Someone asked: how was it? Sometimes it is difficult to find a clear answer to such simple questions. Honour? Joy? Pride? Or perhaps embarrassment, because the opportunity to meet the President of Poland does not come often. Do we often see eye to eye on key political matters? No, most definitely not. 

Despite his very busy schedule, I am glad that President Karol Nawrocki found a few hours to meet with the Polish community on Monday evening. It is a great honour to be able to participate in such an event, although I know that many more invitations could have been sent out, because there are so many fantastic people who do a lot of good work across Britain. I attended the event as a Deputy Mayor of Welwyn Hatfield, and on behalf of my Borough Council. 

Poland and the United Kingdom have a lot in common, as the President mentioned in his speech. The Polish migration to Britain after the II World War. It was a very important moment in the history of our country, as London became effectively our capital city in exile. Both countries have been and continue to be allies, and our cooperation brings tangible benefits to both nations. The United Kingdom has become home to a Polish community of almost a million people on the islands, who have not forgotten their roots, their enormous heritage and their cultural background. 

In his speech, the President appealed to the Polish community for unity. It is a beautiful word, very close to my heart, which is easy to say but much more difficult to achieve in everyday life. This brings me to the following reflection. Especially today, when the world faces an endless number of challenges, each of us is a Polish ambassador, and it is up to us whether we will try to use this time to build bridges and shape dialogue on many levels. 

Politics, including Polish politics, divides us greatly. Polarisation is progressing at a galloping pace. I think we have forgotten how to talk to each other, and without trying to find common ground, it is difficult to build strong foundations for the state and society. Yesterday, perhaps for the first time, I listened to Mr Nawrocki as a citizen of the Republic of Poland who is trying to serve Poland and Poles. This public service, which so many of us perform in various forms of social and private activity, and it requires an enormous amount of work, and so many sacrifices. I am glad that the Polish diaspora, despite many adversities, continues to work so diligently and effectively, bringing enormous benefits to both nations.

A final thought? That’s all there is to it; I am proud to have been born and raised in Poland. It is a unique honour and privilege. 

* Michal Siewniak is a Lib Dem activist and councillor for Handside ward, Welwyn Hatfield.