In his capacity as chairman of the Cabinet committee on Britain's successful 2012 Olympic bid, the Foreign Secretary, Jack Straw, made a parliamentary statement to congratulate all those involved in 'a magnificent achievement' for the United Kingdom as a whole. Speaking in the House of Commons on 6 July, Mr Straw praised the 'immense work' of Lord Coe, Keith Mills and their team, while stressing that these are not just a games for London - they will leave 'a legacy for the entire country.' He concluded: 'Today we can celebrate. From tomorrow we will start to make the Olympic vision come true.'

London will host the 2012 Olympic Games, after an announcement from the International Olympic Committee in Singapore. London won a two-way fight with Paris by 54 votes to 50 at the IOC meeting in Singapore, after the elimination of Moscow, New York and Madrid from the original shortlist of five cities. Speaking at the G8 Summit in Gleneagles, the Prime Minister, Tony Blair, described the decision as 'tremendous and momentous' for London.'

'I want the UK's Presidency to be a time in which we further strengthen the EU's influence and power as a force for good in the world', said Jack Straw, in a speech to the European Parliament in Strasbourg, on Wednesday 6 July. Speaking of the EU's action in the wider world, specifically Africa, Mr Straw said: 'Africans want a better future. We in Europe, with our international partners, must continue to deliver the support which will enable reform in Africa to take root, and in turn to help Africans change Africa for the better.' In concluding, the Foreign Secretary said: 'With our own strength, our global connections, and the power of our values, the European Union today has even greater potential to increase its strength as a force for good in the world.'

Addressing a European Parliament debate in Strasbourg, the Foreign Secretary, Jack Straw, discussed the relationship between the European Union and Iraq. Speaking on 6 July as representative of the British Presidency of the European Union, Mr Straw said that 'since the end of military action, the European Union has recognised its strong and common interest in supporting the new Iraq which is now emerging.' He added that the European Union is today 'delivering an impressive and comprehensive programme of assistance to the government and people of Iraq, as they seek to build a peaceful and democratic future.' Mr Straw concluded that as Presidency of the EU, the United Kingdom would seek to build on what has already been achieved.
[Arabic translation available]