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peterjonesuk.bsky.social
Vice Chair, MAG International. Head of Global Strategies, LSE IDEAS. Distinguished Fellow, Royal United Services Institute. Chair, British Italian Society.
104 posts 1,609 followers 394 following
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“Before MAG, I was an accountant. I didn’t know humanitarian demining organisations existed." War forced Margarita into a new reality. Now, she leads a team in one of Ukraine’s heavily contaminated areas. “I hope we can start restoring our country.” ➡️ buff.ly/3QBkTBa

Challenging day for those of us who support all three of a strong 🇬🇧 defence posture, generous international development approach & influential diplomacy. Times are tough. But all the more reason to invest in all the above

MAG is deeply disappointed to hear today’s announcement by the Prime Minister that UK Official Development Assistance will be reduced from 0.5% to 0.3% of Gross National Income. Read MAG's full statement ⬇️

“What truly matters is your family, friends, and health." MAG Ukraine Team Leader, Tonya, speaks to The Standard about her life today, three years after the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. @tamaradavison.bsky.social Read here ➡️ buff.ly/3F2NmNL

Another grim anniversary for #Ukraine & its people. Please have a look at what @minesadvisorygroup.bsky.social is doing to help.

Exciting news! Please check it out & subscribe to the channel. Wonderful videos of our teams’ work. Plus Rosamund Pike, if you need another incentive

In #Benin, with support from @diplo.de, MAG recently co-organised with the National Commission on Small Arms an official handover ceremony of a battery of six containerised armouries to safely store small arms, light weapons and ammunition.

MAG recently welcomed a delegation from the Dutch Embassy to Tal Jada’a, #Iraq. The team visited a clearance site, observed Dutch-funded operations, saw mine detection dogs in action & met members of the local community. Thank you to the Dutch Government for its vital support.

Indulge me, it’s Valentine’s Day: Liverpool are red Everton are blue I’ve had a smile on my face Since the Toffees drew Enjoy the day & thank you @evertonfc.com

MAG recently hosted Liisa Maunula, Deputy Head of Mission at the Finnish Embassy in Baghdad, in Batnaya, #Iraq. The team observed Finnish-funded explosive ordnance clearance, mine detection dog teams & MAG’s risk education efforts, while also hearing from local communities.

Recommended reading

MAG has achieved a new milestone in its digital and mass media risk education efforts, reaching over 70 million people in 2024 and providing critical safety information to those living with the daily threat of landmines and unexploded ordnance. Learn more ⬇️ buff.ly/4hLjC6n

I find the physicality of this moment more striking than any number of policy papers

Encouraging to see evidence of tangible benefits to studying International Relations - at a time when we need interest & engagement more than ever

Delighted to see the old chap looking as smart as ever. Had the honour of being his occasional door opener & lift attendant in Foreign Office days. Fortunately never had to separate him from @number10cat.bsky.social

At the ‘UK & The World in 2025' Reception at @wiltonpark.bsky.social, FCDO Minister Jenny Chapman recognised MAG as Manchester's largest humanitarian organisation, leading the way on removing explosive ordnance around the world. We are grateful for the UK Government's support. ⬇️ buff.ly/3Cxtvp9

Delighted to attend yesterday’s @wiltonpark.bsky.social ‘UK & the World in 2025’ event. Even more delighted by Baroness Chapman’s remarks on @minesadvisorygroup.bsky.social ‘s leading role in removing landmines & explosives

"It's clear that there will be a significant threat to life and a long-term barrier to reconstruction efforts.” MAG’s Director of Programmes spoke to CBC News about the scale of devastation in #Gaza. More ⬇️ buff.ly/42A7Ffy

MAG’s Director of Programmes, Greg Crowther, spoke to @theguardian.com about the unprecedented challenges of clearing unexploded bombs in #Gaza. Read more ⬇️ buff.ly/3WuwB44

Ah ha: my first case on this platform of being mistaken for my #dragonsden namesake. My personal benchmark of @bsky.app lift off

Delighted to see @thehalotrust.bsky.social on here alongside ourselves at @minesadvisorygroup.bsky.social

MAG CEO Darren Cormack joined @thehalotrust.bsky.social today to meet with Development Minister Anneliese Dodds. The minister heard more about the far-reaching impact of mine action to support communities affected by conflict, and the UK's leading role in support of these efforts.

