Latest news with #UKForeignOffice
The Independent
2 days ago
- Health
- The Independent
Son of British couple imprisoned by Taliban says his parents ‘need out now'
The son of an elderly couple imprisoned by the Taliban in Afghanistan almost six months ago has said they 'need out now' as their health is 'deteriorating fast'. Barbie Reynolds, 76, and her husband Peter, 80, were arrested as they travelled to their home in Bamyan province, central Afghanistan, in February. They have been held for five-and-a-half months without charge and, up until eight weeks ago, had been separated and detained in a maximum security prison. Their four adult children, who live in the US and UK, said they had written privately to the Taliban leadership twice and made public appeals for the release of their parents, who have run school training programmes for 18 years in the country, remaining after the Taliban takeover in 2021. Jonathan Reynolds said the last phone call the family had from the couple was on June 15, and in the last week officials from the UK Foreign Office saw them. But Mr Reynolds said generally, it has been 'pretty frustrating'. He said he understands the Foreign Office is 'working very very hard', but added 'yet my parents are still in there'. He said: 'To be able to sit in the same room as them and have that kind of communication and not be able to walk out with them, is very frustrating. 'It's horrific that they're still held in captivity without, to our understanding, for a period of time without any natural sunlight and not even allowed outside. So their health in so many areas is deteriorating, and it's deteriorating fast.' He added that they are 'not in good health' and 'they need out, and they need out now'. According to a remote medical assessment conducted by a cardiologist, their father may have suffered a stroke or a silent heart attack, the siblings said previously. They added that their father was suffering from a red, peeling, bleeding face, which could mean his skin cancer had returned. Their mother continued to struggle with numbness in her feet, which was linked to anaemia, possibly from insufficient food in the maximum security prison, her children said, while a medical assessment noted that this created additional strain which could lead to heart failure. The couple, who celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary recently, were held up until eight weeks ago at the Pul-e-Charkhi prison in the capital, Kabul, their children said. They were then transferred to the General Directorate of Intelligence (GDI), with the promise of release within two to three days, they said. But two further months have passed, with no sign of release. While in Pul-e-Charkhi prison, the couple were said to have had access to phones and called their children every day from the prison yard. The children said their parents had better conditions at the GDI but still had no bed or furniture and slept on a mattress on the floor. Their son said that since May 18 they have been held for 'weeks on end in a basement cell with no natural light'. He said any communication the siblings have had has been 'they'll be released in two to three days'. Mr Reynolds said the big question is who has the authority to release them. He added: 'I don't understand why an 80-year-old and a 76-year-old in failing health are being held without reason, without cause, without charges… 'We just want them home… we want to get them out of that country.' The family's focus is now on asking 'whoever has the ability to influence or turn that key and get them out of there to do it and do it now', he said, adding: 'I don't know how long my parents' health is going to last, and I think it would be a tragedy for them to die in a prison in a country where they have chosen to give their life in service.'
