Visits and activities

The Speaker plays a key role in leading UK parliamentary diplomacy, seeking to establish enduring ties between countries and parliamentarians in addition to their traditional and ceremonial duties as the head of institution.

The Speaker performs diplomatic duties in receiving visiting heads of state or heads of government to the UK Parliament.

The Speaker also interacts on a regular basis with the diplomatic corps to maintain positive relations with parliaments around the world.

The Speaker also travels abroad on behalf of the House of Commons and serve as host to other foreign Speakers when they visit UK.