The Speaker of the House of Commons Sir Lindsay Hoyle visited  British Forces Gibraltar. 

A statement from British Forces Gibraltar follows below:

During his visit Mr Speaker was welcomed by Commanding Officer (CO) Royal Navy  Gibraltar Squadron (RNGS), and the CO of HMS CUTLASS, before being briefed on operations conducted by RNGS. 

CO RNGS highlighted the unique operating profile of the Squadron, including the very high  readiness of HMS CUTLASS and HMS DAGGER, as well as the Sailors and Soldiers who  make up the Squadron, 365 days a year. 

Mr Speaker took the opportunity to join the Squadron for a ‘stand easy’, taking questions and  listening to the experiences of the RNGS team. He thanked them for their hard work and  their commitment to Gibraltar. 

Sir Lindsay’s visit also gave the Squadron a chance to hear about his work as Speaker of  the House, and to take part in a Q&A about his wider role. 

CO RNGS said: “I am delighted to have welcomed Mr Speaker to RNGS and update him on  the achievements of the Squadron, as well as giving him the opportunity to speak with the  team who deliver daily on operations and make our achievements possible.” 

Later that morning, Mr Speaker had an office call with Commander British Forces Gibraltar,  Commodore Tom Guy, before heading to Devil’s Tower Camp where he was welcomed by  the Royal Gibraltar Regiment’s CO. 

Mr Speaker was briefed on the soldiers’ training and day-to-day responsibilities and  highlighted the importance of recognising the contributions of the Royal Gibraltar Regiment  (RG) who have been to 25 different countries on exercises, sports, operations, training, and  adventure training over the last two years. 

CO RG said: “It was a great pleasure for the Regiment to welcome Sir Lindsay Hoyle back  and a great opportunity for the soldiers to update him on their recent deployments. After a  very busy year, a change of Commanding Officer imminent, and operations already planned  for 2025, it provided him with a timely update of all that we are doing to support British  Forces Gibraltar and wider Defence.”

Commander British Forces said: “It was an honour to welcome Sir Lindsay Hoyle to British  Forces Gibraltar once again. 

This visit has provided a valuable opportunity to showcase the dedication and  professionalism of all our personnel and to highlight the crucial role our Armed Forces play in  ensuring security and stability within Gibraltar.”