uk government turkey travel

Turkey travel warning as Foreign Office changes guidance after shooting

The UK Government also continues to advise people against all travel to some parts of Turkey

• 15:09, 29 JAN 2024

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has issued new guidance for anyone planning to visit Turkey from the UK.

The Government department regularly updates people about potential risks of travel to any of 226 nations and territories in a bid to help people make informed decisions and stay safe, and on Saturday the FCDO issued a new alert to anyone with plans to visit Turkey.

It comes after a man was killed during a shooting at a church in Istanbul.

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Turkish officials have said two masked assailants attacked the Roman Catholic during services on Sunday (January 28). According to a statement posted on X, formerly Twitter , by Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya, the armed assailants attacked the Santa Maria Church in the Sariyer district of the city at 11.40am local time.

He did not specify what kind of weapons were used or whether anyone else was injured. Hours later, Mr Yerlikaya announced that two men he described as members of so-called Islamic State had been arrested.

One is from Tajikistan and the other from Russia, he said at a news conference.

A new FCDO alert reads: "On the morning of 28 January 2024, an incident occurred at the Santa Maria Church in the district of Sariyer in Istanbul. We advise all British Nationals in the area to follow the advice of the Turkish authorities. British Nationals in the region should remain vigilant."

The Foreign Office also continues to advise against all travel to any part of Turkey that is within 10km of the border with Syria, and against all but essential travel to Sirnak or Hakkari, both of which are in close proximity to borders with Syria and Iraq, respectively.

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UK Covid: Turkey off red list as part of wide-ranging easing of travel rules – as it happened

Transport secretary announces new rules to make travel simpler for fully vaccinated passengers . This live blog is now closed – please follow the global coronavirus live blog for updates

• Amber list scrapped in shake-up of England’s Covid travel rules
• Covid levels rising among schoolchildren in England, data shows
• Wales to require NHS Covid passes to attend nightclubs and events

Welsh government to consider making falsifying Covid pass an offence

• McDonnell says Labour losing members ‘hand over fist’ under Starmer
• Summary of Downing Street lobby briefing
• 17 Sept 2021 Afternoon summary
• 17 Sept 2021 Details of new travel rules
• 17 Sept 2021 Amber list scrapped in shake-up of England’s Covid travel rules
• 17 Sept 2021 Shapps says Turkey coming off red list as part of wide-ranging easing of travel rules
• 17 Sept 2021 Lord Bethell sacked from post as health minister
• 17 Sept 2021 UK scientist warns over relaxation of Covid travel rules
• 17 Sept 2021 Welsh Tories and Lib Dems attack plans for 'medical ID cards in all but name'
• 17 Sept 2021 Welsh government to consider making falsifying Covid pass an offence
• 17 Sept 2021 Covid rates rising in secondary school children in England, ONS figures show
• 17 Sept 2021 ONS says Covid rates increasing in Wales and Scotland, decreasing in NI, and broadly stable in England at 1 in 80
• 17 Sept 2021 Wales to make NHS Covid pass compulsory for nightclubs and crowded events, Drakeford says
• 17 Sept 2021 John McDonnell claims Labour losing members 'hand over fist' because Starmer alienating the left
• 17 Sept 2021 Scottish ambulance service confirms soldiers being drafted in to help deal with long waits
• 17 Sept 2021 DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson criticises Irish president for missing Northern Ireland centenary service
• 17 Sept 2021 Johnson opens cabinet with 'half-time pep talk' telling his ministers to work as a team

James Bethell is leaving his post as a health minister, the Times’ Henry Zeffman reports.

Am told Lord Bethell is out at the Department for Health — Henry Zeffman (@hzeffman) September 17, 2021

Lord Bethell was made a health minister in March last year, when Matt Hancock (whose unsuccessful campaign for the Conservative leadership he helped to run in 2019) was health secretary, and after Hancock resigned there was a perception he was on borrowed time. If he is going, at least he will now have more time to look for his phone.

Welsh Tories and Lib Dems attack plans for 'medical ID cards in all but name'

The Welsh Conservative and Welsh Liberal Democrats have both criticised the plan to make the NHS Covid pass compulsory for crowded venues. (See 12.14pm.)

The Welsh Conservative Senedd leader, Andrew RT Davies , said:

This is another disappointing U-turn from Labour’s first minister who told me in July he was against the idea of people having to show a Covid passport to enter a venue or event in Wales. Welsh Conservatives have been against the introduction of such documentation from the outset, due to the wide-ranging ethical, equality, privacy, legal, and operational ramifications. The inclusion of the lateral flow test element eases one area of concern but a whole host remain, particularly regarding the overall effectiveness of this measure and the impact it will have on businesses, jobs and Wales’ economic recovery.

And the Welsh Lib Dem leader, Jane Dodds , said:

They are medical ID cards in all but name and Welsh Liberal Democrats will lead the fight against their introduction. The introduction of the cards would mean that for the first time, you will be asked to provide your private medical data to a stranger to enjoy certain freedoms in our society.

The government reshuffle is continuing today, and Downing Street has announced some more appointments. These are all ministerial appointments at parliamentary under secretary of state level (the most junior ministerial rank).

