FOREIGN AND
COMMONWEALTH OFFICE News Release issued by The Government News
Network on 9 May 2007
The Foreign
Office's annual Departmental Report for 2006/2007 is
published today. Its key message is that because of globalisation,
the need for the FCO's distinctive contribution to the
Government's objectives has never been greater.
The Foreign Secretary, Mrs Beckett said:
"The aim of our foreign policy is not just to tackle the
upheavals of today but to build long-term security and prosperity.
This Departmental Report sets out how the FCO has contributed to
that over the last year working closely with other government
departments and our partners outside government."
In her foreword, Margaret Beckett highlights the notable success
stories over the past year, for example the agreement to begin
negotiations on an International Arms Trade Treaty, and FCO
inspired advances in the international debate on climate security.
The annual report sets out the FCO's recent achievements in
working for UK interests in a safe, just and prosperous world.
Part one of the report provides details of the FCO's role in
delivering the UK's ten Strategic International Priorities on
behalf of the whole of Government. Part two looks at how the
organisation is radically transforming itself in order to meet
changing priorities, and provides a detailed assessment of our
performance against Public Service Agreement targets.
Peter Ricketts, Permanent Under-Secretary and Head of the
Diplomatic Service, said:
'In preparing this report, I am struck once again by the
sheer range and complexity of issues with which the FCO is dealing
around the world, 24 hours a day... I am proud of the quality and
commitment of the FCO's staff, UK-based and locally
recruited, around the world. They are the reason that the FCO is
widely seen as one of the best foreign services in the world."
Notes for Editors:
1. The FCO Departmental Report covers activities in the period 1
April 2006 to 31 March 2007.
2. An online version of the FCO Departmental Report 2006/07 is
available for the first time at http://www.fco.gov.uk/report2007.
3. The Report includes a DVD prepared for the FCO Leadership
Conference 2007 which features various Cabinet Office ministers
talking about the challenges of globalisation and how the FCO
helps deliver the Government's Strategic International
Priorities. The DVD is available to download using the link above.
4. For the second year, the Report (up to page 127) was awarded
the Plain English Campaign's 'Crystal Mark' for clarity.
5. Each chapter on the Strategic Priorities also demonstrates
particular challenges we have faced and the 'lessons
learned' for the future.
Press Office, Downing Street (West), London SW1A 2AL