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Son of British couple imprisoned by Taliban says his parents ‘need out now'
Son of British couple imprisoned by Taliban says his parents 'need out now' The son of an elderly couple imprisoned by the Taliban in Afghanistan almost six months ago has said they 'need out now' as their health is 'deteriorating fast'. Barbie Reynolds, 76, and her husband Peter, 80, were arrested as they travelled to their home in Bamyan province, central Afghanistan, in February. They have been held for five-and-a-half months without charge and, up until eight weeks ago, had been separated and detained in a maximum security prison. Their four adult children, who live in the US and UK, said they had written privately to the Taliban leadership twice and made public appeals for the release of their parents, who have run school training programmes for 18 years in the country, remaining after the Taliban takeover in 2021. ADVERTISEMENT Jonathan Reynolds said the last phone call the family had from the couple was on June 15, and in the last week officials from the UK Foreign Office saw them. But Mr Reynolds said generally, it has been 'pretty frustrating'. He said he understands the Foreign Office is 'working very very hard', but added 'yet my parents are still in there'. He said: 'To be able to sit in the same room as them and have that kind of communication and not be able to walk out with them, is very frustrating. 'It's horrific that they're still held in captivity without, to our understanding, for a period of time without any natural sunlight and not even allowed outside. So their health in so many areas is deteriorating, and it's deteriorating fast.' ADVERTISEMENT He added that they are 'not in good health' and 'they need out, and they need out now'. According to a remote medical assessment conducted by a cardiologist, their father may have suffered a stroke or a silent heart attack, the siblings said previously. They added that their father was suffering from a red, peeling, bleeding face, which could mean his skin cancer had returned. Their mother continued to struggle with numbness in her feet, which was linked to anaemia, possibly from insufficient food in the maximum security prison, her children said, while a medical assessment noted that this created additional strain which could lead to heart failure. The couple, who celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary recently, were held up until eight weeks ago at the Pul-e-Charkhi prison in the capital, Kabul, their children said. ADVERTISEMENT They were then transferred to the General Directorate of Intelligence (GDI), with the promise of release within two to three days, they said. But two further months have passed, with no sign of release. While in Pul-e-Charkhi prison, the couple were said to have had access to phones and called their children every day from the prison yard. The children said their parents had better conditions at the GDI but still had no bed or furniture and slept on a mattress on the floor. Their son said that since May 18 they have been held for 'weeks on end in a basement cell with no natural light'. He said any communication the siblings have had has been 'they'll be released in two to three days'. Mr Reynolds said the big question is who has the authority to release them. He added: 'I don't understand why an 80-year-old and a 76-year-old in failing health are being held without reason, without cause, without charges… ADVERTISEMENT 'We just want them home… we want to get them out of that country.' The family's focus is now on asking 'whoever has the ability to influence or turn that key and get them out of there to do it and do it now', he said, adding: 'I don't know how long my parents' health is going to last, and I think it would be a tragedy for them to die in a prison in a country where they have chosen to give their life in service.'
The Independent
3 days ago
- Climate
- The Independent
Updated travel advice for anyone visiting Vietnam
Storm Wipha is forecast to make landfall in northern Vietnam on Tuesday, bringing heavy rain, strong winds, and potential flooding. The UK Foreign Office has warned travellers to expect significant disruption, advising adherence to local authority guidance. Key tourist areas such as Ha Long Bay, Ha Noi, and Ninh Binh are expected to be affected as Wipha brings gusts up to 73mph. Airlines, including Vietnam Airlines, have cancelled flights on Monday and Tuesday in anticipation of the storm. Vietnam's Prime Minister has issued an emergency directive, setting the national disaster risk level at Level 3, following a recent boat capsizing incident that killed 35 people.
Metro
6 days ago
- Metro
Is it safe to travel to Tunisia? Latest advice as Foreign Office issues warning
