The Ambassador has had a fascinating career, where she previously served as the Deputy Director for India and HMG India Coordinator from August 2021 to August 2022.

The Ambassador told The Portugal News “It is a huge honour and a huge pleasure to be doing the role of British Ambassador to Portugal, and there are not many jobs where those things are true. Portugal is a really important partner for the UK, it is our oldest ally, where we have a 650-year-old alliance, so it is a huge honour to be representing the UK as such an important ally. We remain in a very close modern partnership, confronting challenges and opportunities in the 21st Century.”

Lisa Bandari shared, “I already know Portugal a little bit, I have been living in Portugal since 2022 for family reasons, so it already feels like home for me and my family and I have to say my children already speak better Portuguese than me and have completely integrated into life here. We also have a black labrador called Lily, who is such a big part of the family and as a diplomatic dog goes, she is having a fabulous time greeting all the residents so it has been great bringing her on this adventure.”


Family Friendly Portugal

Portugal is often regarded as a wonderful place for families, Lisa Bandari agreed, sharing “We have been so happy with how Portuguese people have looked after our children, I think there is so much warmth, kindness and patience with children in Portugal, it is hard to think of a better country to raise children. We couldn’t be happier raising our children in Portugal and the fact that they are learning a second language at school, is a huge bonus for us as well.”


Science & Startups

Lisa Bandari shared “I have to start by saying, there is a lot of continuity in the relationship, we are talking about a relationship of centuries and more recently a really strong joint partnership in a joint declaration of 2022. So we have a shared programme of activities that we are implementing together.

Expanding that “I am in a slightly different family situation, with young children and I think that gives me a slightly different view of Portuguese society and the world here.”

When it comes to the new Ambassador’s policy priorities, Lisa Bandari shared that “It is about building the modern dynamic partnership that we want, that includes, for example, our partnership on climate and energy which is a priority for us, on defence, we are founding members of NATO together so we are standing together steadfastly in support of Ukraine and that will continue.”

Lisa Bandari is also keen to deepen the countries' science and technology cooperation, “I want to support innovation, investment, startups and economic growth. I think that actually, the British diaspora in Portugal has a lot to bring as well to all of these areas and relationships. I am really looking forward to working with them.”


Driving Licence

The Portuguese and UK governments signed a bilateral agreement that came into force on the 1st of January this year, which means UK driving licence holders will be able to drive in Portugal on their existing full and valid license until it expires. Additionally, British citizens can exchange their UK licence for a Portuguese one without taking a driving test in Portugal.


UK Elections

Lisa Bandari explained that “Given the ties that your readers may have to the UK, it is important to mention the new UK Elections Act, which came into force in January, means that British nationals living overseas can now vote in UK general elections, including by-elections, even if they have been away for more than 15 years.


“We are here”

Lisa Bandari emphasised the support of the British embassy to British people living in Portugal in good times or at moments of difficulty. “We are here for you so please do get in touch if you do need our support.”

The Ambassador ended the interview on a positive note, sharing “There is a lot more to explore and I really want to visit the islands of the Azores and Madeira and I have visited quite a few cities but I am keen to get right around the whole of Portugal and find out much more about the culture and meet local people including British communities across Portugal all the way from the Douro valley right down to the Algarve.”

For more information, please visit the ‘Living in Portugal’ guide at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/living-in-portugal

Author

Following undertaking her university degree in English with American Literature in the UK, Cristina da Costa Brookes moved back to Portugal to pursue a career in Journalism, where she has worked at The Portugal News for 3 years. Cristina’s passion lies with Arts & Culture as well as sharing all important community-related news.

Cristina da Costa Brookes