What we do

The FCO promotes British interests overseas, supporting our citizens and businesses around the globe.

FCO is a ministerial department, supported by 11 agencies and public bodies.

Read more about what we do

We work on these topics

  1. Foreign affairs

    The government works to promote and protect UK interests internationally, and works with other countries to make progress on issues of mutual concern like trade, climate change, security and economic development. Read more

  2. Europe

    The government is working with allies to reform the European Union to make it more open, competitive, flexible and democratically accountable, for the benefit of the UK and the whole of Europe. Read more

  3. Climate change

    The government is working at home and abroad to adapt to the effects of climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by investing in low-carbon energy sources, improving fuel standards in cars and increasing energy efficiency wherever possible. Read more

  4. National security

    The government works to identify the most pressing risks to our security, and put in place the ways and means to address them. Read more

  5. International aid and development

    Around 1.4 billion people around the world still live in poverty. The government is working with international organisations and the governments of poorer countries to help end poverty. Read more

Our policies

  1. Creating a lasting legacy from the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games

    Making sure the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games continue to benefit the whole country for many years.

  2. Keeping the UK safe in cyber space

    Improving cyber security to make cyber space safer for people and businesses and more resilient to cyber attacks and crime.

  3. Establishing stability in Afghanistan

    How the UK is helping Afghanistan to become a more secure nation with international support.

See all our policies

Documents

Our announcements

  1. International Women’s Day 2014

    • 8 March 2014
    • Speech

  2. High Commissioner Dr Christian Turner hosts a reception for Amref Board members

    • 7 March 2014
    • Speech

See all our announcements

Our consultations

  1. Balance of EU competences review: research and development

    • 13 February 2014
    • Consultation outcome

  2. Balance of EU competences review: trade and investment

    • 13 February 2014
    • Consultation outcome

See all our consultations

Our publications

  1. Rape and sexual assault abroad

    • 7 March 2014
    • Guidance

  2. Afghanistan – List of Lawyers

    • 6 March 2014
    • Guidance

See all our publications

Our statistics

  1. China Economic Focus 2013

    • 25 October 2013
    • Statistics

  2. UK-China 5th Economic and Financial Dialogue: Factsheet

    • 21 October 2013
    • Statistics

See all our statistics

Our ministers

Our management

Special representatives

Contact FCO

Office address

King Charles Street
London
SW1A 2AH

Media enquiries

Legalisation and apostille service

Foreign & Commonwealth Office
PO Box 6255
Milton Keynes
MK10 1XX

If you need to use British documents for business or personal matters abroad.

Chevening Scholarships

Chevening Scholarships are the UK government’s global scholarship programme, funded by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and partner organisations.

Lancaster House

Senior Events Manager
Stable Yard
St James’
London
SW1A 1BB

Make an FOI request

  1. Read about the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act and how to make a request
  2. Check our previous releases to see if we’ve already answered your question
  3. Make a new request by contacting us at:

Freedom of Information requests

FOI and DPA Team
Information Management Department
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Room K4.10 – K4.13
King Charles Street
London
SW1A 2AH

Corporate information

Jobs and contracts

Read about the types of information we routinely publish in our Publication scheme. Our Personal information charter explains how we treat your personal information. Read our policy on Social media use.

Help us improve GOV.UK

Please don't include any personal or financial information, for example your National Insurance or credit card numbers.