Speaker of the United Kingdom’s House of Commons Sir Lindsay H. Hoyle greets Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) at the Special Sitting of the House of Assembly on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. Photo: GIS

Sir Lindsay H. Hoyle, Speaker of the House of Commons in the United Kingdom (UK), addresses legislators at the Third Sitting of the Third Session of the Fifth House of Assembly (HoA) on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. Photo: GIS

Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), 2nd from left, has said Speaker of the United Kingdom’s House of Commons Sir Lindsay H. Hoyle, centre, has 'long been a true and respectful friend' of the United Kingdom’s Overseas Territories (OTs) and Crown Dependencies. Photo: GIS/File

Premier Wheatley was speaking at the Third Sitting of the Third Session of the Fifth House of Assembly (HoA) on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. Sir Lindsay was a special guest of the House and also addressed legislators during the special sitting.

‘Consistent & sincere engagement’

According to the Premier, Sir Lindsay’s relationship with the Virgin Islands did not begin with his election as Speaker. “As Chair of the British Virgin Islands All-Party Parliamentary Group, he played an important role in fostering awareness of our Territory and advancing constructive dialogue about our affairs amongst his colleagues in the UK Parliament.”

Dr Wheatley continued that Sir Lindsay’s tenure as Speaker of the House of Commons has been marked by a consistent and sincere engagement with the issues that matter most to small island democracies such as the VI. “He has taken a keen interest in the challenges we face - challenges that are not abstract, but deeply felt realities for our people.”

It was pointed out that Sir Lindsay has recognised, for example, that climate resilience is not a distant policy concern for the Overseas Territories, but an urgent and existential priority. “Rising sea levels, stronger storms, and environmental degradation threaten our communities, our infrastructure, and our way of life. The protection of our natural environment - our reefs, our coastlines, our mangroves - is essential not only to our tourism sector, but to our long‑term survival. Sir Lindsay has understood these vulnerabilities and has used his platform to highlight them,” Premier Wheatley said.

‘Visible affirmation’

The importance of security for the Overseas Territories - security in all its dimensions: border security, economic security, and the security of democratic institutions, which require partnership, respect, and mutual understanding, have been consistently demonstrated by Sir Lindsay, Premier Wheatley added.

The HoA was told that Sir Lindsay has opened the doors of the Speaker’s House to the Overseas Territories, including the Virgin Islands, on numerous occasions, and that under his leadership, a dedicated space was established within the Speaker’s House to honour the British Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies - complete with stained‑glass windows bearing the OTs’ coats of arms.

“This is more than symbolic. It is a visible affirmation that the Overseas Territories are part of the wider British family, and that our voices matter within the parliamentary life of the United Kingdom. He also sponsored OT Day, with the flags of OTs flying high over Parliament Square,” Premier Wheatley said.

Sir Lindsay genuinely believes OTs ‘should be treated fairly’- Premier Wheatley

It was during Sir Lindsay’s tenure, in November 2025, that young representatives from the Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies joined over 300 members of the UK Youth Parliament for its 15th annual session in the House of Commons. They debated issues such as education, climate change, and mental health - issues that shape the future of every society.

“Sir Lindsay’s genuine belief that the Overseas Territories should be treated fairly is reflected not only in words but in action. The substantive engagement now afforded to Overseas Territory representatives within the UK Parliament, and the arrangements for a dedicated Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies room within the Parliamentary Estate, stand as practical demonstrations of his commitment to ensuring that our voices are heard and respected.”

Premier Wheatley said he trusts Sir Lindsay’s historic visit would be memorable, and that he would feel the warmth and hospitality for which the Virgin Islands is known for, and that he would also have the opportunity to experience the natural beauty, culture, and world‑class tourism products that have made the Virgin Islands renowned across the globe.