Tunisia – with its year-round warm weather, sandy beaches and UNESCO World Heritage Sites – is a popular spot for holidaymakers, welcoming up to 9.4 million visitors every year. But the country's tourism industry has suffered in the wake of a series of terrorist attacks since 2015, with recent political events sparking fresh travel warnings. According the UK Foreign Office, 'ongoing hostilities in the region and between Israel and Iran could escalate quickly and pose security risks.' Protests held throughout Tunisia in response to the Israel-Palestine conflict have remained peaceful, but the Government agency urged visiting British nationals to be cautious in case demonstrations become violent. It also highlighted the increased threat of terrorism – particularly in certain areas – stating that 'terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Tunisia'. Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. On July 16, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) issued a statement advising 'against all but essential travel to within 20km of the Tunisia-Algerian border in El Kef and Jendouba Governorates.' Although the majority of visitors stay in hotspots like Tunis, Djerba and Carthage, the city of El Kef attracts some heritage tourism due to its richhistory, while the wider north-west region – home to the Tell Atlas mountain range – is popular with hikers and climbers. However, the area has now been added to the FCDO's Tunisia warning list due to possible terrorist activity and military operations, alongside the southern part of the country along the border with Libya. A previous no-travel alert for the archaeological site of Chemtou wastaken down by the ministerial body, but it noted that 'no foreign travel can be guaranteed as safe' and visitors must 'take personal responsibility' for theirsafety while abroad. This includes keeping an eye on media reports for the latest information on developing situations, staying vigilant of their surroundings, and following the instructions of local authorities. According to the government body, British tourists should avoid all travel to: The Chaambi Mountains National Park The designated military operations zones: Mount Salloum Mount Sammamma Mount Mghila In addition, it recommends against all but essential travel to: Mount Orbata Areas north and west of the town of Ghardimaou in Jendouba Governorate, including El Feidja National Park Within 20km of the Tunisia-Algeria border in El Kef and Jendouba governorates, south of the town of Jendouba Kasserine Governorate, including the town of Sbeitla Within 10km of the rest of the Tunisia-Algeria border south of Kasserine Governorate Within 10km of Mount Mghila In this region, the FCDO warns against all travel to: The militarised zone south of the towns of El Borma and Dhehiba Within 20km of the rest of the Tunisia-Libya border area north of Dhehiba The town of Ben Guerdane and immediate surrounding area All but essential travel should also be avoided within 75km of the Tunisia-Libya border, including Remada and El Borma. While the chances of being caught up in a terrorist incident are low, the police's Counter Terrorism unit tells UK travellers: 'It is important everyone stays alert and knows what to do if the worst was to happen.' Before a holiday, you should check the latest FCDO travel advice and ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance. And in the unfortunate event you do find yourself in an emergency while there, you should take the following steps: RUN – to a place of safety. This is better than trying to surrender or negotiate. – to a place of safety. This is better than trying to surrender or negotiate. HIDE – it is better to hide than confront. Barricade yourself in, turn your phone to silent and use only when it is safe to do so. – it is better to hide than confront. Barricade yourself in, turn your phone to silent and use only when it is safe to do so. TELL – Make sure you know the local emergency numbers in the country you are travelling to. If you have a holiday planned in any of the areas on the Tunisia no-travel list, your first port of call should be to get in touch with the company you booked with. The FCDO explains: 'Travel companies, including airlines, often take our advice into account but cancelling or rescheduling a flight ticket, holiday, tour or excursion is a decision that can only be taken by the travel company and the customer.' More Trending You should also contact your travel insurance provider, as they may allow you to make a claim if you cancel because of a change in FCDO travel advice. This is often dependent on the policy; some only pay out if the advice is to avoid all travel rather than 'all but essential' Certain insurers also require the local or national authorities to state it's unsafe to travel there. If your holiday provider or airline is operating there as normal and there are no advisories, you won't get any cancellation cover. If your holiday destination is near an affected region, but is still considered to be safe by the FCDO, according to Good To Go Insurance, 'you are unlikely to be able to cancel or change your trip without losing money.' Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: Ex-UFC fighter in fresh bid for jail pardon after role in £53,000,000 Securitas heist MORE: 'Hidden gem' crowned the UK's top budget-friendly beach to visit this summer MORE: Is it safe to travel to Iceland right now? Latest advice after volcano erupts
Arab News
16-07-2025
- Politics
- Arab News
Great Expectations to Great Futures: British envoy Neil Crompton reflects on time in Riyadh
