Common security interests highlighted in visit underscoring our strong relations with Lithuania
From Monday 24 November to Wednesday 26 November BGIPU hosted a delegation from Lithuania led by Radvile Morkunaite-Mikuleniene, Deputy Speaker of the Seimas. She was joined by fellow Seimas members Ramunas Vyzintas and Modesta Petrauskaite, and the delegation was also accompanied by Asta Skirmantiene, Senior Adviser at the Seimas International Relations Unit, as well as Ambassador Radikaite and Diana Kopilevic from the Embassy of Lithuania in London.
The delegation began their visit by meeting with Emma Makey, Head of Strategy and Programmes at the Inter-Parliamentary Relations Office, who provided an introduction to the UK Parliament and the Westminster parliamentary system. Following a tour of Parliament the delegation then attended a welcome lunch hosted by James Asser MP, an Officer of the APPG on Lithuania, where the discussion focused on support for Ukraine, the threat to Europe from Russia and the ongoing negotiations over a US peace plan.
After lunch the delegation met with BGIPU Director Rick Nimmo to discuss BGIPU’s work as well as work within the IPU generally. They then met with Nick Pickard, Europe Director at the FCDO, where the conversation covered the threat from Russia, the UK and Lithuania’s increases to defence spending and developments in defence manufacturing, both countries’ strong support for Ukraine, and relations with China. Following this, they ended the day by attending the Armed Forces of the Baltic States Reception.
The second day of the visit began with a meeting with the Rt Hon Caroline Nokes MP, Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons, who spoke about her recent attendance at the Crimea Platform representing Mr Speaker. This was immediately followed by a meeting with Baroness Scott of Needham Market, Deputy Speaker of the House of Lords. Baroness Scott gave an overview of the Lords and reforms to it, as well as its role in scrutiny, its powers and the limitations to those. The delegation then met with the Rt Hon Wendy Morton MP, Shadow Minister for the FCDO, where the conversation focused on Russia’s war against Ukraine and Russia’s wider threat to Europe as well as the issues Lithuania is facing from Belarus and UK-Lithuania ties more widely. This was followed by a meeting with the Lords European Affairs Committee, where the discussion covered UK-EU relations.
Following a working lunch hosted by Jess Morden MP the delegation attended a roundtable meeting with Members of Parliament hosted by the Rt Hon Sir John Whittingdale MP, Chair of the APPG on Lithuania, and joined by Tan Dhesi MP, Dame Harriett Baldwin MP, Chris Law MP, Stephen Gethins MP, Richard Foord MP, Bernard Jenkin MP, Emma Lewell MP and Lord Mountevans. The conversation focused on security and defence issues, particularly support for Ukraine and Lithuania’s own security concerns as well as European defence and security ties. They then met with Jess Morden MP where they discussed her role as Chair of the Parliamentary Labour Party, UK engagement with Lithuania and UK political dynamics. The delegation ended the day with a meeting with the Home Affairs Committee where they discussed approaches to immigration, the issues Lithuania is facing in this regard and the immigration debate in the UK.
The final day of the visit began with a meeting with BGIPU Chair Fabian Hamilton MP, which focused on Russia’s war against Ukraine, Lithuania’s security concerns, and strengthening UK-Lithuania ties. After attending Prime Minister’s Questions, the delegation attended a farewell lunch hosted by Baroness Scott of Needham Market.
The visit helped to reinforce awareness of both countries’ strong and consistent support for Ukraine and commitment to enhancing European defence capabilities as well as underlining the strong relationship between the UK and Lithuania.
Visiting Deputy Speaker led delegation from Lithuania meet HoC Deputy Speaker Caroline Nokes MP
Visiting Lithuania delegation with Baroness Scott and Sir John Whittingdale MP
Lithuania dlegation members engaged in a lively roundtable discussion with MPs/Peers in the IPU Room
The delegation from the Lithuania Seimas meet members of the HoC Home Affairs Committee chaired by Rt Hon Dame Karen Bradley DBE MP
