For the first time in more than 22 years, the United Kingdom has an embassy in Mogadishu. When Foreign Secretary William Hague raised the Union Flag over the new offices on April 25, the UK became the first EU country to return to the Somali capital since the...

Across America, anticipation is running high for next month's U.S. release of Downton Abbey season three. To celebrate, we held a Downton-themed party on Thursday evening at the Ambassador's Residence in Washington. Guests included several members of the cast, some of the show's producers and executives from PBS, its American...

There are few sporting events more inspiring than the Paralympic Games. Over the two weeks of competition that follow tonight's opening ceremony, more than four thousand of the world's most amazing athletes will beat the odds that nature or accident has dealt them to participate in some 471 events at...

Today the UK is being recognized by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), for its efforts and achievement in energy efficiency. The ACEEE believes that "a country that uses less energy to achieve the same or better results reduces costs and pollution, creating a stronger, more...

What is the first thing you think of when you think "United Kingdom?"

Maybe it's Buckingham Palace and the generations of kings and queens who have ruled the British Isles since Roman times. Maybe it's the plays and poems of William Shakespeare, or the fortunes of your...

Today the U.S./U.K. Defence Trade Cooperation treaty comes into effect. In a ceremony presided by Rose Gottemoeller, the acting U.S. Under-Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security, our two countries finalized an agreement originally signed five years ago to strengthen our mutual security and build our shared prosperity.

After just six weeks in this fascinating job, I can hardly believe how much I am learning. South Carolina and Florida in my first 10 days to get a flavour of the Republican presidential candidates race, some time in Washington finding my feet and rediscovering old friends, then three days...

It has been a whirlwind three weeks since my arrival in Washington. I've visited the White House to present my credentials to President Obama and watched from the House gallery as he delivered his State of the Union address. I've travelled outside of D.C., seeing the...

It is an immense privilege to return to Washington as British Ambassador, and a great honour to serve at the heart of a relationship that is not just special, but -- as our respective leaders have said -- essential.

I begin my...