Among the many foreign diplomats I have seen come and go in Riyadh, few stand out quite like Neil Crompton, who is leaving the Kingdom after having completed a little over five years as His Britannic Majesty's Ambassador to Saudi Arabia. Crompton is, in many ways, the quintessential British diplomat. That self-deprecating wit and sharp sense of humor are trademarks of Crompton's personality, which he tends to reveal only after loosening his proverbial necktie. Like many Britons I met during my near-decade in the UK, and describe in 'Anecdotes of an Arab Anglophile' (an anthropological book I published last year about my observations of London), Crompton was hard to crack at first — reserved and diplomatic, as one would expect. But once the ice melted, I discovered a man of deep intellect, insight and genuine passion for the region. Crompton began his journey with the UK Foreign Office in 1995, ascending through key posts before heading the Middle East desk in 2015. His appointment as ambassador to the Kingdom came in early 2020 — a pivotal time, not just for Saudi Arabia, but for the world. Almost immediately after landing in Riyadh, Crompton — like the rest of the world — found himself in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. 'I have a very vivid memory of how professional and reassuring the Saudi government response was,' he told me. 'The communication was very clear. You've got a good public health system.' He added: 'There was a very important decision by the government that everybody in the Kingdom would be treated the same regardless of nationality, which is very important. So we felt very reassured by that.' When the dust of COVID finally settled, Crompton began to see the transformation Vision 2030 promised, not just on paper but in reality. 'I remember going to Riyadh Boulevard for the first time. And there was a polar bear dancing on the wall to the sound of, 'I Like to Move, Move It,'' he laughed. 'It's just a nice atmosphere, families, grandpas, grandchildren, people out and about.' But of course, the transformation of Saudi Arabia is not limited to opening up and allowing once forbidden forms of entertainment. 'When I met lots of ministers, went to ministries, you could feel the change,' he said. 'You went into ministries and you saw everyone working hard. 'People talked about KPIs. I don't remember hearing the term KPIs 10 years ago. Maybe I was wrong, but everyone was very focused, friendly, and wanted to both advance the Saudi national agenda but work out how they could collaborate with us. 'So it was sort of a mix of social change and then sort of changing corporate ethos. Britons asked me about Vision 2030. I say Vision 2030 was a vision, but now it's a plan, and it's been executed and very successfully.' During Crompton's tenure, three British prime ministers visited the Kingdom — Boris Johnson, Rishi Sunak and, most recently, Keir Starmer. As ambassador, Crompton had numerous interactions with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. But the relationship goes back further. 'The first time I met the crown prince was back in 2015,' Crompton said. 'He's very dynamic, he's on top of his brief. He's always very positive about the relationship with the UK. I think he sort of talks about it as being a strategic partner, but also says, 'you've been a historically reliable friend.' 'And so I think everyone always comes away fired up because he has so much energy and enthusiasm for what he's talking about.' The shared monarchical systems of both nations, according to Crompton, provide a foundation of mutual understanding and respect. 'I think there's a sort of natural affinity between monarchies. We're probably the minority in the world, but I think the royal families tend to know each other. And I think there's a sort of familiarity. 'When Her Majesty the Queen passed, I was very touched by the messages I got from Saudis all over the Kingdom, just saying how sorry they were to see her pass. 'And connections between individual members of the royal families still go on. I know there's constant messaging backwards and forwards, and that's very positive. 'His Majesty King Charles, he's a real expert on Saudi Arabia. I think he's made six official visits. I just met him on a couple of occasions. But each time he'd talk about things he did in the past. You remember he gave a famous speech on Islam and the West. So he's always very interested in interfaith dialogue. 'When Sheikh Mohammed Al-Issa (secretary general of the Makkah-based Muslim World League) visited London, he saw him and he talked about the work that Saudi Arabia was doing in those areas. 'But also, in the few minutes I had with him, he asked: 'Tell me what's going on at AlUla, tell me what's going on at this.' So I think there's a sort of familiarity, and I hope to nurture that.' But while royalty might be well-versed in the Kingdom's transformation, are ordinary Britons keeping pace? 'I think it takes a long time to change perceptions. There's always a time lag,' Crompton said by way of admission. 'Initially, the sort of scale of ambition when we talked about Vision 2030, people said, 'really, can you do all that?' And some people said, well, even if they do 70 percent of that, it would be impressive. 'And actually, my experience … probably 90 percent (can) be done. Saudi GDP has grown by over 70 percent since 2016. New sectors coming along.' If there was one group that quickly closed that gap, however, it was the British business community. 'One of the highlights of my time here was the GREAT Futures trade event we did last year with the Saudi Ministry of Commerce,' said Crompton. 