Switzerland and the United Kingdom (Great Britain and Northern Ireland) have had close relations for a long time. Switzerland was already a favourite destination of British tourists in the 19th century. From 1900 on, Great Britain maintained 12 consulates in Switzerland. During World War II, Switzerland represented British interests in Germany, Japan, Italy, France, Bulgaria, China, Romania, Thailand and Hungary from 1941 to 1945. 

Contacts between Switzerland and the UK are still very frequent and close today. Their foreign ministers meet regularly to discuss a wide range of issues, including the United Nations, South Eastern Europe, international security, international humanitarian law and European integration.

For Swiss investors, the UK is the fourth most important market in the world. Trade between the two countries is brisk. Around 700 Swiss companies are doing business in the UK, providing over 120,000 jobs. Questions concerning the countries’ financial sectors comprise a significant part of their economic relations.