Local MP Highlights Town Twinning’s Role in Strengthening UK–France Ties
Thermal springs in Bagnères de Luchon
Tom Gordon, Liberal Democrat MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, praised Harrogate International Partnerships in Parliament, highlighting the organisation’s contribution to supporting international links with key partners such as France.
Speaking during a parliamentary debate on UK–France relations, Tom highlighted Harrogate’s long-standing twinning partnership with the French town of Luchon. Established in the years following the Second World War, the partnership was part of a wider effort to rebuild trust, promote peace and encourage cultural understanding across Europe.
Tom highlighted that partnerships such as this help support UK-France relations at a local level by boosting cultural tourism, encouraging residents to visit each other’s towns, and helping people form lasting personal connections across borders. He also highlighted the educational benefits of town twinning, including school links, cultural activities and exchange visits.
He added that such relationships represent an important form of ‘soft power’, strengthening ties between the UK and France at a time when they matter more than ever after Brexit.
Commenting, Tom said:
“Harrogate International Partnerships plays a vital role in sustaining our town twinning links, particularly our long-standing partnership with Luchon in France, which has now spanned several generations.
“Partnerships like this strengthen the relationship between the UK and France by encouraging cultural tourism, supporting educational opportunities, and building genuine friendships across borders.
“They are a clear example of soft power in action, helping to maintain important international relationships – connections that are even more valuable following Britain’s exit from the European Union.”
