Tom Fletcher @TFletcher Twitter profile

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Tom Fletcher

2 years

Paperback out today. Please tuck in. Topical chapters on reclaiming ‘Take Back Control’, what we really need to teach (spoiler: not just maths), and much more. Always good to launch on a slow news day.

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Tom Fletcher

@TFletcher

2 years

I spent several years briefing UK PMs on foreign leaders. So, just to be clear: Friend. Foe.

Haggis_UK 🇬🇧 🇪🇺

@Haggis_UK

2 years

Julia Hartley-Brewer - President Macron, friend or foe? Liz Truss - "The jury is out" 🤦

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Tom Fletcher

@TFletcher

2 years

Over several years in @10DowningStreet I collected advice for my son, Charlie: I asked world leaders what they would say to themselves at 14 years old. Mikhail Gorbachev was quite emotional as he wrote his. His translator helped too. Here it is. RIP

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Tom Fletcher

@TFletcher

8 years

Don't judge those running for office by the eloquence of their tributes to Ali, but how they would treat a 20 year old version of him now.

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Tom Fletcher

@TFletcher

4 years

I couldn’t find UK statement, @10DowningStreet , so here’s a quick draft: “We condemn this attempt to subvert the democratic will of the American people, and those in the outgoing administration that has incited it. We call for calm, restraint and a peaceful transition of power.”

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Tom Fletcher

@TFletcher

8 years

England squad costs 175m. If we exit, let's spend it on the NHS.

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Tom Fletcher

@TFletcher

3 years

The issue here is not that No 10 sent France a demanding letter and then shared it with the media. That is normal cut and thrust. It is that No 10 wrote a letter for the Daily Mail and shared it with France.

BBC Breaking News

@BBCBreaking

3 years

France cancels high-level migrant talks in protest at letter published by UK PM Boris Johnson

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Tom Fletcher

@TFletcher

3 years

I shudder at the thought of the reports that embassies in London are sending their capitals tonight.

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Tom Fletcher

@TFletcher

7 months

Good to see UK Ambassador in Moscow making a point of doing this. 👇

Nigel Casey

@NigelCaseyHMA

7 months

In memory of Alexei Navalny @FCDOGovUK

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Tom Fletcher

@TFletcher

11 months

In touch with so many friends in Lebanon, Israel, Palestine. A grim and terrifying moment for so many civilians, who did not choose this horror. Somehow, amid the anger and fear, they are telling me there has to be space to recognise the humans on the other side of the fence. 1/7

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Tom Fletcher

@TFletcher

2 years

As dreams go, this is not up there with Martin Luther King.

Phantom Power

@PhantomPower14

2 years

‘I would love to be having a front page of The Telegraph with a plane taking off to Rwanda. That’s my dream. That’s my obsession’ Home Secretary Suella Braverman

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Tom Fletcher

@TFletcher

2 years

Not for the first time in recent years, I shudder to imagine the reports that ambassadors in UK are sending their capitals tonight.

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Tom Fletcher

@TFletcher

2 months

A🧵 on first PM calls. I was doing foreign policy in @10DowningStreet last change of government - 2010. Day before he resigned, Gordon Brown leant over to ask me what I was working on. It was brief for David Cameron’s first call with Obama. I stuttered reply. Gordon chuckled.

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Tom Fletcher

@TFletcher

4 years

A graph.

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Tom Fletcher

@TFletcher

2 years

“All my life I’ve been grateful for contribution France has made … for sense of personal liberty and rights of man which has radiated from soul of France … Show me moment when I swerved from this conception, and you will show me moment when I have been wrong” #TheJuryIsNotOut

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Tom Fletcher

@TFletcher

3 years

I’ve spent most of my adult life outside 🇬🇧, mainly Asia, Africa, Europe. We benefited from decades when - justified or not - there was genuine international perception of 🇬🇧 competence. That treble A rating for competence is hard won, lost fast, and will be hard to get back.

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Tom Fletcher

@TFletcher

4 years

RIP Khaled. Very few are called to show such great courage and humanity. Even fewer could do what you did. A challenge to all of us to consider what we would die to protect.

sarah

@sahouraxo

4 years

A solemn day for #Syria . The remains of heroic Syrian archaeologist Khaled Al-Asaad have been found near Palmyra today. Al-Asaad was beheaded at 83 by ISIS in 2015 for refusing to lead them to the locations of Palmyra’s hidden antiquities. He can now finally rest in peace.

