The President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, is in London for an official visit focused on strengthening relations between the European Union and the United Kingdom.

During the visit, President Metsola held a series of high-level meetings with the top tier of British leadership.

In a meeting with Prime Minister Keir Starmer, President Metsola stated that ten years after the Brexit referendum, the relationship must be based on today's realities. Both leaders agreed that the future must be built on stronger links that benefit all people, a statement by Metsola's office read.

Highlighting the need for a deepened cooperation, the Metsola said: "With a world seemingly on fire, a stronger, closer relationship based on pragmatism is in everyone's interest. Geography has not changed, even if politics has. Now is the time to build a partnership that reflects the world as it is, not as it once was."

EU Parliament President Metsola also discussed security, trade, and youth mobility with the Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State of Justice David Lammy, underlining that European security is indivisible, particularly in the face of Russian aggression in Ukraine.

Metsola said that the UK's decision to rejoin the Erasmus+ programme from 2027 is a crucial investment in the next generation, adding that the future must be built on a partnership that fosters economic growth and innovation while cutting unnecessary red tape.  

At the House of Commons, Metsola was welcomed by the Speaker, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, to discuss parliamentary cooperation and shared democratic values. She thanked him for his commitment to strengthening parliamentary ties and building lasting bridges between the two houses. 

EU Parliament President Metsola also met with the Maltese community at the Malta High Commission in London. Addressing Maltese nationals working in sectors ranging from tech to healthcare, President Metsola praised the Maltese diaspora as vital ambassadors, noting that their success is Malta's success.