Andrew Rosindell M.P. this week joined a select group of M.P.s, diplomatic staff and flag enthusiasts to witness an historic exchange of flags between the United Kingdom Parliament and United States Congress.
A flag exchange is a ceremony in which representatives from two nations give each other a flag from their own country. It is widely acknowledged as a gesture of friendship and respect between friendly nations. The flags being exchanged had at one point flown from the Houses of Parliament in London and the Capitol building in Washington D.C. Surprisingly, however, this is the first time that such a ceremony has taken place between the U.K. Parliament and U.S. Congress.
The Leader of the House of Commons and Lord President of the Privy Council, The Rt. Hon. Chris Grayling M.P. represented the U.K., while House of Representatives Majority Leader, Kevin McCarthy, represented the U.S. In exchanging their flags, both men spoke warmly of the Special Relationship that exists between the Britain and America, expressing their shared hope that together the two nations might continue to work together for a safer, more prosperous world.
Andrew is Chairman of the Flags & Heraldry Committee group in the U.K. Parliament. In recent years, Andrew campaigned on and won the battle to ensure that the Union Jack was flown every day, all year round from the Victoria Tower of the Houses of Parliament. Additionally, he was also the M.P. responsible for the hoisting of the Union flag above Portcullis House, the building which houses many of the offices of Members of Parliament.
Andrew was there to witness the ceremony in Speaker’s House, and afterwards was quoted as saying:
“The relationship between the United Kingdom and the United States is truly something special and it is important that we pay it due respect with ceremonies such as this. It is fitting that the United States of America was the first nation to be invited to take part in a flag exchange between two parliaments. It was a privilege to meet Majority Leader McCarthy and as long as I am a Member of Parliament, I will continue to work to foster deeper, better relationships with all of our allies in the democratic, English-speaking world.”