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Tom Fletcher

@TFletcher

3 years

I covered Northern Ireland in @10DowningStreet for four years. Most important work was done by NIO. But there were moments when PM had to rip up grid, cancel break, let people down, stay up late, hit phones, spend, flatter, arm twist, and do nothing else for week. This is one.

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Tom Fletcher

@TFletcher

8 years

Hate to be spoilsport, but Her Majesty appoints Ambassadors, on advice of our government. More here on diplomacy:

Donald J. Trump

@realDonaldTrump

8 years

Many people would like to see @Nigel_Farage represent Great Britain as their Ambassador to the United States. He would do a great job!

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Tom Fletcher

@TFletcher

8 years

The next 🇬🇧Minister to visit 🇺🇸 should invite Sir @Mo_Farah to lead the delegation as an ambassador for tolerance.

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Tom Fletcher

@TFletcher

8 years

Sorry. It wasn't an actual commitment.

Tom Fletcher

@TFletcher

8 years

England squad costs 175m. If we exit, let's spend it on the NHS.

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Tom Fletcher

@TFletcher

6 years

There is a chair at No 10 cabinet table always pulled out. The only one with two arm rests: the boss’s seat, Churchill’s chair. @SenJohnMcCain came in March 2008. Tired by an Iraq visit, he sat on the chair. Anyone else we would have asked to move. RIP

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Tom Fletcher

@TFletcher

3 years

I worked for three PMs in No 10. “Boss, lockdown party. Drop in, say few words?” TB: Bad, bad idea. Talk to JP/PM/AC. No. GB: If I see hint of party I will kill you. Work on global vaccination. Get @POTUS on phone, now. DC: WTF? Talk to Ed: you’ll be happy in Mongolia.

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Tom Fletcher

@TFletcher

7 years

Drop by Trafalgar Square if you can. UK Muslims out in force, lighting candles, condemning terror. V powerful/moving.

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Tom Fletcher

@TFletcher

9 months

I was in No 10 in 2009 when UNSC voted on SCR 1860, calling for ceasefire between Israel & Hamas (conflict had killed 13 Israelis and over 1000 Palestinians). PM instructed we move from abstention to vote for ceasefire, against massive US pressure. US then shifted to abstention.

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Tom Fletcher

@TFletcher

4 years

There are two kinds of graduation speeches: those that make you think the speaker is amazing; and those that make the students feel they can be amazing. Sometimes you get one that does both.

Barack Obama

@BarackObama

4 years

Congrats to the high school Class of 2020, as well as to the teachers, coaches, and most of all, parents and family who’ve guided you along the way. Thanks for letting me be part of your big day!

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Tom Fletcher

@TFletcher

3 years

And the issue more important than letters and spats is that many more people, with names and stories, fears and hopes, will die in our sea. If the first thought is how do we handle our media on this, or get one over Macron, then we have come to a very, very bad place.

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Tom Fletcher

@TFletcher

4 years

Historians will marvel at how quickly America became the kind of country it used to try to fix.

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Tom Fletcher

@TFletcher

11 months

It is so hard to see through the pain, horror, anger; beyond deep wounds of history. I don’t underestimate how hard it will be. But starting point has to be that both Palestinians and Israelis have right to security, justice and opportunity in lands they can call their own.

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Tom Fletcher

@TFletcher

3 years

Solidarity with 🇺🇦. Condemnation of Putin’s invasion. Throughout weekend staff and students will collect provisions for displaced, and @HertfordCollege will cover transport costs through Poland. We have been overwhelmed by response in first few hours. #StandWithUkraine ️

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Tom Fletcher

@TFletcher

3 years

Powerful, reasoned case against cruelty and prejudice.

Mike Galsworthy

@mikegalsworthy

3 years

Great speech by John Kerr in House of Lords. The UK is not a popular destination for refugees. We’re way down the list. The dangerous sea route is the only refugee route now our govt have shut safe routes. The facts do not support govt case for cruelty.

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Tom Fletcher

@TFletcher

4 years

Cutting aid during a global crisis is a Trump move in a Biden era.

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Tom Fletcher

@TFletcher

3 years

Great for 🇬🇧 diplomacy.