'And for that, 450 British companies came. 'But 60 percent came for the first time, a lot from the creative industries and educational sectors who hadn't been before. And I think they all came away and said, wow. And they met Saudis and established good contacts, and a lot of business and new relationships have flowed from that.' And the numbers speak volumes. 'Bilateral trade has gone up 70 percent since COVID,' Crompton told me. 'Last year, I believe it was $17 billion each way. And we have a commitment … to try and get bilateral trade to $30 billion by 2030. '$30 billion is a magic number. Which I personally think we'll exceed. And I think investment flows each way have increased significantly. And I think in the last five years, we've invested $23 billion in the UK. There's lots of Saudi private investment.' One of Crompton's proudest efforts has been pushing forward the UK-GCC free trade agreement. 'I think we're very close,' he said. 'The negotiations started under the Conservative government, and actually we got quite close, and then we had an election, which just slowed things a little bit. 'Free trade is important to the health of the world economy. I think it's a political signal between the Gulf countries and the UK, a political commitment to growing the relationship. 'This would be one of our first free trade agreements with a developing group of economies. And in the GCC's case it would be the first time you signed a free trade agreement with a G7 country. So I think that would be very important. 'But more importantly, it will reduce tariffs in a number of areas, reduce some of the barriers, or some of the regulatory or bureaucratic obstacles to growing the relationship, and it provides a platform for growing trade.' He added: 'I think it's 90 percent done. Both sides agree that there's a set of issues now that can only be resolved by ministers, because they involve political decisions and if you like, a natural bargain.' Though the GREAT Futures Initiative Conference took place under a Conservative government, Crompton is confident the strong Saudi-UK relationship will continue under Labour. 'They wanted to convey the message that the UK saw the Gulf as natural friends and important economic partners, and they wanted to maintain that relationship,' he said of the Labour government. On the tourism front, Crompton highlighted the success of Saudi Arabia's introduction of online visas — and he is glad that the UK managed to reciprocate shortly after. 'The scheme went live in June 2022. Initially, you could only get a single entry visa, but now you can get a two-year visa. And our figures say close to 750,000 Saudis have applied for and used that scheme … I think we're the only Western country that offers an online visa service.' He added: 'And more Britons than ever are coming here. (For) the pilgrimage, but (also) for business or for events. I think we're the second highest number of visitors after the Chinese. There are many more Chinese people than Britons. 'It's important to have a good government-to-government relationship with the people-to-people links that make friends.' It is not just tourists heading to Saudi Arabia. Investments — and soft power — are also flowing in both directions. 'There are important Saudi investments in northeast England,' Crompton said, with the flagship being the Public Investment Fund's acquisition of Newcastle United. 'I have friends in the northeast who say the first thing they did was professionalize the women's football team in Newcastle.' He added: 'I think people in the northeast say, well, this is really good. We want to do more with Saudi Arabia.' One moment that truly embodied Saudi soft power for him? When the Saudi National Orchestra and Choir performed at the Royal Albert Hall in October 2024. 'I never forget they did Adele's 'Rolling in the Deep.'' he said. 'They started (with) the men singing the Saudi traditional Saudi song. And then I remember when the lady came in and started singing, there were hairs standing up on the back of your neck. It was really impressive.' The interview also touched on Saudi-UK defense cooperation, ongoing discussions about potential Saudi involvement in the Typhoon jet program, and the Kingdom's emerging role in international mediation efforts. Clips from these parts of the conversation are available on Arab News online. As a parting gesture, I presented Crompton with a custom-made trophy resembling the front page of Arab News from 50 years ago — a small tribute to his time in the Kingdom. True to form, he responded with classic British humor, presenting me with two ketchup sachets — a reference to a story from 'Anecdotes of an Arab Anglophile' where I complained to the CEO of a major American fast food chain about not getting enough ketchup, which ultimately led to a change in company policy in the UK. In the book, I lamented — only somewhat jokingly — how I never received any recognition from the British government for my efforts to improve UK customer service. I should be careful what I wish for, as Crompton clearly saw fit to remedy that. I had to laugh. As Neil Crompton leaves the Kingdom, he does so with several feathers in his cap — but perhaps most importantly — with genuine affection for a country that is changing faster than most could have imagined.
