G7 Speakers unite in support of Ukraine

Sir Lindsay Hoyle received a specially minted medal and certificate from his Ukrainian counterpart – Ruslan Stefanchuk, Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada – who told him: ‘I can always rely on your support.’

The presentation came during a bilateral meeting between Sir Lindsay and Mr Stefanchuk at the G7 Speakers’ conference in Verona, Italy, after its members agreed they would ‘stand in unconditional solidarity with Ukraine in its struggle for freedom, security, independence and reconstruction’.

During the conference, Mr Speaker said it was important he and his G7 counterparts continued supporting Ukraine, adding:

‘After all, what happens to Ukraine today could happen to the rest of us tomorrow, so this is a fight we must all take together.’

Mr Stefanchuk thanked G7 members for their military and humanitarian support so far, but stressed that Ukraine needed additional resources if it is to defeat Russia .

Sir Lindsay has been a passionate advocate for and a friend of Ukraine since October 2020, when he welcomed President Volodymyr Zelensky to Parliament – the first visit to him by a head of state since being elected to the Chair in November 2019.

The Speaker made history in March 2022 when he invited President Zelensky to address MPs and Lords by satellite link in the House of Commons Chamber.

Less than a year later, President Zelensky addressed both Houses in person in a major speech in Westminster Hall.

The G7 conference brings together the Speakers and Presiding Officers of seven of the world’s advanced economies - Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, United Kingdom, United States - the President of the European Parliament, and on this occasion guest Speakers from Ukraine and Tanzania.

The meeting aims to promote an exchange of experience, opinions, and information, primarily on parliamentary matters such as the role of parliaments and the organisation of parliamentary functions in a rapidly changing world.

The 2024 gathering was hosted and chaired by Lorenzo Fontana, President of the Chamber of Deputies in Italy, and discussed artificial intelligence, cyber security, and the challenges of stability and growth for Africa and the Mediterranean.

Sir Lindsay used the opportunity to join Bärbel Bas, the President of the Bundestag, to talk about the pros and cons of AI for Parliaments.

Italy will be handing over the presidency of the G7 to Canada next year.

Photo credit: Chairman Stefanchuk's press service / Vadym Sarakhan