James Cartlidge has been made a justice minister, and a government whip.

Tom Pursglove has been made a joint Home Office and justice minister.

Maria Caulfield has been made a health minister.

David Rutley has been made a work and pensions minister.

Rutley, who was first elected in 2010, was previously a whip, but Cartlidge, Pursglove and Caulfield, who were all first elected in 2015, have been promoted from the backbenches.

David Duguid , who was a whip and a Scotland Office minister, has left the government.

And here are some more lines from the Downing Street lobby briefing.

• The PM’s spokesman said that the government was making “steady progress to ease [travel] restrictions” and he confirmed a further announcement is coming this afternoon.
• He said the PM has not yet decide whether Chevening, the grace-and-favour country home traditionally allocated to the foreign secretary, would go do Liz Truss or Dominic Raab, the former foreign secretary she replaced who is now deputy PM.
• The spokesman defended the government’s decision to review the ban on marking and selling products in imperial units as part of its overhaul of legacy EU legislation. The spokesman said:

Pounds and ounces are an easily understood and widely used unit of measurement. This is one small part of a wide-ranging drive across government to establish the right regulatory environment to support jobs and growth across the UK.

• The spokesman dismissed concerns about Michael Gove, the new housing secretary, receiving £100,000 in donations from a property developer. “ All donations made to the secretary of state have been declared publicly and the proper processes followed,” the spokesman said.
• The spokesman would not comment on the leak of a recording showing Kemi Badenoch referring to trans women as men before she became equalities minister. The story has been published by Vice. The spokesman said he had not spoken to the PM about this. But he went on:

The minister for equalities is working hard to deliver for LGBT people, whether that’s modernising the process of applying for a gender recognition certificate, driving forward LGBT rights in the workplace or banning conversion therapy.

Another government spokesperson told Vice that Badenoch’s comment had been taken out of context. But Labour has said the comments are “disgusting”. This is from the party’s deputy leader, Angela Rayner.

These comments are disgusting. With hate crimes and transphobia on the rise we need an Equalities Minister who will stand up for trans people, not add fuel to the fire of abuse and discrimination faced by LGBT+ people in our country. https://t.co/jqoUkxuhqt — Angela Rayner (@AngelaRayner) September 17, 2021

Grant Shapps, the transport secretary, has confirmed he will announce changes to Covid travel restrictions later today.

I'll set out measures to simplify international travel later today in order to reduce costs, take advantage of higher levels of vaccination, and keep us all safe. ✈️🚢🚆 — Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP (@grantshapps) September 17, 2021

The number of European Union nationals who are living in the UK has fallen, figures show. As PA Media reports, ONS data for 2020 shows that within a year, the population of EU nationals in the UK dropped by 200,000, from 3.7 million to 3.5 million.

At his news conference the Welsh first minister, Mark Drakeford , rejected the idea that his plan to make Covid passes compulsory for some venues (see 12.14pm) was a vaccination passport in all but name, pointing out it was possible to get a pass by taking a lateral flow test. He said:

They are clearly not vaccine passports, you can get a Covid pass without being vaccinated. It avoids those difficult ethical issues of people who cannot be vaccinated.

Drakeford said it was possible that falsifying a Covid pass could be made a specific criminal offence. He said:

We will consider over the next few days whether to introduce a special offence of knowingly and deliberately falsifying a Covid pass.

At cabinet this morning Boris Johnson told his ministers they had “a record of getting things done”, Downing Street said. Summing up what happened at cabinet, the prime minister’s spokesperson said:

The prime minister opened cabinet by congratulating members on their appointments, saying he was delighted to have such a strong team in place to build back better from the pandemic and deliver on the priorities of the public. He set out that this government has a record of getting things done, including delivering on Brexit and taking on one of the most difficult questions that has bedevilled British governments for decades through the health and care levy which will fix the social care system and enable our NHS to bounce back from the pandemic.

The spokesman said ministers were also given a briefing by Emily Lawson, head of No 10’s delivery unit. The spokesman said: “Cabinet agreed that shared data would be vital to this work, enabling ministers and the public to clearly see what progress is being made on each challenge.”

I will post more from the briefing soon.

Covid rates rising in secondary school children in England, ONS figures show

Coronavirus infection levels have risen in school children, the latest ONS data has revealed, although rates appear to be slowing down in Scotland after a recent spike that has put Scottish hospitals under intense pressure.

According to figures from the Office for National Statistics , based on swabs collected from randomly selected households, an estimated one in 80 people in England had Covid in the week ending 11 September – a slight drop relative to the week before – while the rate was higher in the other three nations. (See 12.44pm)

Once again, there were differences by regions, and by age. While the proportion of people testing positive rose in the north-west of England and decreased in the West Midlands and the east of England, the trends were unclear in other parts of the nation.

In England secondary school-age children and over-50s also saw rises. According to the latest report, in the week ending 11 September 2021, 2.74% of children in school year 7 to school year 11 tested positive for the virus.

Sarah Crofts , the head of analytical outputs for the Covid-19 infection survey, said the results showed a mixed picture across the UK. She said:

While Scotland continues to have the highest level of infection, the sharp increase over the last few weeks may now be slowing. In England, we could be starting to see the impact of schools returning after the summer, with the highest infection levels seen in young people at secondary school.