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Tom Fletcher

@TFletcher

11 months

Our influence limited, but we can avoid adding fuel to fire. By showing genuine solidarity with innocent victims on all sides; condemning terrorism/violence against civilians; calling for restraint, respect for international law; getting aid to civilians suffering most. 6/7

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Tom Fletcher

@TFletcher

11 months

And, hard and thankless as it will be, carving out genuine time, patience, courage for real peace process that can break vicious cycle and give Israelis and Palestinians the security, freedom and rights they crave. That’s what friends, both sides of fence, asked me to say. 7/7

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Tom Fletcher

@TFletcher

5 years

Happy World Turtle Day 🐢. Proud to be a (junior) turtle monitor on Saadiyat Island. Team have found and protected five nests this month, some hopefully hatching in next few days. 🤞 PLEASE cut back on plastic. Met this bruiser on Necker Island a few weeks ago.

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Tom Fletcher

@TFletcher

11 months

I was in No 10 for last big Israel/Hamas confrontation, 2008. V hard to get language right. But I’d suggest start with unequivocal condemnation of terrorism and military action against civilians + unequivocal support for international law, UN, humanitarian access, restraint.

Tom Fletcher

@TFletcher

11 months

In touch with so many friends in Lebanon, Israel, Palestine. A grim and terrifying moment for so many civilians, who did not choose this horror. Somehow, amid the anger and fear, they are telling me there has to be space to recognise the humans on the other side of the fence. 1/7

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Tom Fletcher

@TFletcher

7 years

She must have had huge courage then, because you Sir have heaps of it.

Yashar Ali 🐘

@yashar

7 years

WATCH: Heather Heyer's father says he forgives the man who killed his daughter. "She had more courage than I had."

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Tom Fletcher

@TFletcher

5 years

Thrilled to be heading back to @UniofOxford @HertfordCollege Fragile moment for higher education, UK and global politics. I will do all I can to support Hertford and Oxford as they defend reason, expand access to opportunity, and nurture the next advances in human ingenuity.

Hertford College, Oxford

@HertfordCollege

5 years

We're delighted to announce that Tom Fletcher CMG has been elected as our next Principal from summer 2020 @TFletcher

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Tom Fletcher

@TFletcher

9 months

This tweet inevitably prompted a range of responses and questions. It is a raw and difficult debate. So some responses to the more polite ones … 1/12

Tom Fletcher

@TFletcher

9 months

I was in No 10 in 2009 when UNSC voted on SCR 1860, calling for ceasefire between Israel & Hamas (conflict had killed 13 Israelis and over 1000 Palestinians). PM instructed we move from abstention to vote for ceasefire, against massive US pressure. US then shifted to abstention.

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Tom Fletcher

@TFletcher

11 months

I hesitated to tweet, and will probably quickly regret it, as neither X nor the region seem places that encourage nuance right now. But also because as a Brit – as allies and opponents in the region always reminded me – our history doesn’t allow us much moral high ground. 2/7

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Tom Fletcher

@TFletcher

3 years

About to lead over 200 extraordinary @HertfordCollege students into their matriculation.

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Tom Fletcher

@TFletcher

11 months

There are three ways to settle this, all hard. 1. Leave it to whichever God you think gave you the land. Personally, I wouldn’t wait. 2. Fight it out. Strongest side wins and weakest makes it impossible for them to enjoy it. 3. Compromise: share land or establish two states.

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Tom Fletcher

@TFletcher

3 years

Let us not fail the Afghan people again. A group of us, including former defence, diplomacy and development chiefs, are calling on UK gov to prevent humanitarian catastrophe. @SirMarkLowcock @ValerieAmos @marksedwill @LordRickettsP @NicholasK111

UK government must act now to save millions of lives in Afghanistan | Letter

Letter: Former defence, national security and foreign policy experts lay out five outcomes that the international community should be working towards to avert an irreversible humanitarian disaster

www.theguardian.com

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Tom Fletcher

@TFletcher

8 years

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Tom Fletcher

@TFletcher

11 months

That has failed because peace is not in interest of powerful men in region (Iranian regime, Israeli hard right, Hamas); US alliance with Israel means they can’t do deal; weakness of UN, Europe, Palestinian/Israeli moderates; and eye for eye logic of violence, terror, retribution.

