I am delighted to announce that I have written a book all about Estonia.
Available for pre-order from @hurstpublishers.bsky.social (and Amazon).
Much more info closer to actual publication date!
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www.hurstpublishers.com/book/estonia...
Singing with 100,000 Estonians at the Song Festival!
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I decided to try to join a choir and sing in the Estonian Song Festival five years ago - mission accomplished! Lots more singing in today’s concert. I am one of 31,000 singers and musicians, video by my wife.
A bit of rain cannot stop Estonians or Brits!
Elagu Eesti!
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I am not watching it - I am singing in it! 🇬🇧🇪🇪
Proud of the troops from the Mercian Regiment-led Battlegroup taking part in today’s Victory Day Parade in Pärnu.
#allies #liitlased
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Thank you @eddavey.libdems.org.uk and @helenmaguiremp.bsky.social for visiting Estonia to meet troops from the Mercian Regiment-led Battlegroup, PM Michal and Defence Minister Pevkur.
Cross-party support for our close defence partnership with 🇪🇪 is important reassurance that it will endure.
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New glasses mean I can actually follow the match properly! 😂
The A Le Coq stadium for top of the league Flora against 5th place Paide.
I did a TV interview in Estonian at half time, mostly about Spin but I had to mention Palace’s FA Cup triumph too…
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A day of football! First, the ten year anniversary of the Spin program, modelled on Kicks in the UK.
We support Spin in Estonia through the British Council and today had a team of Mercians playing Spin alumni.
End result - Mercians 5, Spin alumni 2!
And then on to….
Congratulations to Paul Taylor, awarded an MBE in today’s Birthday Honours, for services to UK/Estonia relations.
Thank you, Paul, and congratulations!
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Our union flag is at half mast today following the terrible crash of Air India Flight 171. Our thoughts are with the families of all the victims.
Proudly waving the 🇬🇧 at the European Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships in Tallinn.
Our juniors came 12th, their best result ever, and our seniors have been great so far this morning!
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Lots of positives from an 🇪🇪 point of view too:
- strengthened nuclear deterrence
- new air, naval and cyber capabilities
- Army 10x more lethal
- new long range weapons
All alongside Estonia’s own impressive defence investments.
#Allies #Liitlased
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Thank you to the Estonian Foreign Affairs Ministry for a great Ambassadors tour of Noarootsi on the northwest coast!
We have learnt about the region’s Swedish past, fishing, sea rescue, schools, businesses and more.
And made bread, swam, ran and beach yoga! Great to visit a new part of 🇪🇪.
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Ei tea, aga ilmselt on!
Thank you President Karis for attending the launch event for the English-language translation of President Lennart Meri’s “Silverwhite” (Hõbevalge), an epic work of history and identity.
Brilliantly translated by Adam Cullen, published by Hurst Publishers and available now!
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Fantastic morning talking to students taking part in the Democracy Academy (motto: “we don’t want to be bystanders”), run by the President Kaljulaid Foundation.
Great questions on the recent UK/EU deal, the Middle East and what diplomats do.
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Hosted a packed screening of “Ocean with David Attenborough” - Sir David’s film offers a powerful mix of alarm and hope.
🇬🇧 and 🇪🇪 are both members of the Global Ocean Alliance and committed to the goal of protecting 30% of the world’s oceans by 2030. It’s vital we do so.
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Thank you ArmyAirCorps - here in 🇪🇪 and flying President Karis to south Estonia as part of Exercise Hedgehog.
Later today he will meet the Black Rats (4th Light Brigade Combat Team), here in strength for the first time.
#Allies #Liitlased
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Delighted to say that all the practices have paid off and Kalamaja Segakoor WILL be on stage at the Song Festival in early July!
This has been my dream since 2020, and along the way have got to know a wonderful (and big!) group of people. Cannot wait!
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Helping the kids make pancakes on 🇪🇪 Mothers’ Day!
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My article on VE Day in today’s Õhtuleht newspaper. Grateful for the sacrifices past generations made for our freedom.
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MÄLETAME KANGELASI! Briti suursaadik: Euroopa tähistab võidupäeva, kuid Venemaa pole vigadest õppinud
www.ohtuleht.ee/1130511/male...
Learnt so much visiting Ragn-Sells recyling plant:
- Thats’s over €1k-worth of aluminium cans
- It’s the most efficient recycling plant in the Baltics
- OK to keep putting clean pizza boxes in the cardboard recylcing bin!
Keep up the good work!
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Finished in 1:00:25 - just need to get 26 seconds faster next year!
Have to say that for a run round a lake, in a flat country, it is quite a hilly run!
Ready for my favourite race - the oldest running race in the Baltics!
It’s roughly 12k around Viljandi lake - roughly because you can take whatever route you like.
Will be tough this year after two weeks eating a lot in Texas and Louisiana! Good luck to all runners!
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On my way to 🇳🇱 King’s Day reception.
It is the Year of the Book in 🇪🇪 because it is the 500th anniversary of the first known mention of a book in Estonian. So our Dutch friends have asked us all to bring a book to swap.
Only one possible author for me! #JaneAusten250
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So pleased for former Defence Attache, Commander Rob Steadman, awarded his MBE by HRH The Princess Royal. Very well deserved!
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Interested in AI?
We are hosting an open panel event with partners from all of 🇬🇧🇺🇦🇪🇪🇳🇱🇳🇴🇸🇪🇫🇮🇱🇻🇱🇹 this afternoon from 1600-1800 at Taltech’s @MEKTORY building.
There will be some serious expertise in the room (and me asking questions!).
No need to register, just come along!
