The event brought together aroumd 500 guests, including Stephen Doughty, Secretary of State for Europe, North America and UK Overseas Territories at the Foreign Office; Keith Mather, Secretary of State for Aviation, Shipping and Decarbonisation at the Ministry of Transport; Lord Coaker, Minister of International Relations at the Ministry of Defense; and Lord Collins of Highbury, the deputy leader of the House of Lords.
Following the national anthems, Ambassador José Pascual Marco gave a speech in which he recalled the origins of this holiday and portrayed Spain and the United Kingdom as two nations linked by their history, yet unafraid of change and evolution. “Plus ultra, beyond, is our national motto,” stated the head of the Spanish representation, who also highlighted the excellent relationship between the two countries, recently reflected in the signing of the Bilateral Strategic Framework by President Sánchez and Prime Minister Starmer. The Ambassador also expressed his pride in serving the Spanish community in the United Kingdom and having contributed to strengthening our bilateral relations.
For his part, Secretary of State for Europe Stephen Doughty, highlighted the ties that unite Spain and the United Kingdom “based on genuine respect and understanding,” also alluding to the conclusion of the Bilateral Strategic Framework. Doughty also emphasized the ties in defence and the unity of values and principles, which allow us to work together as allies in NATO and other multilateral forums defending human rights and the environment.
The event concluded with a toast in honour of the Spanish and British Monarchs, and a celebration featuring Spanish food and wine.
Many thanks to the attendees and sponsors of the event:
• Navantia
• Indra
• Interprofessional Association of Iberian Pork
• Brindisa
• Bodegas Villarta
• Codorníu
• Mahou
• Arros QD