Premier Farrell Welcomes Unveiling Of Stained Glass Windows At House of Commons

Stained-glass windows representing Montserrat and other Overseas Territories were unveiled in the House of Commons on Tuesday.

All 16 overseas territories (OTs) and the three Crown Dependencies are represented in two windows within Speaker’s House. 

The ceremony was attended by the Leaders and Governors of all the British Overseas Territories who are in London for the Joint Ministerial Council (JMC).

The idea was championed by UK House Speaker Sir Lindsey Hoyle, who wants to see closer ties between the United Kingdom and the Overseas Territories.

Sir Lindsey says “they are, and will forever be, tangible reminders of the strong and close links among the UK, The Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies.”

He says that in his opinion, the OTs and dependencies have been overlooked for too long - yet many of the decisions made in the UK have a huge impact on their futures. 
Montserrat’s Premier, the Honourable Joseph Farrell, said he was "excited" to see Montserrat’s heraldic shield displayed in Speaker’s House, particularly ‘at a time when residents of the Overseas Territories have joined with the rest of the UK family to celebrate the coronation.

The original windows dated from 1858 and possibly contained the arms of Speaker Denison. However, those windows have long since been removed and were replaced by plain, plate glass. 

The new design, created by John Reyntiens Glass Studio - the same London-based stain-glassed window specialists who recently reglazed the Big Ben clock dials with new, mouth-blown glass – is sympathetic to the original Pugin-inspired windows and décor at the entrance to Speaker’s House.