Commons Speaker visits Gibraltar, hailing it his "home from home"

Sir Lindsay Hoyle, a long-time friend of The Rock, has dedicated part of his Speakership to giving a voice to the 14 territories that have a historic or constitutional link to the UK.

But the pandemic and various travel restrictions have prevented him from fulfilling this commitment to visit the BOTs – until now.

During his three-day visit, Mr Speaker was installed as Chancellor of the University of Gibraltar - and took part in two graduation ceremonies at its campus in Europa Point.

He toured the Royal Navy’s Gibraltar Squadron, called on Vice Admiral Sir David Steel, the Governor of Gibraltar; his Deputy Nick Pyle, and the Speaker of Gibraltar Parliament, Hon Melvyn Farrell.

Sir Lindsay thanked the Gibraltarians for their hospitality adding that "it was great to be back in this overseas territory that I hold so dear - it was like coming home."

"Gibraltar has always held a special place in my heart, so being installed as the Chancellor of the University has been a particular honour for me," he said.

"My association with and love for the Rock preceded me becoming an MP, and was sparked by my father Doug, whose efforts to raise its voice on the world stage earned him the Freedom of Gibraltar in 2004."

"Since my election in 1997, I too have made it my mission to put this important British Overseas Territory on the map and to be its friend, as a former chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Gibraltar, by attending Gibraltar National Day events and through questions and debates on the floor of the House of Commons."

Sir Lindsay Hoyle intends to extend a welcoming hand to the 14 BOTs, which are located from the Pitcairn Islands in the Southern Pacific Ocean to the British Indian Ocean Territory almost 10,000 miles away. 

Earlier this year he held an inaugural virtual meeting of the Speakers of the House of Commons and Overseas Territories Conference – a new forum to help its membership foster contacts, share information and experiences.

"For too long I have felt the British Overseas Territories have been overlooked, yet so many of the decisions we make here in the UK have a huge impact on their futures," he said.

"This is why it is so important to me that during my term as Speaker we engage with and learn from all of the British Overseas Territories, so I am really pleased we are beginning to make those all-important connections."

Image credit: : Mark Galliano/ University of Gibraltar