Speaker tells Royal Gibraltar Regiment: "I am in awe at everything you have done."
30 March 2022
The Speaker of the House of Commons spoke of his pride in the Royal Gibraltar Regiment who are taking part in ceremonial duties across London.
Sir Lindsay Hoyle made the comments as he welcomed more than 40 members of the Regiment to the House of Commons for a special reception in their honour.
The Royal Gibraltar Regiment, whose soldiers have engaged in all major theatres – including tours of Iraq and Afghanistan – were in London to guard key sites, including the Tower of London, St James’ Palace, and Buckingham Palace.
Their time in the capital culminates at the end of the month with the Earl of Wessex presenting the Regiment with new Colours at Windsor Castle.
Sir Lindsay, a long-time friend of Gibraltar and champion of the Regiment, said it was "a great honour" for them to be returning to London during the Platinum Jubilee year of HM The Queen.
"While it is a privilege for any unit to be selected to deliver these duties, it is particularly special for a light infantry – rather than a guards’ - regiment, to be chosen," he said.
"It will be, for many soldiers – both young and old – an experience they will remember for the rest of their lives – certainly one to tell the grandchildren about."
More than 100 members of the Regiment served throughout the Iraq-Afghanistan campaigns.
Most notably, former Commanding Officer, Lt Col Colin Risso, who was a Major when he was awarded the Military Cross after he risked his life to help an American convoy under heavy attack in Afghanistan.
More recently, the Regiment has shared its know-how by partnering with the Moroccan Armed Forces, and through its training with the Gambian UN forces prior to deployment to UN operations.
Sir Lindsay, who is Honorary Colonel of 3 Medical Regiment, said: "I am so proud of the Royal Gibraltar Regiment, which has been guarding the Rock since 1939, and am in awe of everything it has done, especially during recent high-profile campaigns."
Lt Col Simon Dyson, the Regiment’s Commanding Officer, said his soldiers were "deeply honoured" to be hosted at Speaker’s House.
"It is well known that the Speaker is a big supporter of the Regiment and Gibraltar, but the warmth of our reception and the appreciation for our service was wonderful and humbling in equal measure," he said.
"We look forward to welcoming the Speaker back to Gibraltar later this year."