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Tom Fletcher

@TFletcher

3 years

Of course: no easy solutions. But every one that reduces grim loss of life requires UK/French partnership. So start there. Show common cause, turn volume down, build trust, work phones, don’t start day with media digest, work with great UK/French diplomats on practical ideas.

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Tom Fletcher

@TFletcher

3 years

In every crisis, “look for the helpers.” Respect and solidarity to @laurie_bristow and his brave @UKinAfghanistan team. A long night ahead: stay safe.

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Tom Fletcher

@TFletcher

5 years

I hope and believe our open letter to Germany is still far more representative of the UK (leave or remain) than the offensive images circulating today. @NSoames @StewartWood @GaryLineker @TomTugendhat @SayeedaWarsi @annietrev @EmmaReynoldsMP

“We will always be friends”, British politicians and personalities promise

This morning Die Welt led with our letter to German friends. We thought we should share the English translation: Dear German Friends, Thank you sincerely for your letter, published in The...

tomfletcher.global

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Tom Fletcher

@TFletcher

2 years

We can never again lecture other countries about competence and good government.

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Tom Fletcher

@TFletcher

9 months

I’ve been listening to friends in region/policy makers. After horror of 7th October in Israel and long weeks of retribution in Gaza, several grim realities are becoming clearer to international policy makers, and to Israelis/Palestinians who crave an end to the violence. 1/

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Tom Fletcher

@TFletcher

3 years

The French entry is every meeting I’ve ever had with French diplomats in the Quai d’Orsay. They don’t really care whether they win just as long as we know they will always be classier than the rest of us. #Diploeurovision

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Tom Fletcher

@TFletcher

6 years

This is genius. If everyone could take this test, the nativist arguments against our common humanity would disintegrate pretty fast.

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Tom Fletcher

@TFletcher

7 years

The last time an American leader called Britain an enemy was George Washington, in his general orders of 2 July 1776.

Paul Danahar

@pdanahar

7 years

Trump went off script when he added that those who voted against US in UN over Jerusalem embassy move were “enemies of America.” The script just said money would "only go to America’s friends.” It didn’t class anyone as enemies

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Tom Fletcher

@TFletcher

9 months

5. You don’t liberate civilian hostages by bombing other civilians. You don’t destroy terror through terror against the people you need to reject it. You don’t create a partner for peace through violence against the civilians you need as partners for peace.

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Tom Fletcher

@TFletcher

9 years

Saudi Arabia can be v proud of deserved #TheXFactor winner #Hamza . Will be great ambassador for region. @raghebalama http://t.co/gPLt8vcoLS

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Tom Fletcher

@TFletcher

9 years

Great to be part of brilliant #XFactorME final tonight. #Hamza is going to be huge. With him to celebrate: http://t.co/JwJMirWhOC

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Tom Fletcher

@TFletcher

6 years

France just responded. 🇫🇷

Aaron Rupar

@atrupar

6 years

Trump on immigration: "I think it's been very bad for Europe... you see the same terror attacks that I do... I just think it's changing the culture. I think it's very negative... I know it's politically not necessarily correct to say that, but I'll say it, and I'll say it loud."

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Tom Fletcher

@TFletcher

3 years

The response to the horror in Ukraine is to call people to tell them not to help? Chilling.

Irish in Westminster Network

@SW1AIrish

3 years

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has confirmed that Priti Patel complained to the Irish government that Ireland’s welcoming policy towards Ukrainian refugees would allow them to reach the UK by the back door

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Tom Fletcher

@TFletcher

4 years

For Lebanese, and all of us who love them, Beirut is the city you yearn to go back to, whether you’ve been away ten minutes or ten years. That’s why we feel such grief and fury. Never underestimate Lebanese resilience. But it is not just help they’re asking for, but oxygen.

Channel 5 News

@5_News

4 years

"Lebanon at its best is this incredible model for coexistence... one in three people is a refugee. We have to stand by this extraordinary but battered population." @TFletcher warns that without support some countries could take advantage of the #Beirut explosion.

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Tom Fletcher

@TFletcher

11 months

Full episode here: Thanks for having me on, @jonsopel @lewis_goodall @maitlis . Important moment to try to move the discussion towards diplomacy, protection of civilians, and avoidance of escalation.

