MP: An honour for Parliament to host Ukrainian Grand Master
A series of chess matches were held in Speaker’s House yesterday between the House of Commons and the House of Lords. The Commons team included Jesse Norman MP, Rachel Reeves MP, Chris Stephens MP, Tobias Ellwood MP and John Baron MP. Amongst others, Peers were championed by Lord Winston, Lord Wigley and Lord Hogan-Howe. John won his match, and overall the House of Commons triumphed.
A chess match was also held yesterday between British and Ukrainian Grand Masters, Michael Adams and Andrew Volokitin respectively. Mr Speaker made the ceremonial opening move, advised by the Speaker of Lithuania, Viktorija Čmilytė-Nielsen (herself a Grand Master). The replying opening move was made by the Ukrainian Ambassador to the UK, Vadym Prystaiko. The chess match ended in a diplomatic draw.
John said,
“It was a great honour for Parliament to host the Ukrainian Ambassador and the Grand Masters yesterday, and I hope yesterday’s challenge match will prove the first of many in the future. In particular, I look forward to when a future round can take place in Kyiv.”
“The MP vs Peers matches were good sport and good fun. The Commons ended up on top this time, but I anticipate a solid zugzwang at our next meeting. As a founding member of the Chess All-Party Parliamentary Group I look forward to doing my bit to promote chess amongst Parliamentarians and the wider public.”
Notes to Editors:
- The photograph shows John with William Watson, a British Grand Master.
