William Hague
@WilliamJHague
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Former UK Foreign Secretary, Leader of the House of Commons and MP for Richmond (Yorks) 1989-2015. Co-Founder of the Preventing Sexual Violence Initiative
Joined March 2010
It is the greatest honour of my life to have been chosen by my fellow Oxonians to serve as Chancellor of our university.
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Trump is a serious danger and we all need him to lose.
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John Prescott was one of the great figures of our political era—passionate, loyal, and full of life. I will never forget our many lively exchanges across the despatch box. John was a formidable debater, unflinching in his commitment to his values, and he had a unique ability to.
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Decriminalising drugs is the only way forward. Instead of pointlessly talking tough, we should follow Portugal in treating addiction primarily as a health problem. Read my latest @thetimes column here:
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Since I’ve seen reports of people placing bets on me being the new party chairman, please be aware that I will absolutely not be returning to politics in any shape or form, including that one.
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Humiliating Denmark, Canada, and other allies comes easily at the moment, but the day will come when America once again needs their trust and support. The White House may enjoy beating up a few friends, but the US will need more strength than it yet imagines stopping the fight.
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The letter to Boris Johnson on Hong Kong I have signed with six other Fromer Foreign Secretaries.
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It is becoming more likely that the United States will “take a pass” on securing peace for Ukraine. The UK and EU must urgently expand their defence industrial capacity to support Kyiv to fight on with reduced American support.
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‘Labour doesn’t want to solve Brexit, it only wants to destroy the Tories.’ Read my latest @Telegraph article
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When Starmer arrives at the White House to discuss the future of Ukraine, he must fix his eye on the bust of Churchill and relay his message that ‘The belief that security can be obtained by throwing a small state to the wolves is a fatal delusion’. The future of Europe depends.
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President’s Trump’s tariffs show that we need to take what he says both seriously and literally. Many tariffs are here to stay, and we need to take his statements on Canada, Greenland, and a third presidential term at face value.
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Beijing has banned Joshua Wong’s books, but they show us the shape of the terrible struggle ahead. Read my latest @Telegraph column
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I am fortunate to co-chair @united4wildlife, a global coalition launched by HRH The Prince of Wales. This week in South Africa we secured new support for rangers, who are the brave people on the frontline of our work. The Royal Family’s leadership on this is exceptional.
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Breaching international law would leave Britain perilously exposed. As foreign secretary, I saw first-hand how much we rely on our reputation for upholding global rules. Read my latest @Telegraph column
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Oxford transformed my life. When I arrived as a 17-year-old from a comprehensive school for an interview at Magdalen, I didn’t know a single person in the whole city, and no one in my family had ever been to university. I have never forgotten how Oxford equipped me to take on.
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‘Another hung parliament would offer only permanent chaos and instability - moderate voters should cast their ballot for a Conservative majority.’ Read my latest @Telegraph article
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Nationalism is bankrupt and has no answers. The ideas of Trump and Farage are irrelevant in a world where crises will only be solved by nations working together. Read my latest @thetimes column here:
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Boris Johnson and Liz Truss should fess up to failure. Leaders who deny any culpability in their own downfall have a corrosive effect on their party and the wider electorate. Read my latest @thetimes column here:.
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Attack on nature is a mistake Tories can avoid. The party’s strong record on green issues risks being undermined by a proposed bonfire of environmental regulations. Read my latest @thetimes column here:
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#WorldElephantDay we must continue to work together to protect this noble species. #Worthmorealive @united4wildlife
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Quick word from me in response to the wonderful messages of support I’ve received over the past few days 👇
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We must stop barbaric crimes against women. Gang rapes and mutilation are being carried out in the Tigray conflict but the world prefers to look the other way. Read my latest @thetimes column here:
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While the UK must continue to try and work with Trump, we must also reduce our extreme dependence on America. We need to work with Europe to take on defence responsibilities, improve tech’s access to capital, and urgently reform visas to attract the world’s most talented.
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In one way, whoever is elected leader of the opposition will have an easier task than I had in that role. Instead of competing with Tony Blair, they will be opposing Keir Starmer. Yet in every other way, their job will be harder. I believe @KemiBadenoch stands the best chance.
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'The war on cannabis has failed - we must be bold and change course', my latest @Telegraph
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Labour and the Tories should not panic after this week’s elections – Reform remains entirely beatable. But both parties must ditch the “business as usual” approach, and drive significant progress on cutting migration, growing the economy, and embracing patriotism and belonging.
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Rishi Sunak brings stability and hope back to No 10. After the chaos of the past few months, this sensible appointment shows the British political system is functioning again. Read my latest @thetimes column
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This morning, I had the pleasure of meeting with Vice-Chancellor Irene Tracey and the incredible team who work tirelessly to keep @UniofOxford thriving. I’m excited to start work in the new year with Irene and the wider Oxford community to help take the university I love to even
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Farage’s posturing offers no future for Tories. Reform leader will launch a charm offensive on Conservatives but his permanent opposition to everything is a dead end. Read my latest @thetimes column here:
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My heart and soul are in Oxford, and if I can help ensure future 17-year-olds have the same opportunity as I did, I offer my service.
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As incoming Chair of The Royal Foundation of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, I’m delighted that today the Foundation and Prince William have launched The Earthshot Prize. To learn more, follow @EarthshotPrize.
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Scots need to know what independence means. If the SNP is to have another referendum, other parties must demand answers to tough questions about Scotland’s future. Read my latest @thetimes column here:
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Cognitive warfare has arrived - and we’re all on the battlefield. We have to wake up to the fact that a modern adversary might not attack us with tanks and aircraft, but by getting inside our brains.
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Tonight I am standing down as Foreign Secretary after 4 years to serve as Leader of the House of Commons.
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Wishing Boris a speedy recovery and return to work. We need him.
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Tonight's agreement with #Iran good for the whole world, including Middle Eastern countries and the people of Iran themselves #IranTalks.
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Oxford transformed my life. If I can help ensure future 17-year-olds have the same opportunity as I did, I offer my service as its next Chancellor.
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It’s in the UK’s national interest that Joe Biden wins the presidential race. Read my latest @Telegraph column
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Right decision by David Cameron to leave Commons - former Prime Ministers are either accused of doing too little or being a distraction.
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Even rightwingers know we need migrants.This is only the start of the age of migration — parties from all sides must strive for new ideas or risk French-style chaos. Read my latest @thetimes column here:
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All our thoughts with innocent people killed today. We must never give into murderers.
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I will take forward the UK campaign to end sexual violence in conflict as the PM’s Special Representative.
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Thank you to all my fellow Oxonians who took part in the Chancellor election and to my supporters for your encouragement and belief in me. It is an honour to have been considered for this role, and I look forward to seeing our great university continue to thrive.
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Ideology is dead: it’s competence we need now. Talk of tax cuts and the size of the state should give way to pragmatic plans for education, business and the NHS. Read my latest @thetimes here:
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Humbled by the support of fellow Oxonians. The Chancellor of Oxford is a serious role in a challenging era for our university. Here’s what it means to me 👇.
Five candidates have now progressed to the second and final round of the election for the University of Oxford’s next Chancellor’s election:. - Lady Elish Angiolini.- Rt Hon Dominic Grieve.- Lord William Hague.- Lord Peter Mandelson.- Baroness Jan Royall.
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David Cameron’s decency is an asset to ailing Tories. Return of the former PM shows Sunak’s desire for rational, respectful politics that can lure back disillusioned voters. Read my latest @thetimes column here:
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Like it or not, the future and security of the UK and the EU is heavily dependent on Trump’s America. Contrary to popular belief, the USA is becoming more dominant internationally, relative to its allies. If we’re not to become ever more dependent on America, we will need.
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The world must act now on wildlife markets or run the risk of worse pandemics in future. Read my latest @Telegraph column
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Low growth. Aggressive Russia. Mass migration. Europe is on the brink. Why does the world need to look to Germany for leadership?.
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‘Sorry Brexiteers, but Parliament doesn’t want No Deal and it has the means to kill it.’ Read my latest @Telegraph article
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Start treating ultra-processed food like tobacco. History will look back at our salt and sugar-laden diet - and the government resistance to curbing it - with incredulity. Read my latest @thetimes column here: .
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This agreement shows it is possible to work with #Iran, and through diplomacy address intractable problems #IranTalks.
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Rumoured scrapping of anti-obesity polices would be a serious error, leading to poorer health, more dependency, and ultimately higher taxes and a bigger state. See my Times column in May.
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Renewal in politics is good, and holding office is not an end in itself. After 26 years as an MP time will be right for me to move on.
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I was honoured to accompany HM The Queen on overseas visits when I was Foreign Secretary and will never forget her extraordinary dedication to duty and sure-footed handling of every situation. An inspiration for all, for ever. @thetimes
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‘Local’ MPs can’t give leadership we need. A parliament dominated by former councillors would be ill-equipped to respond to the great global challenges ahead. Read my latest @thetimes column here:
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Putin is playing Trump like a fiddle. He would only ever agree to a peace deal that left Ukraine humiliated and unable to defend itself in the future, so do not expect quick agreement if the Istanbul talks go ahead.
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Egyptian Ambassador to London will be summoned to the @foreignoffice today over sentencing of journalists in #Egypt.
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UK will not recognise Crimea referendum and we are calling for strong EU response http://t.co/ailnEDYVeI.
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Matt Clifford’s AI report is the most important policy proposal in the UK since the general election. If enacted, his plan can help pull our country out of a whirlpool of debt and low growth. Keir Starmer’s response is encouraging, but to make a success of @matthewclifford ‘s.
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The Prime Minister has rightly warned that “this is a once-in-a-generation moment for the security of Europe”. But stepping up to this historic task will take more than spending 2.5% of GDP on defence. To secure democracy, Britain and Europe need to increase the size of their.
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We support Ukrainian gov's request for urgent consultations in accordance with 1994 Budapest Memorandum signed by UK, US, Russia, #Ukraine.
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Tackling wildlife trafficking is critical to protecting our planet and strengthening global security. Grateful to be among leaders committed to safeguarding our natural world for future generations #EarthshotCapeTown
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Can’t wait to start work in Oxford - a university I’ve been involved with all my life. Enjoyed speaking with @KayBurley about it this morning.
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Enjoyed spending time with my friend and colleague @CFigueres, Chair of the incredible @EarthshotPrize 🌎. Christiana is one of the world's greatest activists for the environment. Together, we're working toward meaningful change.
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Wildlife traffickers brazenly exploit global financial systems to move the proceeds of their crimes. So I am delighted the financial sector today joins @united4wildlife by committing its much needed support to tackle this illegal trade #EndWildlifeCrime
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The EU's vaccine nationalism is even more dangerous than it looks. In an age of pandemics, Brussels’ bid to disrupt global supply networks sets a disastrous precedent. Read my latest @Telegraph column here
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As voting closes later today for Oxford’s next Chancellor, it is truly an honour to be considered for the role. That’s because Oxford transformed my life. When I arrived as a 17-year-old from a comprehensive school for an interview at Magdalen, I didn’t know a single person in.
Oxford transformed my life. If I can help ensure future 17-year-olds have the same opportunity as I did, I offer my service as its next Chancellor.
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#Egypt should review unacceptable sentences against Egyptian and international journalists and show commitment to freedom of the press.
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Ed Miliband misleads the country when he tells people he can govern the country without doing deals with the SNP #bbcqt.
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Very saddened to hear about the death of Charles Kennedy: a devoted public servant, a gifted Parliamentarian, and a man of great warmth.
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Terribly sad to hear of the death of Jo Cox, senselessly killed working for her constituents.
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While Trump is throwing rocks at his neighbours, and the UK is trying to mend fences with our own, the West must focus on the real threat: Russia has worked out how to weaken or overthrow western governments without firing a shot. The Kremlin’s disinformation campaigns in.
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It’s time to do for science what we did for sport. The next PM must deliver on the promise that Britain will be a scientific superpower: our prosperity depends on it. Read my latest @thetimes column here:
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A day when all our thoughts are with the Queen and the Royal Family. Having travelled with the Duke of Edinburgh when I was Foreign Secretary, I can testify to his great good humour, considerable patience, and endless dedication to his task.
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As with Trump, the Johnson ‘witch-hunt’ is nothing of the sort. In both cases we are seeing institutions reassert themselves in the cause of good governance. Read my latest @thetimes column here:
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'The Queen has dealt with dictators and despots – she'll take a visit from Donald Trump in her stride' @Telegraph
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I have just opened the @united4wildlife transportation taskforce meeting at Lancaster House. Bringing private enterprise and government together to combat the illegal wildlife trade. #UfW #IWT.
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Britain's opponents would love to cause mischief if we left the European Union. Read my latest article @Telegraph
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Extremely concerned about humanitarian situation and loss of life in Gaza. Speaking to President Abbas today.
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Delighted that @alexstubb is doing so well in the presidential election in Finland. A great colleague when he was Foreign Minister and a wise, energetic and inspiring leader. He would be a great asset to his country as president.
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This disastrous lockdown can never be repeated, even if the virus returns. Read my latest @Telegraph column
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Obesity U-turn is weak, shallow and immoral. The threat of letters of no confidence has seen off a policy that might have turned around Britain’s relentlessly bad diet. Read my latest @thetimes column here:
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So sad to hear of the death of Betty Boothroyd. She was a great Speaker and a wonderful character - she loved a whisky and a good gossip, which never leaked. Kind, fair, fun and forthright: what an unforgettable combination.
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‘Nato is stronger and more resilient than many think, but it relies on Britain being a trustworthy ally and the sad fact is Corbyn doesn’t believe in defending the West.’ Read my latest @Telegraph article
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There’s no peace deal to be made with Putin. The growing feeling in Europe that the war must end as soon as possible is misguided and would be a betrayal of Ukraine. Read my latest @thetimes column here:
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From May 2015, after such a long period in politics I want to embark on many other things I have always wanted to do.
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I will not stand as an MP in the May 2015 General Election, after 26 years as an MP.
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"Wild animals belong in the wild, and ivory is not beautiful unless on the tusk of a living animal". Important call to protect the environment by Angelina Jolie. #IWT.
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