The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has announced plans to develop a new sanctions regime aimed at combating people smuggling and irregular migration. This world-first standalone sanctions regime is expected to be implemented within a year, allowing the UK to target individuals and entities facilitating dangerous journeys. The legislation forms part of the government's Plan for Change, which aims to reduce small boat crossings and net migration. The regime will work alongside existing international efforts and upcoming border security legislation to disrupt criminal networks and their finances. This development follows recent enhancements to Serious Crime Prevention Orders, enabling swift action against suspected smugglers through travel bans and communication restrictions.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has updated the Russia sanctions guidance. The changes that were made align with amendments to Regulation 54D, which relates to restrictions on legal advisory services.

The Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has updated the guidance on the Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019, SI 2019/855. Prohibition 46Z16R has been amended to update licencing information of third country processed Russian diamonds.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has updated its statutory guidance on the Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019, SI 2019/855, adding links to two new resources to support understanding of the sanctions regime. These include dedicated guidance pages on looking up amendments to the Russia sanctions regulations and on exceptions to the Russia trade and transport sanctions.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has updated the guidance on Russian sanctions. The guidance has been amended to include the latest legislation guidance on director disqualification and ship specification in sanctions. The guidance should be read in conjunction with more detailed sanctions guidance from the Department for Business and Trade, Department for Transport, Home Office and HM Treasury through the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has updated its Sanctions Review Request form to clarify the supporting document requirements. The form now states that it should be submitted with proof of identity of the designated person, confirmation of your authority to act on behalf of the requester (where necessary) and evidence supporting the request.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has updated its guidance on the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019, SI 2019/411, to reflect changes to legislation.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has updated its statutory guidance on the Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019, SI 2019/855, to reflect new licensing regulations 46Z34–46Z, introduced by the Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) (Amendment) Regulations 2025, SI 2025/504.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has updated its guidance on the Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019, SI 2019/855. The changes were made to reflect amendments to legal services prohibition as a result of the Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) (Amendment) (No 4) Regulations 2024, SI 2024/900, laid by FCDO.

The Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has updated its guidance on the Somalia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020, SI 2020/5971. The updated guidance reflects changes following the United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 2713 (2023). This guidance should be read alongside more detailed sanctions guidance published by departments including the Department for Business and Trade (DBT), Home Office and HM Treasury, through the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI).

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has updated its guidance on how to submit a Sanctions Review Request Form within its instructions for requesting a variation or revocation when designated under the Sanctions Act or named on a UN list. The current guidance states the form should be completed by the designated person, or someone else on their behalf, but confirmation of authority to act is necessary for the latter. The confirmation should be in a written statement signed by the UN listed person and state that the other person has authority to act in relation to the review of their designation or UN listing. If acting on the behalf of a designated or UN listed person, proof of identity of the requester and the relevant supporting evidence must be provided.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) and Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) have jointly published the International Climate Finance Strategy 2026, setting out the priorities and outcomes for the UK's fourth international climate finance commitment. The strategy is centred on four priorities: (1) mobilising public and private finance for climate and nature outcomes; (2) transforming the global energy system to deliver clean and affordable energy; (3) accelerating the transition to climate-resilient communities, economies and ecosystems and (4) safeguarding and sustaining nature, including forests, oceans and coastal, terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems.