discuss the latest developments in Libya's electoral process. The meeting, attended by British Ambassador Martin Longden and HNEC board member Abdelhakim Al-Shaab, focused on preparations for upcoming municipal elections, technical and logistical challenges, and efforts to ensure transparency and security. Falconer reaffirmed the UK's full support for Libya's electoral process, calling it a foundation for political stability and institution-building. He praised the Commission's professionalism and preparedness. Al-Sayeh emphasized the importance of international support, reiterating the Commission's commitment to neutrality and boosting public confidence in the electoral process. News Tagged: HNEC the United Kingdom
Libya Review
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Libya Review
UK Reaffirms Support for Libya's Electoral Process
The Chairman of Libya's High National Elections Commission (HNEC), Emad Al-Sayeh, held a meeting in Tripoli on Tuesday with the UK Minister of State for the Middle East and North Africa, Hamish Falconer, to discuss developments in Libya's electoral process. The talks, which also included British Ambassador Martin Longden and HNEC board member Abdelhakim Al-Shaab, focused on preparations for upcoming electoral milestones, particularly municipal council elections. Both sides reviewed ongoing efforts to ensure a secure and transparent electoral environment, as well as the technical and logistical challenges faced by the Commission. According to a statement from HNEC, Lord Ahmad reaffirmed the UK's full support for the Commission's efforts. He stressed that fair and transparent elections are essential to Libya's path toward political stability and the formation of legitimate institutions. The UK minister also praised HNEC's technical readiness and professionalism, noting the Commission's commitment to meeting international standards. Al-Sayeh, in turn, expressed appreciation for the UK's continued backing. He underscored the value of international cooperation in strengthening Libya's democratic process, and reiterated HNEC's pledge to operate with neutrality, transparency, and a firm focus on restoring public trust in electoral mechanisms. The meeting comes at a critical time as Libya attempts to navigate a protracted political transition, marked by delays in national elections and ongoing institutional divisions. Municipal elections, seen as a step toward rebuilding local governance and political legitimacy, are widely anticipated across the country. As foreign partners like the UK continue to engage with Libyan institutions, the international community is signalling its readiness to support a credible and inclusive electoral roadmap for the country. Tags: HNEClibyaLibyan ElectionsUK
The National
11-07-2025
- Politics
- The National
Hamish Falconer pictured with Israeli politician who backs starving Gaza
Foreign Office minister Hamish Falconer met with Israeli politician Yair Golan on Thursday, where the pair reportedly discussed the need for a "just plan for Gaza to ensure long-term security for both Israelis and Palestinians". Golan is leader of Israel's Democrat party and a reserve aluf (General) in the Israel Defence Forces (IDF). READ MORE: Stephen Flynn accuses Labour of leaving Scots with 'bloody noses' over fiscal rules He was found guilty of ordering the use of Palestinians as human shields in 2007 and has previously said that Israel's starvation of Gaza is "completely legitimate". He was named in South African submission to the United Nations 'relating to the State of Israel's intent and incitement to commit genocide against the Palestinians in Gaza'. The submission states: 'On 13 October 2023, Reserve Major General Yair Golan was quoted by the Israeli press as stating that: 'We should tell them: listen, until [the hostages are] released, from our side you will starve to death. This is completely legitimate.'' Starvation of civilians as a method of warfare is a war crime under international law. In a post on social media after the meeting had taken place, Falconer said: "There must be an immediate ceasefire and the return of all hostages held by Hamas as a first step towards long-term peace. "Productive meeting with @YairGolan1 today. We agreed there must be a just plan for Gaza to ensure long term security for both Israelis and Palestinians." There must be an immediate ceasefire and the return of all hostages held by Hamas as a first step towards long-term peace. Productive meeting with @YairGolan1 today. We agreed there must be a just plan for Gaza to ensure long term security for both Israelis and Palestinians. — Hamish Falconer MP (@HFalconerMP) July 10, 2025 The tweet was shared by Golan, who wrote: "The world is interested in the return of the hostages, the end of the war, the rehabilitation of Israel and Gaza without Hamas, and a comprehensive regional arrangement." This is not the first time Golan has met with Labour MPs. The Israeli politician attended the Labour Party conference last September, where he was pictured meeting Falconer and Foreign Secretary David Lammy. And he recently met with a number of Labour MPs who visited Israel on a lobbying trip, despite the ongoing genocide in Gaza. READ MORE: Angela Rayner suspended from Unite over Birmingham bin strike The meeting comes as at least 18 people have been killed by Israeli fire in Gaza since dawn. Israel's brutal assault on Gaza has now killed at least 57,762 Palestinians since October 7, 2023, most of whom were women and children. On Friday, Philippe Lazzarini, head of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), accused Israel of engineering the "most cruel and Machiavellian scheme to kill" in Gaza, after nine children were killed while waiting in line for food supplements. In a post on Twitter/X, Lazzarini said that Gaza had become "the graveyard of children and starving people".