The UK politics of Israel-Palestine

Over the weekend, Palestinian flags flooded central London as thousands marched for 'Free Palestine'. But has legitimate support for the rights of Palestinian c

podcasts.apple.com

The News Agents

@TheNewsAgents

11 months

“If I was in No. 10 now I’d say let’s start with empathy and solidarity for the innocent victims of this - they didn't choose the horror.” Former British Ambassador to Lebanon @tfletcher on the diplomatic response he suggests the UK take on the Israel-Hamas war. @GlobalPlayer

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Tom Fletcher

@TFletcher

11 months

In those roles I’ve been heckled off stage by Palestinian students; complained about to UK Minister by an Israeli Ambassador; targeted by Palestinian militants; and an Israeli PM once threatened to have me fired. Every morning in Lebanon began with reports from tense borders. 4/7

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Tom Fletcher

@TFletcher

3 years

“Concern”? How about: “This is a strategic defeat for NATO and a tragedy for Afghans. Without US we are not strong enough to stop it. Pay tribute to all who sacrificed lives. Offer refuge to those who worked with us for free Afghanistan. And, this time, we will learn lessons.”

Reuters

@Reuters

3 years

Deep concern over Afghanistan's future, violence must end - UK's Raab

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Tom Fletcher

@TFletcher

11 months

We also have to recognise our personal filters. Mine include: I taught English in Israel in 94, worked on what we then called Middle East Peace Process at Foreign Office in 97/8; on Israel/Hizballah 2006 (in Paris), Israel/Hamas 2008 (in No 10); and as Ambassador in Beirut. 3/7

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Tom Fletcher

@TFletcher

7 years

A White House that cared about the security of the Middle East would be trying to put out existing fires, not start new ones.

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Tom Fletcher

@TFletcher

2 years

Discovered during yesterday’s Spring clean. Might keep this handy for the next time someone moans about today’s students getting too easily distracted.

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Tom Fletcher

@TFletcher

2 years

Congratulations to the 220 ⁦ @HertfordCollege ⁩ students who just matriculated ⁦ @UniofOxford ⁩. A group that has already overcome so much to get here, now setting out with hope, energy and huge potential.

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Tom Fletcher

@TFletcher

11 months

PS, a thoughtful explainer and discussion of these complex issues by @RoryStewartUK @campbellclaret here. And as ever, great reporting in tough circumstances from @bbclysedoucet @BowenBBC and others.

178. Israel At War

Listen to this episode from The Rest Is Politics on Spotify. How did Hamas launch one of the largest invasions on Israeli territory in recent history? What happens now? Will this conflict have...

spotify.link

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Tom Fletcher

@TFletcher

9 years

The three Syrian kids challenging us all to get 1m like them back to school.

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Tom Fletcher

@TFletcher

4 years

Gary Neville’s three actions are a challenge for all of us. Basically: - what can we do differently to avoid spreading the virus? - what are we doing to protect and support those relying on us? - how can we support the people society asks to be on frontline of response?

GG Hospitality

@GG_Hospitality

4 years

A message from our co-owner Gary Neville. @GNev2 @hotelfootballuk @StockExHotel

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Tom Fletcher

@TFletcher

9 years

So ... Yalla, Bye. A farewell letter to Lebanon. http://t.co/7vT0d5au8A

So…Yalla, Bye | Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office Blogs

Dear Lebanon, Sorry to write again. But I'm leaving your extraordinary country after four years. Unlike your politicians, I can't extend my own term. When I arrived, my first

blogs.fcdo.gov.uk

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Tom Fletcher

@TFletcher

2 years

A good chance to catch up on 🇱🇧 news, challenges and prospects with a wise friend, His Eminence Patriarch Rai, on his first official visit to UK.

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Tom Fletcher

@TFletcher

7 years

Might need a few pens, it’s a long list.

Archive: Ambassador Nikki Haley

@AmbNikkiHaley

7 years

At the UN we're always asked to do more & give more. So, when we make a decision, at the will of the American ppl, abt where to locate OUR embassy, we don't expect those we've helped to target us. On Thurs there'll be a vote criticizing our choice. The US will be taking names.

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Tom Fletcher

@TFletcher

7 years

McGuinness was in arduous peace talks with DUP at No 10 when he heard his mother had died. We offered to postpone. 'My place is here'.

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Tom Fletcher

@TFletcher

6 months

It is this sort of dedication and attention to detail that separates the true media professionals from the rest.

