Speaker hails Tokyo Olympics during meeting with Japan ambassador

Sir Lindsay Hoyle noted that while there will be no spectators cheering on the athletes at most venues because of Covid-19, the Olympics will be watched keenly across the globe via television and the internet.

He told His Excellency Hajime Hayashi: "I am really looking forward to it - it will give a boost to the world after everything we have been through.

"Like most people, I’m not able to go there in person – instead, it’s coming to us. We will all be able to watch it from the comfort of our homes.

"We will still get the same feeling – nothing has changed. But it will give you an excellent opportunity to showcase Tokyo."

The Summer Olympic Games are due to take place between 23 July and 8 August, mostly in the Greater Tokyo Area, with the Paralympic Games between 24 August and 5 September.

It was announced recently that the games will take place without spectators following a surge in coronavirus cases in the country.

Mr Hayashi and Sir Lindsay also talked about trade links between the UK and Japan, renewable energy and the two nations’ mutual love of gardens.

The meeting was organised by Sir Lindsay as part of his Speaker-led UK parliamentary diplomacy to establish enduring ties between countries and parliamentarians.