Scots from the worlds of entertainment, business and politics were welcomed to Downing Street this evening for a traditional Burns Night Supper.

Ahead of Burns Night on Friday (25 January), the Prime Minister and Mr May hosted the celebration in the State Dining Rooms of Number 10 in honour of the famous Scottish poet.

Guests included Chief Executive of the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation Bertie Armstrong and Tunnock’s Boyd Tunnock while Dame Katherine Grainger gave the Address to a Haggis. Secretary of State for Scotland David Mundell, Environment Secretary Michael Gove and the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster David Lidington also joined in the celebrations.

As they walked down Downing Street, guests were welcomed by a piper from the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards and enjoyed Scotch whisky while the Ayrshire Fiddle Orchestra played. During the iconic haggis supper, Katy Thomson performed traditional songs such as ‘Auld Lang Syne’, ‘My Heart’s in the Highlands’ and ‘Ae Fond Kiss’.

Welcoming guests, the Prime Minister said:

The work of Robert Burns, one of our finest poets, continues to be enjoyed by millions of people and tonight is not only a celebration of him but the proud culture of the whole of Scotland.

Scotland is a hugely valued part of our United Kingdom and I am delighted to have this opportunity to celebrate the great poet, this great nation and our precious Union.

Burns Night Supper has been celebrated for hundreds of years since the first supper was held by acquaintances of Robert Burns to commemorate his death. Today, it is marked all around the world to celebrate his life and work with events held in the weeks surrounding the late poet’s birthday.

Prime Minister Theresa May met Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern of New Zealand in Downing Street.

Prime Minister Theresa May met Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern of New Zealand in Downing Street.

Prime Minister Theresa May held bilateral talks with the Prime Minister of New Zealand, Jacinda Ardern, today over lunch in Downing Street.

The two leaders reflected on the work their countries had done together since the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in April. They also discussed Prime Minister Ardern’s wellbeing agenda, and shared views on tackling social challenges.

They noted how much their two nations have in common, such as championing free trade, working to uphold the rules based international system, and the many New Zealanders and Brits who choose to call each other’s countries home.

The two leaders reaffirmed their shared desire to forge an ambitious, high quality free trade agreement after the UK leaves the EU.

Prime Minister May welcomed the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) coming into force, and that New Zealand had offered its support to the UK’s potential accession.

The Prime Ministers also reflected on their security and defence relationship, and agreed on the need to continue and deepen our close cooperation on challenges to global stability, including in areas such as cyber security and disinformation.

They both welcomed the opportunity for closer cooperation through the co-location of the UK’s new High Commissions in Tonga and Vanuatu, including on climate resilience.

Both leaders looked forward to continuing their countries’ long-standing relationship and to exploring further opportunities to work and trade together.