ONS says Covid rates increasing in Wales and Scotland, decreasing in NI, and broadly stable in England at 1 in 80

The Office for National Statistics has published its latest weekly Covid infection survey. This is seen as one of the most reliable guides to the prevalence of Covid in the community because these figures are based on the results from an extensive, representative sample, not just the results from people who have chosen to get a test.

Here are the new figures for the ONS’s estimate of how many people in each country in the UK would have tested positive in the week ending Saturday 11 September

Covid rate: 1 in 80 people

Trend: “Uncertain”, the ONS says. Last week it gave the rate for England as 1 in 70 people, which implies an improvement this week, but the ONS is always cautious because its figures are estimates within a range.

Covid rate: 1 in 60

Trend: Covid rate continuing to increase, the ONS says. Last week it was 1 in 65.

Northern Ireland

Covid rate: 1 in 75

Trend: Covid rate decreasing, the ONS says. Last week it was 1 in 60.

Covid rate: 1 in 45

Trend: Covid rate increasing, but the rate of increase has slowed, the ONS says. Last week it also put the Covid rate at 1 in 45.

All the ONS figures are central estimates. The 95% credible interval figures, showing the wider range within which the true figure is likely to be, are in the ONS report.

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Turkey lockdown: What the new Covid rules mean for holidays – and if it will go on UK travel red list

The lockdown measures will come into effect on thursday 29 april, and last until monday 17 may.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has announced the country will go into a three-week national lockdown, in response to a surge in Covid-19 cases.

Turkey recorded 37,312 new infections on Monday 26 April, and 353 deaths.

This is down from highs of over 60,000 earlier this month, but it still puts Turkey among the world’s most-affected countries.

“At a time when Europe is entering a phase of reopening, we need to rapidly cut our case numbers to below 5,000 not to be left behind. Otherwise, we will inevitably face heavy costs in every area, from tourism to trade and education,” Mr Erdogan said.

How will Turkey’s lockdown work?

The lockdown measures will come into effect on Thursday 29 April, and last until Monday 17 May.

The restrictions cover the month of Ramadan , as well as the traditional Eid celebrations that follow .

All residents are being told to stay at home, only leaving for essential reasons like food shopping and medical treatment.

Schools will be made to close, and people will be told to work from home where possible. Restaurants and cafes will offer delivery services only.

People will need official approval to travel anywhere, though emergency service workers and employees in the food and manufacturing sectors will be exempt from this.

How will it affect travel?

Foreign tourists will be exempt from the lockdown restrictions, Turkey’s tourism minister said on Tuesday.

“They can freely tour with their passports, visit museums and archaeological sites. Being a tourist is advantageous in Turkey,” Nuri Ersoy said.

The country has been desperate to welcome back tourists , announcing that UK travellers will be allowed to enter this summer without proof of vaccination or a negative test.

Mr Ersoy said that professionals working in the tourism sector, such as in hotels, restaurants, travel agencies and airlines, will be vaccinated by the end of May.

“Turkey’s tourism services will be offered in a more controlled and healthier manner compared to last year,” he said.

Could Turkey be put on the red list?

Boris Johnson is expected to confirm early next month that international travel can resume from 17 May under a traffic light system .

The Department for Transport has said it is still “too early to predict which countries will be on which list over the summer”.

There are currently 40 countries on the red list , most of which have been added due to fears around variants of the virus, such as the South African, Brazilian and Indian strains.

Red list countries – in full Angola Argentina Bangladesh Bolivia Botswana Brazil Burundi Cape Verde Chile Colombia Democratic Republic of the Congo Ecuador Eswatini Ethiopia French Guiana Guyana India Kenya Lesotho Malawi Mozambique Namibia Oman Pakistan Panama Paraguay Peru Philippines Qatar Rwanda Seychelles Somalia South Africa Suriname Tanzania United Arab Emirates (UAE) Uruguay Venezuela Zambia Zimbabwe

The majority of Turkey’s cases are linked the the UK strain that originated in Kent.

The UK Government has not said anything about whether Turkey will be added to the red list, but is open to making reactive changes to the list.

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• Immigration

UK Government U-turn Allows Man to Return from Turkey

Uk government u-turn allows siyabonga twala to reunite with his son in the uk after exclusion order withdrawal. man stranded in turkey to return home..

Key Takeaways:

• Siyabonga Twala faced 18-month exile in Turkey due to a 2018 UK conviction for cannabis possession with intent to supply.
• UK Home Office initially barred Twala’s return; political intervention delayed but judicial review prompted his eventual return decision.
• Twala’s exile caused severe mental, financial strain; case highlights discretionary power abuse and calls for just immigration policy reforms.

Why Was Siyabonga Twala Exiled in Turkey?

Siyabonga Twala, a permanent resident of the UK since 2010, found himself living in limbo in Turkey for more than 18 months. Let’s understand what led to this unfortunate situation.

What Caused Twala’s Exile?

In December 2022, Twala was prevented from boarding a flight back to Manchester from Istanbul airport while returning from a holiday in South Africa with his family. He had to stay behind in Turkey while his family proceeded to the UK. This occurred because of an exclusion order issued by the UK Home Office in July, following a 2018 conviction for cannabis possession with intent to supply. Despite serving his sentence and reforming his life as a lorry driver, he faced the harsh consequence of separation from his family.

