Speaker Hoyle tells German Ambassador: Our ties extend beyond Brexit
10 March 2021
Friendship, trade and business links fostered between the UK and Germany before Brexit should continue on a parliamentary level - despite Britain’s departure from the EU, the Speaker of the House of Commons has said.
In a virtual meeting with Germany's ambassador to the UK - Andreas Michaelis - Sir Lindsay Hoyle said he was determined good relations between the two nations should continue.
‘We may not be in the EU, but that does not stop us building up that political friendship independently,’ Sir Lindsay said.
‘We have got to build a relationship beyond Brexit. It is so important that we do keep good links and that positive debates between us continue.’
Meanwhile, Mr Michaelis emphasised ‘the importance of concrete and tangible steps to make sure our countries and peoples remain connected’.
Increasing parliamentary contacts and ties, boosting the UK’s manufacturing base, and bilateral visits were also discussed during the half-hour conversation.
The meeting was arranged as part of Sir Lindsay’s Speaker-led diplomacy, which aims to build stronger relationships with Speakers in other Parliaments and ambassadors to the UK.