A new UK Government Department merging the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Department for International Development was launched on the 2nd September 2020.

The New Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO)

Tristan da Cunha crestPublic Notice from the Tristan da Cunha Administrator

The new UK Government Department, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) was officially launched today, Wednesday 2nd September 2020.

The FCDO will bring together the best of Britain's international efforts in development and diplomacy into one new department. It will continue to demonstrate the UK's role to act as a force for good in the world. The UK is acknowledged as a world leader in international development, helping overcome extreme poverty in developing countries by tackling medical challenges including coronavirus, saving lives in humanitarian crises and promoting education and sustainability.

The objectives of the new overseas department and a reset of the UK's international priorities will be shaped by the outcome of a major assessment underway across the UK government, known as the Integrated Review. It is expected the Review will conclude before the end of 2020 and represents the biggest review of foreign, defence and development policy since the Cold War . The British Overseas Territories will remain an important component of the UK's international interests.

Priorities for the new Department in Tristan da Cunha include marine conservation and protection, supporting essential public infrastructure, and developing further ways to make the islands more self-sufficient and sustainable in food, energy and transport.

Governor Dr Philip Rushbrook said:

"The FCO and DFID had a long history of working together to deliver, amongst other things, important projects such as the hospital, technical cooperation support and education for Tristan da Cunha. I welcome the creation of FCDO as an opportunity to unify the UK government's efforts to increase Tristan's capacity to build a sustainable future for itself."

You can continue to contact the Governor's Office through existing email addresses and telephone numbers. All members of the Governor's Office will also be contactable through an additional email address from today: first.surname@fcdo.gov.uk