How Did the UK Government’s U-turn Happen?

One significant turn of events preceded the government’s U-turn. Initially, the Home Office had decided on March 23 to allow Twala to return to the UK on the grounds of maintaining family life. This resolution coincided with the publication of a second article by the Guardian on Twala’s case. However, former immigration minister Robert Jenrick intervened a week later to block Twala’s return to the UK.

This exclusion order—typically used for terrorists and severe offenders—deprived Twala of his right to appeal for over a year. An upcoming judicial review, scheduled for the day after the Home Office’s reversal, was anticipated. But just a day before the hearing, the Home Office withdrew the exclusion order.

What Were the Immediate Reactions?

Twala’s emotional reaction reflected a mix of disbelief and overwhelming joy. “I’m so, so happy,” Twala shared from Ankara, adding his eagerness to reunite with his nine-year-old son, Mason. His father, Siyabonga Twala Sr, was also thrilled, exclaiming, “I’m ecstatic. I can’t believe it.” He further emphasized how Mason had been deeply affected by his father’s absence and referred to the treatment from the Home Office as “heartless.”

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Nicholas Hughes, Twala’s lawyer, encapsulated the broader sentiment around this turn of events. “While I’m incredibly relieved for him, I’m furious that a political decision has robbed a man and his son of a year and a half of their lives together,” Hughes stated. He criticized the Home Office’s actions as an “appalling” display of discretionary power.

What Impact Did Twala’s Exile Have on His Life?

Separation from his family took a tremendous toll on Twala’s mental health and financial stability.

Effect on Mental Health and Family Life

Twala recounted how heart-wrenching it was to be apart from his son during critical years of his growth. “I’ve missed out on my son because he’s growing up now and I’ve missed out on just being able to be there for him,” he lamented. Knowing he could’ve been home for over a year only increased his frustration. His lawyer also noted the severe violation of both Twala’s and his son’s right to a private and family life, highlighting the continuing adverse effects on their mental health.

Financial Hardship and Living Conditions

Twala encountered severe financial hardships during his stay in Ankara. Unable to work, he relied heavily on family support and public contributions. Recently, he became homeless and lived in substandard conditions, including an infested room. He voiced his fears and helplessness, saying, “I’m not the same person anymore. I’m scared. I feel like I’m running out of options.”

What Were the Legal and Political Dynamics?

The decision to block Twala’s return was shrouded in political maneuvers, underscoring the unnecessary use of discretionary power.

Role of Robert Jenrick

Robert Jenrick’s role in blocking Twala’s return highlighted a discretionary exercise of power that many saw as an abuse. Twala characterized himself as “a victim of politics.” Even though the Home Office initially made the correct decision based on family life, the swift intervention to block his return revealed contradictions and a politically influenced process.

Judicial Review and Legal Consequences

The imminent judicial review played a pivotal role. With a hearing scheduled for the day after the Home Office’s U-turn, the department likely anticipated a judicial loss and thus preemptively reversed the decision. Hughes expressed frustration over the timing and nature of this reversal, emphasizing the “unfettered use of discretion and an abuse of power.”

Will Twala’s Case Influence Future Immigration Policies?

Twala’s experience raises significant concerns about immigration procedures and the discretionary powers exercised by officials.

Lessons for Policy Makers

Twala’s case underscores the necessity for transparent and just treatment of individuals entangled in immigration issues, especially when family life is at stake. The public outcry and media coverage played a crucial role in bringing attention to his plight, leading to the Home Office’s eventual reversal. It serves as a powerful reminder of the profound impact that policy decisions can have on real lives.

Information Resources

For those wanting to understand more about immigration policies and their implications, visiting authoritative sources like the UK Government’s official immigration site can provide up-to-date and comprehensive information.

How is Twala’s Family Reacting Now?

The announcement that Twala can return home has brought immense relief and joy to his family. His father expressed happiness over the resolution, emphasizing the emotional and psychological strain Mason endured during his father’s absence. As Twala’s return to Chester is anticipated within days, his reunion with his son Mason is eagerly awaited by the family.

From relief and happiness to frustration and fear, Twala’s story captures the emotional rollercoaster experienced during his 18-month exile. It’s a poignant example of how policies and political decisions impact individual lives, illustrating the need for fair and humane treatment in immigration matters.

Learn Today:

Exclusion Order : A legal directive issued by a government authority, such as the UK Home Office, that prevents an individual from entering or re-entering a country. In Siyabonga Twala’s case, this order was implemented due to a previous criminal conviction.

Judicial Review : A legal process where a court reviews the legality of a decision or action made by a public body. For Twala, a judicial review was scheduled to challenge the exclusion order imposed by the UK Home Office.

Home Office : The United Kingdom’s government department responsible for immigration, security, and law and order. The Home Office was the authority that issued and later reversed the exclusion order against Twala.

Discretionary Power : The authority granted to public officials to make decisions based on their judgment within certain legal bounds. This term is highlighted in discussions surrounding Robert Jenrick’s intervention to block Twala’s return.

