London: City of Languages – Westminster Drop‑In
Tuesday 19 May 2026 • Portcullis House
Here is our album for this event: (this opens a new tab – please return to this page after you have taken a look!) View Flickr album
A huge thank‑you to the Chairs of APPG on Modern Languages for hosting a special London: City of Languages (LCoL) drop‑in session for MPs and their researchers on Tuesday 19 May in Parliament. The event ran from 1-3 pm in Portcullis House and brought together parliamentarians, educators, and advocates for a lively celebration of multilingualism across the capital.
A star attraction: Larry Lamb, LCoL Languages Ambassador
The undoubted highlight of the afternoon was the chance to meet our wonderful Languages Ambassador, Larry Lamb. He is, quite simply, a perfect fit for this role. Larry radiates enthusiasm for languages and speaks with real warmth about the teacher who first inspired him – Miss Smith – whose encouragement gave him the confidence to travel, work abroad, and eventually pursue acting.
His story is engaging and uplifting. One interviewer once joked along the lines that if the loveable Mick Shipman tapped him on the shoulder and told him to take a language, he’d do it without hesitation – and that captures Larry’s unique ability to inspire.
We were delighted when Larry promised to give a special presentation for LCoL in the autumn. Watch this space!!
A room full of stories
What made the event truly special was not only Larry’s storytelling, but his genuine interest in the stories of others. The room buzzed with conversations as MPs and researchers shared their own experiences of languages – the teachers who encouraged them, the opportunities languages opened up, and the personal connections they carry.
One particularly inspiring contribution came from Lee Pitcher, MP for Doncaster, who spoke about how an early introduction to languages transformed his aspirations and ultimately led him to study Russian and French at university. His journey is a powerful reminder of the life‑changing impact of language education.
The power of teachers and the role of MPs
Yes, there are systemic barriers to language uptake – but the MPs who attended demonstrated the enormous influence of individual teachers and mentors. Their enthusiasm, openness, and willingness to share their own stories were a wonderful advert for political leadership that values languages.
We are especially grateful to Tonia Antoniazzi MP (Vice Chair of the APPG on Modern Languages) and her team and to Darren Paffey MP (Chair of the APPG) and his team, whose support and follow-up have already helped spread the word among London MPs.
Sharing the LCoL vision
The drop‑in gave the LCoL Steering Group a valuable opportunity to share information about the initiative and to encourage MPs to contact headteachers and community groups in their constituencies. It was also encouraging to see MPs from outside London taking an interest in the project – we were able to point them towards other Cities of Languages near their constituencies.
We would be delighted to see these MPs at future APPG meetings.
Connections, community and celebration
There were many memorable moments — including seeing Neil Coyle MP warmly greeting Jessika Rabello, sharing an enthusiasm for Brazilian Portuguese and mentioning his work on access and inclusion. Conversations ranged from community language schools to cathedral outreach, from borough‑level initiatives to national opportunities.
The event reminded us how many inspiring projects already exist, and how much potential there is for collaboration. It was, in every sense, an uplifting afternoon.
Erasmus+ and further opportunities
Vicky Gough highlighted not only the aims of LCoL but also the opportunities offered through Erasmus+, through which millions of pounds of funding for international experiences will come on stream this November, prompting MPs to explore how their constituencies might benefit.
We are also grateful to Philip Harding‑Esch, who prepared borough fact sheets for MPs, and to everyone who entered the poster and logo competition – your work was displayed and much admired. One researcher was immediately drawn to a poster showcasing all the London boroughs. And several MPs were keen to identify entries from their constituencies!
Why events like this matter
Letters, petitions and statements all have their place – but nothing compares to meeting people face‑to‑face, shaking hands, and sharing stories. And of course, no one will forget the experience of meeting Larry Lamb.
We were pleased to welcome a number of MPs with backgrounds in education and languages, whose insights and lived experience added real depth to the discussions.
Next Steps
Please do contact your MP and encourage them to:
- check their inbox for follow‑up information
- look out for a note hand delivered to their office from Darren Paffey MP, containing information they can easily pass on to their local schools and contacts
- read this newsletter
- join the cross‑party celebration of languages
- support the London: City of Languages initiative in their constituency
- join the mailing list of the APPG on Modern Languages (they can email APPGML@ciol.org.uk to do so)
This is a campaign that everyone can support – across parties, across sectors, and across communities – simply by valuing and celebrating the languages that make London extraordinary.