Lord Dubs
Alfred Dubs was six years old in June 1939 when he arrived in London on a kindertransport arranged by Sir Nicholas Winton.
Over the years he has lobbied tirelessly on behalf of refugees and asylum seekers. In 2016 he made headlines for what is known as the ‘Dubs Amendment’ to an immigration bill that offered unaccompanied refugee children safe passage to Britain.
Lord Dubs’ speech at the BCSA/CBCC dinner in 2022 is available on the BCSA YouTube channel Keynote speech by Lord Alfred Dubs – YouTube
In June 2025 he was a guest on Radio 4’s Desert Island Discs Desert Island Discs – Lord Alf Dubs, politician and campaigner – BBC Sounds
For his full profile see Czech Slovak British Connections – British Czech and Slovak Association (bcsa.co.uk)
Bilal Zahid
His Majesty’s Ambassador to Slovakia
I am honoured and deeply humbled to become a Patron of the British Czech and Slovak Association (BCSA).
As His Majesty’s Ambassador to Slovakia, I am reminded every day of the strong and enduring links between our countries and our people. Through our shared history, and the relationship between our people in many areas of life – business, politics, culture, arts, sports, to name a few. There is so much that unites the United Kingdom and Slovakia.
As we face the numerous challenges of the future, and grasp the exciting opportunities in front of us, I am confident that organisations such as the BCSA will play an important role.
The Association has proven what it can achieve through its first 35 years. As a Patron, I am looking forward to doing what I can to build on that success.
Peter Susko
Ambassador of the Slovak Republic to the Court of St. James´s
I am honoured to become Patron of the British Czech and Slovak Association in a year when BCSA celebrates its 35th birthday. I my eyes, organisations such as the BCSA, are the true builders of bridges between countries and communities. They enable culture, ideas, and friendships to flourish beyond the reach of “regular” diplomacy.
My decision to accept this role stems from a deep conviction that dialogue and mutual understanding are important, especially in a hectic and dynamic era we are living today. The Slovak Embassy has long valued its collaboration with the BCSA, not only because of the excellent events it organises, but also because of the spirit of openness and community that defines its work.
Looking ahead our societies need to work together to face the obstacles and challenges and to create opportunities for the future. I believe our joint task is to ensure that the next generation also becomes a part of this story. We must keep finding new ways – through culture, education, and personal encounters – to strengthen the ties that connect the United Kingdom and Slovakia.
As a Patron, I look forward to support the Association in this mission and to strengthen the many bonds that unite us.
Václav Bartuška
Ambassador of the Czech Republic to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
It is a great honour for me to become a patron of the British Czech and Slovak Association. For many years, BCSA has played a vital role in strengthening the ties between our countries – bringing together Czechs, Slovaks and friends of our nations, and creating a space for dialogue, exchange and mutual understanding.
As the Czech Ambassador to the United Kingdom, I deeply value this mission. Diplomacy is not only about state-to-state relations; it is also about people – their experiences, stories and the values we share. I truly appreciate the dedication of those who give their time and energy to BCSA, often on a voluntary basis, driven by enthusiasm and commitment.
I am delighted to support this work and I look forward to working with BCSA further during my posting here in the UK, and to seeing which projects I will have the opportunity to support and collaborate on together.