Permanent Resident : A non-citizen who has the right to live and work indefinitely in a country. Siyabonga Twala held permanent resident status in the UK, which generally entitles someone to almost all the rights of a citizen except voting in some elections and holding certain public offices.

This Article In A Nutshell:

Siyabonga Twala’s exile in Turkey was due to a UK Home Office exclusion order after a 2018 conviction for cannabis possession. Prevented from boarding a flight home, Twala spent 18 months apart from his family, despite reforming his life. His return was ultimately permitted following legal challenges. — By VisaVerge.com

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only. If you reference or use any content from this article, please attribute it to VisaVerge.com by including a link to the original source. We appreciate your adherence to our content usage policies and your commitment to giving proper credit.

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UK Government issues Turkey travel advice update after earthquake

Earthquake has brought tragedy and chaos, with warning not to travel to certain regions

• 09:34, 9 FEB 2023
• Updated 10:41, 9 FEB 2023

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An official update has been issued for travel to Turkey . It comes as many people in Nottinghamshire wait to see whether planned trips to Turkey will go ahead this half term.

Tragically, nearly 16,000 people are now known to have been killed and thousands injured by a huge earthquake which struck south-eastern Turkey, near the Syrian border, in the early hours of Monday morning. It is feared the number of people killed will carry on rising.

Travel in the quake zone is almost impossible, hampering rescue efforts. In addition to the natural disaster, the area has seen affected by war over the past decade.

Read more: Passport warning – apply for yours now or risk missing out on holiday

The areas most badly affected are not popular with UK travellers. The worst hit region of Turkey, near the town of Gaziantep, is somewhere only intrepid tourists would normally visit.

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office was already advising caution to prospective travellers before the quake. Now, it is obviously a no-go zone.

The tragedy has occurred in the south east of Turkey. The main tourist resorts – for example, Bodrum and Marmaris – are in the south west, hundreds of miles away.

What is the Government's travel update for Turkey?

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) says: "The Turkish government has announced a national emergency in the 10 provinces affected by the earthquake. These are the provinces of Kahramanmaraş, Gaziantep, Malatya, Diyarbakır, Kilis, Şanlıurfa, Adıyaman, Hatay, Osmaniye, Adana."

The FCDO has produced a map . It shows that most of Turkey is safe for travel.

It adds: "The Turkish Government has stated that only vehicles which carry aid teams and aid materials will be allowed to enter cities deemed to be inside the area of the disaster. If you are in Turkey or planning to travel there you should follow the information and advice from local authorities/your tour operator."

Will my half-term holiday to Turkey be cancelled?

At present, no airlines serving the UK have announced cancellations to their flights in relation to the natural disaster. And there is no indication that package holidays to the popular resorts on the Aegean and Mediterranean will be affected.

Your travel operator will advise you if there are any changes you need to be aware of. But the message from the tourism industry is that Turkey's resorts will remain open for business, despite the tragic events.

If you are looking for a half-term break in Turkey, Jet2 offers flights and packages from East Midlands Airport. During half-term week, they fly to Antalya (gateway to the Turkish resorts) on Friday, February 17.

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• Business and industry
• Trade and investment

British businesses to benefit as UK launches new trade talks with Turkey

The UK has today launched talks with Turkey on a new, modernised trade deal.

• UK launches talks with Turkey on a trade deal targeted at the UK’s strengths as a services superpower
• Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch launched negotiations in London today alongside Turkish Trade Minister
• UK negotiation objectives focused on creating new opportunities for UK businesses in Turkey’s growing market of 85 million people

The UK today [Thursday 14 March 2024] launches talks with Turkey on a new, modernised trade deal targeting the services sector set to benefit businesses across the country.

There are huge opportunities as Turkey has one of the fastest growing economies in the OECD and is home to 85 million people. The UK and Turkey have a strong economic relationship, with trade between the two worth almost £26 billion in 2022.

The new trade deal will replace our current one, which was largely negotiated in the 1990s. It will focus on the UK’s strengths in services, which make up 80% of GDP. In 2020, 57,000 UK jobs were supported by exports to Turkey - 68% of which were in services.

Turkey presents significant opportunities for British businesses, particularly in transport, engineering, financial services, manufacturing and tech, driven in part by Turkey’s decarbonisation efforts and significant investment in rail.

It’s the latest step in a UK trade strategy targeting trade pacts to boost our services industry exports – including ongoing negotiations with Mexico and South Korea, and MoUs with major US states including Florida and Texas.

The Trade Secretary launched the talks in London today alongside her Turkish counterpart Minister for Trade Ömer Bolat.

Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch said:

I’m delighted to be launching trade negotiations with Turkey – an important economic and strategic partner to the UK.

We already have a thriving trade relationship that will only get stronger with a new, modernised trade deal that is fit for the 21st Century.

An upgraded deal will give the UK’s world-leading services sector a competitive edge in this growing market and has the potential to support jobs across the UK.

The UK is the second biggest services exporter in the world – behind only the US – but services only made up 27% of our exports to Turkey in 2022. The new trade deal could see a huge boost in UK services exports to Turkey.

It could also give British consumers improved choice and better access to imported Turkish goods such as nuts, bulgar wheat and tomatoes.

