HM Government

2013 – present Serbia, EU Ambassador and Head of EU Delegation 2010 – 2013 Belgrade, Her Majesty’s Ambassador 2007 – 2010 FCO, Director, Russia, South Caucasus and Central Asia Directorate 2004 – 2007 Cairo, Deputy Head of Mission 2000 – 2003 Warsaw, Consul-General and Director for Trade Promotion 1996 – 1999 Moscow, First Secretary Political (External) 1993 – 1996 FCO, Head, UN Peacekeeping Section, United Nations Department 1990 – 1993 Warsaw, Second Secretary, Know-How Fund 1988 – 1989 FCO, Desk Officer, East Africa Department read more

The Transaction Data shows HM Land Registry completed 1,796,056 applications from its customers in March. This included 1,765,228 applications by account holders, of which: Transaction Data is published on the 15th working day of each month. The April … read more

New guidance for doctors about maintaining confidentiality comes into force today.

I very much welcome this revised guidance from the General Medical Council, (GMC) and believe it will play an important role in helping doctors to protect the relationship based on trust that is cherished by both clinicians and patients.

As patients we take for granted that we can trust our doctors with the most personal information about ourselves. We understand that they may need this in order to know how best to treat us. We expect that they will treat this information with respect.

Much of the time, the way that doctors should protect and share information to maintain this trust is straight forward. However, sometimes both doctors and patients find that the situation is more complicated.

How about the family of an elderly patient who want to talk about their concerns, and possible treatments, with a doctor, but the patient does not have the capacity to consent to the doctor discussing their case? How about when a doctor is told by a mother that her partner has been violent and she fears for the safety of her children? What is a doctor’s duty when the police want to know something about a patient to help with an investigation? How should a doctor proceed when she thinks that a patient’s health means he shouldn’t be driving anymore? This document provides clear guidance to help doctors navigate such challenges.

Considering this revised guidance reminds me of the phrase “It’s good to talk”. This applies to the process that the GMC has gone through to ensure that the guidance serves the needs of clinicians and patients. I commend the extensive and careful engagement it has undertaken.

The guidance itself rightly lays emphasis on the importance of talking, and listening, to patients so that they know what they can expect to happen to information about them – who will see it, why and what choices they have. And it clarifies that confidentiality is not in itself a reason to refuse to listen to family and friends and doing so can be helpful to the patient’s care, for example providing additional insights into a patient’s condition.

It remains as vital as ever that people can talk in confidence to their doctors. New challenges to that trusted relationship will emerge with time, but we protect when we as patients, doctors, others in the health and care system continue to talk to each other.

R & J Smith, Valley Veterinary Centre, Galston, Ayrshire. The following products were seized as they are not authorised in the UK: This is an offence under Regulation 26 (Possession of an unauthorised veterinary medicinal product) of the Veterinar… read more

We are today celebrating the arrival of the Queen’s Baton to Zambia. The 2018 Queen’s Baton Relay was launched on 13 March at Buckingham Palace by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II as part of Commonwealth Day celebrations. This happy event marked the start of its 388-day journey through all Commonwealth countries and territories before it ends its journey in Australia for the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games next year.

The baton last came to Zambia in 2014, when the then British High Commission, James Thornton, joined its journey through this country. I am pleased to be part of today’s event. The Queen’s Baton is a powerful symbol of the unity and diversity of the 52 Commonwealth nations. It carries a special message from the Head of the Commonwealth, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The message will be read out on completion of the baton’s epic journey at the Commonwealth games in Australia’s Gold Coast in April, 2018. No one knows what the message says until then.

Since the beginning of the Commonwealth Games back in 1930, I understand that Zambia has participated in all the games from 1974, and won some medals. Zambia should be proud of having produced medal winners, such as the late Lotti Mwale, who won the first gold medal in 1974 in Christchurch, New Zealand.

I have enjoyed watching previous Commonwealth Games and the athletes in action. What I find striking is that the Commonwealth Games bring together able-bodied and Paralympic sport. They are a true reflection of the Commonwealth’s values of inclusiveness and diversity. One of the outcomes of London 2012 Olympics was how it not only brought the nation together, but how it inspired and changed attitudes on diversity, inclusion and disability.

Sport has a unique power to promote teamwork, fairness, respect and a sense of achievement, apart from the well intended rivalry and competition. Sport can be a unifying force; it is apt that this year’s Commonwealth theme is of a Peace-Building Commonwealth. I hope this relay will help encourage Zambians to feel a sense of togetherness as the baton passes through the streets of Lusaka, sharing a taste of the excitement and opportunities of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.

I believe the Gold Coast Games 2018 will be equally as successful as Glasgow 2014. I look forward to watching the sporting rivalry, particularly between the UK and Zambia, but let the best team win, and may Zambia bring back many medals.

Thank you