In the midst of ceasefire hope, challenges remain. MAG’s Director of Programmes tells @inews.co.uk about the unexploded ordnance that will hamper recovery and reconstruction in #Gaza. 🔗Read the full article: buff.ly/4jpvzjC

At a UK parliamentary briefing this week, MAG called for increased humanitarian aid and mine action support in Syria. Speaking from Syria, MAG’s Community Liaison Manager stressed how landmines and unexploded ordnance hinder recovery. ➡️ buff.ly/40FwbdS

In #Peru, MAG recently supported U.S. Southern Command's Explosive Ordnance Disposal course for the Peruvian Armed Forces as part of its Humanitarian Mine Action programme, which is critical to reducing unplanned explosions & preventing the diversion of munitions. ⬇️ buff.ly/3WlUvi0

MAG welcomes the announcement of a ceasefire in Gaza and agreement to release hostages. We call on all parties to uphold its terms and for full humanitarian access to be granted as soon as possible.

🎙The past year registered many landmark events in global security. But what was foreseen, and what was unexpected? And how have security events altered the trajectory of various regions? Tune in to the latest episode of Global Security Briefing to learn more.

This week, we are shining a light on women clearing mines and unexploded bombs in Zimbabwe, as part of our project to celebrate women in mine action. Our female staff were photographed last year by the talented Yagazie Emezi for #TheFemaleLens.

The article’s well worth a read & @wiltonpark.bsky.social well worth a follow

Heart says ‘yes’. Head says ‘hope it works’. Welcome back, the Reappointed One

Thank you for your support @helenebismarck.bsky.social !

In 2024, MAG #Ukraine delivered 4,000+ risk education sessions, reaching 36,000+ people with life-saving information on identifying explosive items. “Many people are in despair," says MAG team leader, Elmira. "The fact that we’re here is important." ➡️ https://buff.ly/3W9bfZL

MAG joined BOND to host a parliamentary reception, calling for a strong UK international development programme. Lord McConnell & Anneliese Dodds, Minister for Development, stressed the role conflict plays in driving humanitarian needs & the need to tackle these issues. ➡️ https://buff.ly/4gImEYY

Encouraging to see 🇬🇧 Ambassador @allenross.bsky.social using this platform for HM Government comms - & the issue is important

Great to see @ukparliament.parliament.uk & related accounts so active on here. But where are UK Government Departments?

Westminster looking splendid in the winter sun. Happy New Year!

Happy New Year from all of us at MAG! A sincere thank you to everyone who has joined our efforts to support people around the world affected by conflict.

Welcome over @simonmcdonald.bsky.social !

2024 saw a number of our programmes celebrate significant milestones in their work. Our teams in Laos and in Angola celebrated 30 years of work, while MAG Vietnam makes 25 years since operations began. Read about all our latest achievements here: https://buff.ly/40Zfbwh

Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas & happy, peaceful New Year 2025

MAG teams in #Lebanon have launched an emergency response to address new contamination in affected communities following a ceasefire that ended two months of intense aerial bombardments. Read more ➡️ https://buff.ly/3Dq5kJC

You might have thought we’d already inflicted sufficient pain on our European partners ... Top marks @uk.diplo.de - ausgezeichnet!

“Our family home is now just rubble,” says Hiba Ghandour, Programme Manager for MAG Lebanon. With an estimated 100,000 homes destroyed & explosive devices scattered across communities, the challenges ahead are immense. Read Hiba’s story & how MAG is responding to the crisis ➡️ buff.ly/4ff2aWa

With my @rusi.bsky.social hat on, it’s been brilliant to renew contact with outgoing Chair @davidlidington.bsky.social, previously a great Foreign Office Minister. Next we get to be led by the Duke of Wellington. How cool is that?

Every day, children in #Gaza are living with the constant threat of unexploded bombs. For children in conflict zones, knowing how to avoid explosives isn’t just a lesson, but a lifeline. This Christmas you can help to keep people in Gaza safe. Give today: buff.ly/41uskkl

In #Gaza, MAG and our partners, Save Youth Future Society, have deployed 15 additional risk education teams to deliver life-saving messages. Since September, teams have reached over 100,000 people, equipping them with the tools needed to stay safe around unexploded bombs. More ➡️ buff.ly/4gJ4ru3

🚨🧵New RUSI report, ‘The Joint Expeditionary Force and its Contribution to European Security’ by @edrusi.bsky.social is out now!

Ghana 🇬🇭 has many problems. But again it’s showing the way (not just in Africa) on democratic processes