British Ambassador Matt Field on Czechia, Ukraine and why public media “matter more than ever”
In the latest episode of Czechast, British Ambassador Matt Field speaks about his experience in Czechia, the impact of Brexit, and Western support for Ukraine. Drawing on his time in the Balkans, he also reflects on Europe’s changing security landscape and explains why institutions like the BBC World Service and Radio Prague International remain essential in the age of disinformation.
Matt Field previously served as ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina. That helps him to bring a perspective shaped by both post-conflict societies and stable European partnerships. Comparing his previous posting with his current role in Czechia, the British ambassador highlights how different the diplomatic agenda can be.
“My job here in Prague is much more focused on a healthy bilateral partnership. It's about doing more business together… It's about together supporting Ukraine,” Matt Field says.
That support for Ukraine is now a central pillar of cooperation between the United Kingdom and Czechia. According to the British ambassador, a significant part of the embassy’s work involves finding ways to help Ukraine defend itself—both directly and through international structures such as NATO.
Brexit: a change—and an opportunity
Matt Field openly acknowledges that Brexit has reshaped relations between the UK and its European partners, including Czechia. In some areas, the impact has been clearly visible: “The UK's decision to leave the EU absolutely changed its relationship here,” the British ambassador says, pointing for example to a drop in the number of Czech students studying in Britain.
At the same time, he argues that the post-Brexit environment has created new space for bilateral cooperation.
“We've had to invest even more time and effort in the bilateral relationship… it means that I have license to do more with the Czechs than we were able to do as part of the same union,” Matt Field explains.
For the British ambassador, this shift is not only a challenge, but also an opportunity to deepen ties in areas such as trade, research, and major joint projects—like cooperation on small modular nuclear reactors.
Czechia: a place that quickly feels like home
Asked about his personal experience in the country, Matt Field speaks warmly about life in Czechia—and about how quickly he and his family adapted: “I was surprised at how quickly we felt at home… Brits and Czechs have the same sense of humor. We kind of understand each other,” Matt Field says.
He also highlights practical aspects of everyday life, from public transport to the overall livability of Prague, describing it as a safe and welcoming place for families. At the same time, the British ambassador admits that not everything has been easy: “Czech is tough… rightly seen as one of the most difficult in Europe.”
Why public media still matter
One of the most striking parts of the Czechast interview comes when Matt Field reflects on the role of public service media in today’s fragmented information environment. Speaking in the context of social networks and the rapid spread of misinformation, the British ambassador argues that traditional broadcasters are not losing relevance—in fact, quite the opposite.
“I don't think that makes the BBC less important. I think it makes it more important,” Matt Field says. In his view, institutions such as the BBC World Service—and by extension outlets like Radio Prague International—are part of a broader democratic infrastructure.
“It's also your democratic institutions… and it also means objective media, you know, independent of pressures,” he explains.
At a time when disinformation can spread globally within seconds, Matt Field believes that trusted sources of information are more necessary than ever. “That doesn't mean we need less from our trusted broadcasters. It means we need more from them,” the British ambassador adds.
Ambassador Field also highlights the appeal of Czechia beyond its capital, encouraging visitors to explore more of the country: “Prague is fantastic, but don't only come to Prague… get into the mountains… see what is a very dynamic country as well as a historic one,” Matt Field says.
For the full interview, listen to this episode of Czechast on all major podcast platforms.
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Czechast, Radio Prague International
Czechast is a regular RPI podcast about Czech and Moravian culture, history, and economy.
