Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office's Media Enquiries line is dedicated to assisting journalists with questions about UK foreign policy, consular matters, and official statements. The service is available 24/7 for urgent media enquiries, while routine questions are handled during standard UK office hours. Journalists should have their credentials ready and provide a clear description of their enquiry. Non-media queries should be directed to the general FCDO contact number. For urgent matters, the newsdesk email is monitored around the clock. Typical wait times can vary, especially during major international events, so calling during off-peak hours is recommended.
Updated 15 Dec 2025
Expected outcomes
- Respond to media enquiries
- Provide official statements
- Clarify foreign policy issues
- Address consular matters
- Assist with urgent media requests
Call preparation
Assemble everything before you dial. These requirements are verified by our call analysts and updated as organizations change their scripts.
- Journalist credentials
- Media organization name
- Nature of enquiry
- Contact details
- Urgency and deadline
- Clear enquiry description
Known issues
Callers sometimes experience long wait times, particularly during significant international events or crises. To avoid delays, journalists are encouraged to use email for urgent enquiries or call outside peak hours. Additionally, non-media callers occasionally reach the media line, resulting in confusion and redirection. These callers should use the general FCDO contact number to ensure they are directed to the appropriate department. By preparing the necessary information beforehand, journalists can help streamline the enquiry process and receive timely responses.
