Iceland becomes first European country to lift Covid restrictions, Speaker told

His Excellency Sturla Sigurjónsson said requirements to wear a mask, respect social distancing and have low-number gatherings were brought to an end on 26 June.

He also told Sir Lindsay Hoyle that Iceland, which has a population of around 370,000, had suffered 30 deaths during the pandemic.

"We have been lucky and fortunate in many ways" said Mr Sigurjónsson, who took up his position as Ambassador of Iceland to the UK in November 2020.

"We are a small island, with one port of entry, and a small society – making the situation far more manageable than that experienced by other nations."

Mr Sigurjónsson gave the update during a meeting organised by Sir Lindsay as part of his Speaker-led mission to improve diplomatic ties and friendships between parliaments, overseas Speakers, ambassadors and high commissioners.

The pair also discussed renewable energy, electric cars and a proposed Youth Mobility Scheme between the two nations, which will allow 18 to 30 years the chance to live in each other’s country for up to two years.