Hugo Swire


UK considering ‘exclusion orders’ against Maldives officials
“It is crucial that concrete progress is delivered by CMAG’s September meeting. We are also considering bilateral action, including exclusion orders against senior members of the Government and the judiciary,” Hugo Swire told the House of Commons last week.
15 Jul 2016, 9:00 AM


UK awaits CMAG’s September review of Maldives
A British decision on imposing targeted sanctions against members of the Maldivian government will rest on the outcome of a Commonwealth-led push for reform in the Indian Ocean archipelago, a top diplomat from the UK has said.
30 Apr 2016, 9:00 AM


‘A step backward’: US and UK condemns Sheikh Imran’s terrorism conviction
18 Feb 2016, 9:00 AM


Maldives ‘demanded a hostage’ for ex-president’s travel to UK
President Abdulla Yameen has backtracked on an “unconditional promise” to allow jailed former President Mohamed Nasheed to travel to the United Kingdom for medical care, and is demanding that a family member remain in Malé until he returns from medical treatment.
17 Jan 2016, 9:00 AM


UK minister of state meets President Yameen
Swire’s visit follows the government’s sudden change of heart in authorising jailed former President Mohamed Nasheed’s travel to the UK for medical treatment. Indian and Sri Lankan media reported today that lobbying efforts by the Maldives’ neighbours were responsible for the government’s u-turn.
17 Jan 2016, 9:00 AM


Nasheed to travel to UK for surgery
Jailed former President Mohamed Nasheed has been granted leave to travel to the United Kingdom for a surgery on his spine, the ministry of foreign affairs has announced in a tweet.
16 Jan 2016, 9:00 AM


Nasheed’s lawyers ask UK for targeted sanctions
Former President Mohamed Nasheed’s lawyers have submitted to the UK government a list of potential targets for sanctions, prompting a ruling party MP to claim the opposition leader’s supporters will be banned from Saudi Arabia and China.
27 Nov 2015, 9:00 AM


World not convinced of need for Maldives emergency
International human rights groups and the governments of the UK and the US have urged the Maldives to revoke a nationwide state of emergency and restore full constitutional freedoms.
05 Nov 2015, 9:00 AM


Government complains of UK refusal to meet Cherie Blair
The Maldives has lashed out at the UK foreign office’s alleged refusal to allow Cherie Blair to accompany Foreign Minister Dunya Maumoon to a meeting in London.
19 Sep 2015, 9:00 AM


Cameron concerned over Nasheed’s re-imprisonment
David Cameron, the British Prime Minister, has expressed concern over the re-imprisonment of former President Mohamed Nasheed on Sunday.
25 Aug 2015, 9:00 AM


Cabinet reassesses Maldives’ membership in Commonwealth as UK welcomes talks
The cabinet has decided to reassess the Maldives’ membership in the Commonwealth following repeated threats to leave the inter-governmental organization. British MPs are meanwhile continuing to urge their government to monitor the situation in the Maldives.
16 Jul 2015, 4:23 PM


UK PM is first head of government to call for Nasheed’s release
25 Jun 2015, 3:33 PM
UK foreign office expresses concern over Maldives’ human rights situation and Rilwan disappearance
09 Sep 2014, 7:19 PM
EC dismissals: Commonwealth, UK, EU, and India join international chorus of concern
13 Mar 2014, 6:45 PM
Q&A: UK’s FCO State Minister Hugo Swire
19 Nov 2013, 1:39 PM
UK Foreign Office concerned over damage to Maldives’ reputation and economy
27 Oct 2013, 7:11 PM