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Tom Fletcher

@TFletcher

6 years

This photo has rightly caught our attention. Partly the anger and frustration that Angela Merkel's team must have felt to tweet it. But more because it captures a moment of great jeopardy. 1/

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Tom Fletcher

@TFletcher

3 years

Slept under desk six times @10DowningStreet 2007-2011. Sadly boozing not involved. Hostage; terror; behind on work; crash; G20; Afghanistan. Lunch a rare thing. So, not *that* long-standing. (And to be fair, I’m sure my successors on foreign policy have similiar existence).

PA Media

@PA

3 years

A long-standing drinking culture in Downing Street saw staff start boozing at lunch and waking up there in the same clothes the next day, a former No 10 official has said ✍️: @BlewettSam

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Tom Fletcher

@TFletcher

5 years

One odd reaction to @UKinUSA cables is that Kim Darroch was ‘undiplomatic’. It has always been a crucial role of ambassadors to be candid in private with their governments. The admirably frank and indisputable assessment of Trump is less the issue here than who/how/why of leak.

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Tom Fletcher

@TFletcher

6 years

There are negative consequences to military action, and to inaction. Intervene in Middle East, it bites you back. Fail to intervene, it bites you back. Swing between the two, it bites you back. 1/

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Tom Fletcher

@TFletcher

9 months

On @BBCr4today on Israel/Gaza this morning, I suggested: 1. It is time for the UK to get off the fence and say, unequivocally, that all violence against all civilians must stop.

Tom Fletcher

@TFletcher

9 months

This tweet inevitably prompted a range of responses and questions. It is a raw and difficult debate. So some responses to the more polite ones … 1/12

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Tom Fletcher

@TFletcher

3 years

Nothing let down Afghanistan more than the manner of our leaving it. Once decision taken to exit, it was always going to be a mess, move beyond our control, fail Afghans. But it didn’t have to be such a mess, move so fast and far beyond our control, fail so many Afghans.

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Tom Fletcher

@TFletcher

6 years

After meeting I asked @SenJohnMcCain for advice for book I was doing for my son (). He wrote: ‘Dear Charlie, there is no greater vocation than to serve. But there is no greater purpose than to love. Live a life that does both, and you’ll be truly happy.’

Dear Charlie: What Would World Leaders Advise a 14 Year Old?

Late in my time at No. 10, I realised that I was unlikely ever again to be in such close proximity to extraordinary people. I was also spending too much time on the road and in airport lounges, too...

tomfletcher.global

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Tom Fletcher

@TFletcher

2 years

The incredible power of a kind @RestIsPolitics shoutout … Many thanks @RoryStewartUK @campbellclaret for their wise and perceptive recommendations (see also the great books by @chrismullinexmp @GSJRussell ) (Hope Machiavelli not the vindictive kind …)

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Tom Fletcher

@TFletcher

2 months

@GusODonnell @RestIsPolitics Intriguing to see who calls when in coming days. 🇨🇳? Excellent No 10/PM teams will have all in hand. Calls will be short, but set tone for busiest first month of statecraft of any PM since WW2. Here’s blogpost on perils of congratulatory call: 8/8

Telephone Diplomacy: The Perils of the Congratulatory Call ...

Following the commentary about Trump's first round of telephone calls with leaders is a reminder of how the congratulatory call is a particular diplomatic minefield. Often a new leader wants to...

tomfletcher.global

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Tom Fletcher

@TFletcher

8 years

Experiencing the extraordinary kindness and openness of people across the Middle East, regardless of my nationality or religion.

Trump Hotels

@TrumpHotels

13 years

Tell us your favorite travel memory - was it a picture, a souvenir, a sunset? We'd love to hear it!

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Tom Fletcher

@TFletcher

4 years

Stunning reminder of what Lebanon can do and can be, even amid so much pain and despair. Shine on. ❤️ 🇱🇧 @BaalbeckFest @ukinlebanon @crampling

Karim Emile Bitar

@karimbitar

4 years

Rehearsal of Carmina Burana at Baalbeck

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Tom Fletcher

@TFletcher

3 years

I left FCO because @SueGrayCO (rightly) said I couldn’t publish book on diplomacy while a 🇬🇧 diplomat. She has been placed in an uncomfortable position. I have zero idea what she will conclude. But be in no doubt: an army of us will defend her integrity and professionalism.