The National
11-07-2025
- Politics
- The National
Hamish Falconer pictured with Israeli politician Yair Golan
Foreign Office minister Hamish Falconer met with Israeli politician Yair Golan on Thursday, where the pair reportedly discussed the need for a "just plan for Gaza to ensure long term security for both Israelis and Palestinians". Golan is leader of Israel's Democrat party and a reserve aluf (General) in the Israel Defence Forces (IDF). READ MORE: Stephen Flynn accuses Labour of leaving Scots with 'bloody noses' over fiscal rules He was found guilty of ordering the use of Palestinians as human shields in 2007 and has previously said that Israel's starvation of Gaza is "completely legitimate". He was named in South African submission to the United Nations 'relating to the State of Israel's intent and incitement to commit genocide against the Palestinians in Gaza'. The submission states: 'On 13 October 2023, Reserve Major General Yair Golan was quoted by the Israeli press as stating that: 'We should tell them: listen, until [the hostages are] released, from our side you will starve to death. This is completely legitimate.'' Starvation of civilians as a method of warfare is a war crime under international law. In a post on social media after the meeting had taken place, Falconer said: "There must be an immediate ceasefire and the return of all hostages held by Hamas as a first step towards long-term peace. "Productive meeting with @YairGolan1 today. We agreed there must be a just plan for Gaza to ensure long term security for both Israelis and Palestinians." There must be an immediate ceasefire and the return of all hostages held by Hamas as a first step towards long-term peace. Productive meeting with @YairGolan1 today. We agreed there must be a just plan for Gaza to ensure long term security for both Israelis and Palestinians. — Hamish Falconer MP (@HFalconerMP) July 10, 2025 The tweet was shared by Golan, who wrote: "The world is interested in the return of the hostages, the end of the war, the rehabilitation of Israel and Gaza without Hamas, and a comprehensive regional arrangement." This is not the first time Golan has met with Labour MPs. The Israeli politician attended the Labour Party conference last September, where he was pictured meeting Falconer and Foreign Secretary David Lammy. And he recently met with a number of Labour MPs who visited Israel on a lobbying trip, despite the ongoing genocide in Gaza. READ MORE: Angela Rayner suspended from Unite over Birmingham bin strike The meeting comes as at least 18 people have been killed by Israeli fire in Gaza since dawn. Israel's brutal assault on Gaza has now killed at least 57,762 Palestinians since October 7, 2023, most of whom were women and children. On Friday, Philippe Lazzarini, head of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), accused Israel of engineering the "most cruel and Machiavellian scheme to kill" in Gaza, after nine children were killed while waiting in line for food supplements. In a post on Twitter/X, Lazzarini said that Gaza had become "the graveyard of children and starving people".
BBC News
08-07-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Final funding for Lincoln ring road awarded by government
Plans to build the last part of a ring road around Lincoln have been awarded funding by the North Hykeham Relief Road was allocated £110m towards its £200m cost by the Conservative government in Labour put this on hold in a review of spending plans when it took Secretary Heidi Alexander confirmed the funding as part of 50 road and rail schemes across the UK. Lincoln Labour MP Hamish Falconer told BBC Radio Lincolnshire the amount of final funding was "subject to a business case process", but added he thought it was "nigh on certain" the road would be built."This has been a plan which has been long in the making and I'm really pleased today that we can confirm that it's going ahead," he said."I can't say numbers today because it's going to depend on the business case process. But yeah, the money is there from the Department of Transport to finish the ring road."Lincolnshire County Council will pay the rest of the construction dual carriageway will connect the Lincoln Eastern bypass with the A15 Sleaford independent inspector, appointed by the transport secretary, is holding a public inquiry into the scheme over objections from those who face having their land used or approved, the road is expected to be opened in late announced by the transport secretary were plans for digital signalling upgrades on the railway line between London and to highlights from Lincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here.
