Speaker discusses Covid and climate change with Swiss Abassador

His Excellency Markus Leitner said Switzerland had noticed the impact of climate change and rising temperatures where "Alpine glaciers are losing volume every year".

The Ambassador made the remarks during an inaugural meeting organised by Sir Lindsay Hoyle, as part of his Speaker-led UK parliamentary diplomacy to establish enduring ties between countries and parliamentarians.

Sir Lindsay said he tried to use "soft power" to enable better relationships between countries and he hoped visitors "always feel we are there to help and assist".

Mr Leitner said Switzerland had an "excellent bilateral relationship" with the UK. He highlighted the areas where both countries intend to deepen their relations, particularly in the area of financial services, trade and scientific collaboration.

The two men also discussed the impact of Covid and the challenges both countries are facing.

Mr Speaker said the UK House of Commons was one of only several legislatures in the world to stay open throughout the pandemic – while Mr Leitner explained the results of a recent referendum where a majority of the population clearly backed the government’s coronavirus policy after voting on the issue for the second time this year.

They also emphasised the importance of the two parliaments having regular exchanges.