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Tom Fletcher

@TFletcher

3 years

Putin’s military escalation is underway: he is once again doubling down on brutality and violence. Sadly we have seen this before, and need to learn the lessons of our failures to respond in Syria. 1/

BBC Breaking News

@BBCBreaking

3 years

Russian missile strike hits TV tower in Ukrainian capital Kyiv, killing five people, emergency services say

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Tom Fletcher

@TFletcher

2 months

@GusODonnell @RestIsPolitics Call was businesslike. I had spent all day persuading White House to ensure Obama used the words "special relationship", always a UK media obsession. Punched the air a little too vigorously when he did. Fortunately new PM glowed too. We had media briefed moments later. 5/

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Tom Fletcher

@TFletcher

3 years

The theatre of this encounter may in the end say more than the substance. But a five hour meeting, at this table, with this interlocutor, is a Nadalesque feat of stamina from Macron.

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Tom Fletcher

@TFletcher

9 months

@simonmontefiore @TheRestHistory @GordonBrown @DMiliband @UNLazzarini @FilippoGrandi Don’t get me wrong. These are tough, complex calls. Foreign Secretary has great experience and clout. Outstanding diplomats - working flat out in London, NY, network - speak truth to power. But in 2009, PM called it right on a ceasefire resolution. This time, PM didn’t. 12/12

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Tom Fletcher

@TFletcher

7 months

UK parliament/Gaza … None of this matters? Not true. Friends of mine in Israel, Palestine and region messaging that they’re watching closely, especially those who want to isolate hardliners in Israeli cabinet and Hamas, and get back to work on two state solution. 1/

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Tom Fletcher

@TFletcher

5 years

Doing the rounds @ BBC, Sky, LBC etc this afternoon to defend impartial, professional, brilliant public servants. We are in a fragile, unruly moment as a country - it is reckless to undermine such a fundamental and crucial foundation of our strength.

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Tom Fletcher

@TFletcher

9 months

@simonmontefiore @TheRestHistory @GordonBrown @DMiliband ‘But calling for an end to the military action against civilian areas is worse for Palestinian civilians?' Ask a Palestinian civilian, while we still can. 7/12

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Tom Fletcher

@TFletcher

9 years

This is brilliant. How three Syrian boys are finding inspiration amid so much despair.

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Tom Fletcher

@TFletcher

5 years

My first job was working on the tunnel 28 years ago. There was constant media flak. Would tunnels from each end connect? What about flooding, crime, garlic glut, man sized rats? Wouldn’t a bridge be better? Turns out to have been an incredible bridge after all. 🇫🇷🇬🇧

Ed Llewellyn

@EdLlewellynFCDO

5 years

Happy 25th birthday @Eurostar ! 🍾🚆🇬🇧🇫🇷 #Eurostar25

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Tom Fletcher

@TFletcher

9 months

3. You don’t defend international law by acting as though its protections don’t apply to everyone. 4. Getting aid in - by land, sea, air - will save lives. But stopping bombing of civilians will save more lives.

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Tom Fletcher

@TFletcher

11 months

@RoryStewartUK @campbellclaret @bbclysedoucet @BowenBBC Finally, closer to home, if our students - especially of course those with friends and families in region – need support, please let us know. (That’s only thing I can usefully say right now, but I didn’t want to go straight to that without trying to articulate the rest of 🧵)

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Tom Fletcher

@TFletcher

3 years

Today will be a long, hard day for Beirut and everyone who loves Lebanon. Solidarity for all those remembering. Support for all those rebuilding. And a stubborn hope that one day we will see accountability, change and renewal. ❤️ 🇱🇧 💪

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Tom Fletcher

@TFletcher

2 months

@GusODonnell @RestIsPolitics Then calls that night with Merkel 🇩🇪, Rudd 🇦🇺, Harper 🇨🇦. We nearly put through hoax Harper. Pizza in the office with DC and top team. In one of those quirks of No 10, I was simultaneously on GB’s farewell calls, including Obama, Rudd, Cowen 🇮🇪, Netanyahu 🇮🇱. Bed at 1am. 6/

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Tom Fletcher

@TFletcher

2 months

@GusODonnell @RestIsPolitics After emotional farewells once GB resigned we had frantic 40 minutes to sort office out, throwing ties and papers into cupboards. I changed red tie for blue/yellow one as we welcomed new team through black door. As we were clapped in new PM, I had moving call from outgoing one.

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