It was a pleasure to host Ambassador Joao Vale De Almeida at Lancaster Castle on Friday where we enjoyed a chat over a lovely cup of Lancaster Blend Tea from the famous Atkinsons Tea and Coffee Shop, which first opened in the city in 1836.

Ambassador Vale De Almeida came to Lancaster to visit the Health Innovation Campus at Lancaster University – funded in partnership with the European Regional Development Fund and the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership Growth Deal. The centre acts as a focal point, allowing researchers, healthcare professionals, businesses, local authorities and policy-makers, to focus on a systems approach to improving health.

The Ambassador and I had a some interesting discussions about youth policy and our  city’s future relationship with Europe.