UK businesses such as Deloitte, Diageo and Vodafone have helped to shape negotiation objectives through the public Call for Input, with the first round of negotiations due to take place in the summer.

Managing Director, International at TheCityUK Nicola Watkinson said:

Turkey is a strategic gateway between the East and the West, offering vast opportunities for growth and innovation that UK businesses can leverage. An enhanced Free Trade Agreement with Turkey that includes services and digital will open up new trade and investment opportunities for financial and related professional services, as well as laying the groundwork for more robust bilateral relations and a frictionless trade environment that benefits both nations.

Managing Director at Burgess and Leigh Ltd Jim Norman said:

Burleigh is in the early chapters of its exporting story to Turkey, but we’re already seeing strong demand opening up. A more open trade deal is going to help smooth that growth by reducing paperwork and delays. Burleigh’s appeal comes from its provenance, heritage and authenticity which are appealing to Turkey’s discerning consumers and particularly important in gift giving.

• UK businesses have been sharing what they want to see as part of a deal to help shape negotiation objectives since the UK and Turkey announced plans to negotiate a new trade deal in July 2023
• the first round of negotiations is due to take place in the summer
• Turkey is a major supplier of goods such as vehicles, clothing and electrical machinery to the UK, which is its fourth largest goods export market
• In 2022 UK goods exports to Turkey stood at £6.7 billion which included power generators and metals
• in 2022 tens of millions of goods were exported to Turkey from every UK nation and region, including £470 million-worth from Wales, £530 million from the South West and £611 million from the East of England

Statistics and data in this document have been sourced from:

• ONS UK total trade: all countries, seasonally adjusted, July-September 2023 edition
• ONS Trade in goods: country-by-commodity exports, December 2023 edition
• United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Handbook of Statistics (2023)
• World Bank population data
• OECD (2021) Trade in employment database
• HMRC Regional Trade Statistics Q3 2023

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Turkey travel warning issued by UK Foreign Office as holidaymakers prepare for summer breaks

The UK Foreign Office is urging people to ensure they stay safe if they are heading to Turkey - here is their advice

• 10:55, 26 JUL 2023

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A travel warning has been issued to anyone planning to go to Turkey this summer.

The UK Foreign Office has updated its guidance for travel to the country. They are now urging people to ensure they stay safe due to a number of reasons.

New advice warns people of earthquake risks in Turkey. It reads: "Many parts of Turkey regularly experience earthquakes and tremors. These can be a high magnitude, cause damage to infrastructure, and pose a risk to life. Follow any advice given by the local authorities."

Read More: Greece wildfires LIVE: More Rhodes flights from Newcastle suspended

A second warning is in place due to high temperatures amid a heatwave that is scorching much of Europe, reports the Liverpool Echo . Gov.uk guidance states: "High temperatures are affecting many areas of Turkey and there is a risk of wildfires.

"Forest fires happen frequently in Turkey during summer. Take care when visiting or driving through woodland areas."

It comes as parts of Turkey's neighbouring country Greece continue to be ravaged by wildfires. Thousands of people have fled the island of Rhodes, with airlines operating repatriation flights in order to bring people home.

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Foreign Office warnings for Turkey, Egypt, Thailand and Mexico as certain travel discouraged

Travelling to certain areas could put you at risk and could even invalidate your insurance, so it's important to keep up to date with any warnings.

• 11:04, 6 JUN 2024

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If you've got an upcoming holiday this summer to the likes of Turkey, Egypt, Thailand or Mexico, then there is some important travel advice from the Foreign Office to keep in mind.

The government department often issues travel warnings in order to keep British tourists safe when abroad, due to factors like potential terrorism or hostility as well as weather alerts or entry restrictions.

Knowing all of the right information before you go can help your holiday to run more smoothly, as well as keeping you safe. However, ignoring the travel advice from the Foreign Office could have more serious implications.

Liverpool Echo reports that travelling to an area which the Foreign Office has advised against could end up invalidating your travel insurance policy as well as putting you and your group at risk.

In light of this, here are the latest restrictions for travel in Egypt, Mexico, Thailand and Turkey.

Foreign Office travel warnings

Turkey is a hugely popular holiday destination for many Brits due to its sunny beaches and rich culture.

However, the Foreign Office warns against heading to certain regions - most of which are fairly far away from the classic tourist hotspots.

The government body advises:

• against all travel to within 10km of the border with Syria due to fighting and a heightened risk of terrorism
• against all but essential travel to Sirnak city
• advises against all but essential travel to Hakkari Province

A firm favourite for its food and nightlife, many people from the UK head off on holiday to Mexico every year.

But according to the Foreign Office, here are some of the areas to avoid:

• the city of Tijuana except for airside transit through Tijuana airport, the Cross Border Xpress bridge from the airport linking terminals across the Mexican-US border, and the federal toll road 1D and Via Rápida through Tijuana to the border
• within 40km of the Guatemalan border between the Pacific Coast up to and including the border crossing at Gracias a Dio
• on Federal Highway 199 (Carretera Federal 199) between Rancho Nuevo (just outside San Cristobal de las Casas) and the Chancalá junction just outside Palenque (where Federal Highway 199 meets Federal Highway 307)
• the state of Chihuahua except for the city of Chihuahua, the border crossing in Ciudad Juárez (accessed by federal toll road 45), federal toll road 45D connecting the cities of Chihuahua and Ciudad Juárez, the Copper Canyon rail route to and from Chihuahua and towns immediately on this route including Creel, the road from Creel via San Juanito to San Pedro, and the state highway 16 from San Pedro to Chihuahua

Full details can be found on the Foreign Office website.

