Written Statement: Visit to Switzerland

I visited the Canton of Lucerne in Switzerland from 4 – 6 July 2025 to offer my support to the Cymru Women’s team in their first ever appearance at a major tournament finals. 

I was privileged and honoured to attend the Cymru Women's historic first match at the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 tournament, on Saturday 5 July 2025.  While the outcome of that match, and the tournament itself, was not the one we had hoped for, it was a memorable experience for Cymru, on and off the pitch.

During my visit to Lucerne, I met the President, Vice-President, Chair and Chief Executive of the Football Association of Wales to discuss our ongoing partnership to develop football in Wales and in particular, the women’s and girls’ game.  I also visited the Fan Zone, where the ubiquitous Tîm Cymru brand was adorned on bucket hats and t-shirts, and where Aleighcia Scott and Molly Palmer performed in front of Wales and Netherland fans before their colourful and musical fan walk to the Allmend Stadium. It was a pleasure talking to fans of all ages as the excitement around the game was building.         

While in Lucerne, I also took the opportunity to meet with Partners Group, a major infrastructure investor headquartered in Switzerland, to discuss their recent and future interests in Wales. This was a valuable chance to highlight Wales as a destination for strategic investment, aligned with our priorities for economic growth. We explored how we can build on our existing partnership to attract further investment that supports our long-term ambitions.

I was accompanied to the meetings and to the football match by the British Ambassador to the Swiss Confederation and non-resident Ambassador to the Principality of Liechtenstein, James Squire. The Ambassador and I discussed the similarities and differences between Wales and Switzerland and the opportunities to enhance our relationship culturally and economically.   

I am sure I speak on behalf of the whole of Wales when I say how proud we are of the Cymru Women’s Football Team following their performances in Switzerland.  It was always going to be a challenge progressing from the toughest group in the competition. Nevertheless, the players, coaches and backroom staff can be incredibly proud of what they have achieved – not just for Wales, but for girls’ and women’s sport.

I would like to thank the travelling fans and all the Euro 2025 Partner Support Fund organisations out in Switzerland who showcased the best of Wales in sport, music and art, and in demonstrating our shared values, particularly around equality, diversity and inclusion.