8legs: Foreign, commonwealth and development office

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#1 out of 2

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office plans to scrap its dedicated Conflict and Refugee Crises directorate.
Critics say the move could undermine UK security and peace-building efforts in crisis areas.
MPs and union leaders warn staffing cuts could jeopardize peace work and expertise.
Officials say the restructuring will keep the UK focused on countering illegal migration and preventing conflict.
The move is part of broader restructuring that could affect up to 2,000 UK government jobs.
Lawmakers urge a pause to planning and staffing cuts to prevent losing critical expertise.
The directorate supported responses in Syria, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Yemen, and the Philippines.
The government argues the changes will make the FCDO more agile and technically enabled.
The debate highlights a clash between aid spending and national security objectives.

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#2 out of 2

Latest: The Foreign Office reportedly removed a Queen Elizabeth II portrait and replaced it with Pan-African flags.
The change allegedly occurred before a July 2025 cabinet reshuffle as officials redecorated the office.
Two Pan-African flags by artist Larry Achiampong now hang in the department’s spaces as part of a soft-power display.
The portrait is reportedly now in storage, with no current photographs of the Queen in the department.
The Telegraph and other outlets are cited to suggest broader debates about symbolism and national identity in government spaces.
Past decor changes under the current and prior leaders are referenced to show a pattern of symbolic shifts.
The article notes other government decor moves, including changes at No 11 Downing Street and No 10.
The Daily Mail article frames the decor swap as part of a wider discussion about soft power in official settings.
The report mentions ongoing debate over 'national symbolism' amid Brexit and other politics.
The article references the involvement of The Telegraph and other outlets for context on the story.
The piece notes that ministers are allowed to make decor changes within the Government Art Collection.

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