Today, 1st August, is the National Day of Switzerland, so as Chairman of the British-Swiss friendship group in Parliament, may I warmly congratulate our Swiss colleagues on this day of national celebration. 

I admire the Swiss so much.  They always said “no” to joining the European Union. 

The Swiss proudly defend their culture and independence; and were one of the first countries to sign a free trade agreement with the United Kingdom. 

 was proud to lead a delegation of British Parliamentarians to Switzerland earlier this year to promote trade, political and cultural relations. 

Switzerland is proof that you can be a successful European nation without being under the control of the E.U. 

Good for them!