An MBE for our Consul General

With a background in health and housing, Lloyd Milen served as Vice Consul in Alicante from 2008 to 2015, when he was appointed British Consul General in Barcelona. He has responsibility for the UK Government´s relationships with the autonomous communities of Catalonia, the Balearic Islands and Aragon, and also for Andorra. He has helped to encourage new opportunities for British businesses and cultural organisations, and cemented a close relationship with the three Spanish Regional Governments and the Andorran Government.

This close cooperation has been particularly noteworthy during the COVID-19 pandemic and the Balearic Government recently presented Lloyd and his team with an award in recognition of this. He also served for two years as Dean of the Consular Corps in Barcelona, promoting closer, more effective working with the authorities to everyone´s mutual benefit.

In addition, Lloyd is responsible for supporting the tens of thousands of UK Nationals who live in the region and has led over 50 outreach events in person and, more recently, online; ensuring that people understood the actions they needed to take to continue living in Spain after EU Exit. As for visiting UK nationals, he has spearheaded ‘Stick with your Mates’ – an award-winning campaign to reduce the number of serious falls affecting young British visitors to the Balearics. During the 2019 season, the number of falls and fatalities more than halved, compared to the previous year, and the campaign has influenced youth safety strategies elsewhere in Spain and Southern Europe.

HMA Hugh Elliott said: “Barcelona is Spain’s second-largest city and a key partner to the UK on culture, tourism and trade, so it is crucial to have a Consul General who is able to build the kind of deep relationships that Lloyd has with local, regional and national authorities and represent and promote HMG’s interests in North East Spain and Andorra so effectively. Likewise, it is no understatement to say that without his exceptional efforts, thousands of UK Nationals in Spain would find themselves in a much more difficult situation than they currently do. Since the 2016 referendum, Lloyd has made it his priority to ensure that they felt listened to. And in doing so, has worked closely with the Spanish authorities, ensuring close collaboration and solving problems as they arose. I, and the communities that he serves, are very grateful for his constant commitment to making a difference in their lives.”

Lloyd Milen said: “Growing up as a gay kid in Middlesbrough, I never imagined I’d have the role of Consul General in a city like Barcelona, nor that I’d receive an honour such as this. It truly is amazing, and I hope it helps demonstrate to kids growing up and wondering about their future that anything is possible. It is also a reflection of the amazing team I work with across the FCDO’s network in Spain – a brilliant group of people doing extraordinary work. I’m truly thankful.”