The majority of this exotic holiday destination should be safe for tourists, according to the Foreign Office.

Having said that, 'regular terrorist attacks' mean that Brits should avoid the following areas:

• Pattani province
• Yala province
• Narathiwat province
• Southern Songkhla province except for the areas north of and including the A43 road between Hat Yai and Sakom, the areas north-west of the train line which runs between Hat Yai and Padang Besar, Hat Yai to Padang Besar train line (though people are advised against all but essential travel on the train line itself)

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Much of Egypt is to be avoided, as per the latest FCDO guidance, though popular resorts such as Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh are not included within the warning.

The Foreign Office currently advises against all travel within 20km of the Egypt-Libya border, except for the town of El Salloum, where "all but essential travel" is advised, and to the Governorate of North Sinai.

People should also avoid:

• the northern part of the Governorate of South Sinai, beyond the St Catherine-Nuweibaa road, except for the coastal areas along the west and east of the peninsula
• the Ismailiyah Governorate east of the Suez Canal
• the area west of the Nile Valley and Nile Delta regions, except for Luxor, Qina, Aswan, Abu Simbel and the Valley of the Kings, the Governorate of Faiyum, the coastal areas between the Nile Delta and Marsa Matruh, the Marsa Matruh-Siwa Road, the oasis town of Siwa, the Giza Governorate north-east of the Bahariya Oasis, the road between Giza and Farafra, Bahariya Oasis, Farafra, the White Desert and Black Desert
• the Hala’ib Triangle and the Bir Tawil Trapezoid

Full travel information for each country can be found on the Foreign Office website .

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Britons given Turkey travel warning as some areas are off limits with 'heightened risk'

Britons going abroad have ben advised to check travel advice beforehand

By Anna Barry

Published: 20/05/2024

Updated: 20/05/2024

Britons have been given new guidance about holidaying in Turkey

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Holidaymakers have been issued a warning about travelling to the popular holiday destination Turkey.

There are several areas Britons have been advised against travelling to, with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) giving guidance on this.

The FCDO said: "Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against FCDO advice.

"The embassy staff cannot travel to areas where FCDO advises against travel to help you in person. Staff can offer support by phone and email."

Britons have been given new guidance about visiting Turkey

GETTY IMAGES

Areas where FCDO advises against travel

Turkey-Syria

The UK Government advised: "FCDO advises against all travel within 10km of the border with Syria.

"Fighting in Syria continues in areas close to the Turkish border and there remains a heightened risk of terrorism in the region.

"Due to the ongoing conflict in Syria, roads in Hatay Province leading towards the border may be subject to closure."

Sirnak city

Britons were told that the FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Sirnak city.

Hakkari Province

Holidaymakers were advised: "FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Hakkari Province.

"This advice is due to the heightened risk of terrorism in the region. If you’re undertaking essential travel to Sirnak city or Hakkari Province, take extreme care."

The UK Government also issued guidance to Britons on visiting Mount Ararat.

Mount Ararat

The FCDO stated: "Mount Ararat, in Ağrı Province, is a special military zone. You must have permission from the Doğubayazıt government office, and pay a fee in the local Governor’s Office.

"If visiting with a travel agent or tour group, confirm with them whether you need an individual permit.

"Take extra care if you’re travelling to this area. Keep up to date with local media and follow the advice of the local authorities."

Before travelling, tourists must consult the FCDO for information on visa requirements, customs rules, outdoor activities and adventure tourism, and health.

This provides crucial information for Britons that they must be aware of before going to Turkey.

Britons were given an important warning about terrorism in the country. The FCDO said: "Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Turkey.

"Most terrorist attacks have occurred in southeast Turkey, Ankara and Istanbul. You should remain aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities."

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Some parts of Turkey are very popular among holidaymakers

The Government stated that attacks can be done at random including in places visited by foreigners, including public buildings, places of worship, airports and large public gatherings (including major events, public holidays, religious occasions). Britons should remain vigilant.

The FCDO told Britons what to do before they visit Turkey. They said: "No travel can be guaranteed safe.

"Read all the advice in this guide as well as support for British nationals abroad which includes advice on preparing for travel abroad and reducing risks, and information for women, LGBT+ and disabled travellers.

"Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You can also sign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated.

"If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency."

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Ukraine-Russia war latest: Vladimir Putin repeats warning he could send weapons to adversaries of the West

Speaking at the St Petersburg International Economic Forum, Vladimir Putin also says he does not see the conditions for the use of nuclear weapons as set out in Russia's nuclear doctrine - but adds he could not rule out a change to it.

