Michael visited The Netherlands as part of a Parliamentary delegation. The trip was developing the Anglo-Dutch bilateral relationship, and included MPs, retired Parliamentarians, civil servants and other staff. During the trip, he captained the Lords and Commons Parliamentary Cricket team against the Binnenhof Eleven in two matches.
The Lords and Commons vs Binnenhof cricket fixtures have been happening for over 50 years, and during that time have helped to build lasting friendships between Dutch and British Parliamentarians.
Whilst in The Hague, Michael also met the Dutch Deputy Prime Minister Sigrid Kaag, where they chatted about the importance of sport and international cooperation with our North Sea neighbours. Michael also presented the Deputy Prime Minister with a gift. He met the Chair of the Royal Dutch Cricket Association Guido Landheer, and discussed the visit next month of the Scottish women’s cricket team to the Tri-Series in Utrecht.
Whilst the touring team were unsuccessful in chasing down the target set by the Binnenhof in both matches, Michael was pleased to take a brilliant catch in the first game at the VRA International cricket ground. He opened the batting at Bloemendaal for the second game, and took a couple of wickets in the later stages of the game.
Michael said
It was great to be able to play cricket against Binnenhof again, and to chat to our Dutch Parliamentary friends about continued cooperation between our two countries. I particularly want to thank everyone who made the trip a success, including the British Embassy in the Hague for hosting a reception, and the Deputy Prime Minister for taking the time to spend with us.
