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David Lidington

Minister for Europe, London

Part of FCDO Outreach

22nd September 2011 London, UK

An old alliance, modern challenges

This was my first visit to Portugal as Europe Minister. As well as being one of Europe (and the world’s) oldest alliances, the relationship between the UK and Portugal is based on close trade and economic links.

During my visit I was pleased to meet several top Portuguese investors all of whom have interests in the UK, in sectors ranging from banking to retail. Our links with Portugal – and with the Portuguese-speaking world, including emerging powers such as Brazil and Angola – will be vital in moving beyond the crisis in the eurozone and creating jobs and wealth.

I was impressed by the determination of the Ministers that I met in the new Portuguese government to tackle the problems of debt and deficit openly, honestly and rigorously.

About David Lidington

David Lidington MP was appointed Minister of State at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office on 14 May 2010. David Lidington was elected to Parliament in 1992 and is the Member…

David Lidington MP was appointed Minister of State at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office on 14 May 2010.
David Lidington was elected to Parliament in 1992 and is the Member of Parliament for Aylesbury.
He worked for BP and RTZ before spending three years as Special Advisor to Douglas Hurd in the Home Office and Foreign Office.
His proudest political achievement was successfully promoting a
Private Members Bill which became the Chiropractors Act in 1994. He
believes that this piece of legislation has made a real difference to
many people’s lives.
He has a long standing passion for history, and has twice captained a
champion team on University Challenge, first in 1979 and then in 2002
when the Sidney Sussex team became “champion of champions” in University
Challenge Reunited.
He is married to Helen Lidington and has four sons.

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business eurozone lisbon Politics portugal trade