Friday 7 June 2024 17:15, UK

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• Russia economically strong despite 'illegitimate sanctions'
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• Big picture:  Everything you need to know about the war right now
• Your questions answered: Are there any signs of an underground resistance in Russia?
• Live reporting by Andy Hayes and  Ollie Cooper

Thank you for reading.

We will be back soon with more updates from the war in Ukraine.

Vladimir Putin has said he does not see the conditions for the use of nuclear weapons as set out in Russia's nuclear doctrine - but added he could not rule out a change to the doctrine.

"We have a nuclear doctrine which states that the use of nuclear arms is possible in an exceptional case, when the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our country is threatened," he told the St Petersburg International Economic Forum.

"But the doctrine can be changed.

"The same applies to nuclear tests. We will carry out tests if needed, but so far there is no such need."

Russia could send weapons to adversaries of the West, Vladimir Putin has warned for a second time.

The Russian president repeated the warning from earlier this week during the St Petersburg Economic Forum.

He did not say what countries or entities he was referring to, and he stressed that Moscow is not doing it currently.

"If they supply (weapons) to the combat zone and call for using these weapons against our territory, why don't we have the right to do the same?" he told the crowds. 

"But I'm not ready to say that we will be doing it tomorrow, either."

On Wednesday, Putin told international journalists that Russia could provide long-range weapons to others to strike Western targets in response to NATO allies allowing Ukraine to use their arms to attack Russian territory.

He also reaffirmed Moscow's readiness to use nuclear weapons if it sees a threat to its sovereignty.

Joe Biden has apologised to Volodymyr Zelenskyy for the recent delay in approving new US aid for Ukraine.

Last month, following months of political disagreements, the Senate passed $95bn (£76.2bn) in war aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan .

"I apologise for those weeks of not knowing," the US president said.

"Some of our very conservative members [of Congress] were holding it up. 

"But we got it done, finally. We're still in - completely, totally." 

The Ukrainian president thanked his counterpart for American assistance.  

"It's very important that you stay with us," he said. 

"It's very important that in this unity, the United States of America, all American people stay with Ukraine, like it was during World War Two - how the United States helped to save human lives, to save Europe." 

The two men were speaking in Paris, the day after D-Day commemorations in Normandy.

Russia needs to boost its use of non-Western currencies, Vladimir Putin said as he addressed the St Petersburg International Economic Forum.

He also said his country needs to reduce imports while calling for a major expansion of its domestic financial markets.

Trade with Asia is soaring, he told delegates, adding that almost two fifths of Russian external trade is now in roubles.

The share conducted in US dollars, euros and other Western currencies has declined.

Russia will try to boost the share of settlements conducted in the currencies of BRICS countries - which include Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, Mr Putin said.

"Last year, the share of payments for Russian exports in the so–called 'toxic' currencies of unfriendly states halved, while the share of the rouble in export and import transactions is growing - it is approaching 40% today," the president said.

Russia has referred to nations that imposed sanctions on it as "unfriendly".

 The session begins with an address by the Russian president. 

Vladimir Putin says there is a race among world powers to establish sovereignty. 

He speaks of the need for countries to both establish partnerships and also to look internally to tackle challenges presented by the current global economic landscape. 

Despite all the "obstacles and illegitimate sanctions", Russia remains one of the world's economic leaders, he says. 

He adds that "friendly countries" - those that have not joined sanctions against Moscow - account for three quarters of Russia's mutual trade turnover, and praises them for that. 

Countries including India and China have strengthened economic ties since Mr Putin launched his war in Ukraine. 

Vladimir Putin has taken to the stage in St Petersburg to address the International Economic Forum there.

He's joined by Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwais and Bolivian President Luis Alberto Arce Catacora. 

Chairing the session is Sergey Karaganov - a Russian political scientist. 

We'll bring you any key lines here in this live blog. 

A T-shirt is on sale at the St Petersburg International Economic Forum printed with a phrase attributed to Vladimir Putin, Sky News has discovered. 

"If a fight is inevitable, throw the first punch," it says.

The Russian president reportedly said it in 2015.

He apparently explained that it was something he had learned while growing up on the streets of Leningrad - a former name of St Petersburg. 

The Russian defence ministry has accused Ukraine of injuring 20 people, including children, in a missile attack on the Russian-controlled eastern Ukrainian city of Luhansk, using US-supplied ATACMS missiles.

Four of five missiles were shot down by air defence systems, the ministry said in a statement.

However, one of the missiles damaged two residential apartment blocks, it added, claiming it was deliberate.

Sky News is unable to verify the allegations.

There has been no immediate comment from Ukraine. 

The European Commission supports starting EU accession talks with Ukraine, the country's prime minister has said.

Denys Shmyhal said the commission had confirmed in a report that Kyiv had fulfilled the remaining steps required to start negotiations. 

"Now we expect our European partners to take the next step - to start negotiations on European Union membership this month," Mr Shmyhal said on Telegram. 

Earlier (7.43am post) we reported that the commission was reportedly ready to recommend that accession talks get underway.

It is part of an attempt to signal support for Kyiv before Hungary takes over the rotating presidency of the EU next month, the Financial Times reported.

The EU announced earlier this year that it was sending an additional £42bn in aid to Ukraine - but only after  weeks of resistance from Hungary , which reportedly has concerns about minority rights in Ukraine. 

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