Matt joined the then FCO in 2017 as a Research Analyst covering Counter Terrorism in North Africa and Europe from the Defence and Science Technology laboratory (part of the UK Ministry of Defence), before leading Open Source Intelligence for the FCO and then FCDO until 2021.

1. Where did you grow up, and what brought you to Hungary?

I grew up in the west midlands, in a small town called Shrewsbury. I arrived here for a job posting as 1st Secretary of British Embassy Budapest.

2. If you could be an expat anywhere in the world, where would you choose?

Definitely somewhere hot, I really enjoy summers in Budapest as the temperature really climbs!

3. What would you miss most if you moved away from Hungary?

Hungarian hospitality. I've made great friends here, and have always been made to feel very welcome by every Hungarian I meet.

4. Friends are in Budapest for a weekend - what must they absolutely see and do?

Fisherman's bastion, the Basilica and the Széchenyi baths! A tour of the Hungarian parliament building would also be great, and swing by the New York café is a very
good way to spoil yourself! If there's time I'd also take them away from the busy
centre and head to Szentendre or Normafa park.

5. What is your favourite food? 

I cannot get enough of Italian food especially gnocchi, but I have a soft spot for kürtőskalács.

6. What is your favourite sport / form of exercise?

I'm a big fan of Formula 1! Sadly I don't have a F1 car to race myself, but I recently tried gokarting and love it! I also a bit of running and hitting the gym when I can!

7. What is your favourite place in Hungary?

I've visited Pécs a couple of times, and it's especially nice in the summer.... But I think I have to say the model answer is Balaton!

8. What career other than yours would you love to pursue?

Broadcast journalist or Newsreader! Maybe one day...

9. What's a job you would definitely never want?

Accountant - I tried it once for work experience, not for me!

10. Where did you spend your last vacation? 

I took a big trip on my motorbike, from Budapest to Bratislava, over to Austria to see Vienna and Graz, followed by Zagreb and Zadar in Croatia, Tivat in Montenegro and then Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina... then I stopped in Dublin, mostly to recover from the 2500 km trip!

11. Where do you hope to spend your next one?

I'm hoping to go to Iceland! I've always wanted to see the Northern Lights.

12. What was your favourite band, film, or hobby as a teen?

I'm a sucker for a historical epic and Gladiator is a timeless favourite! I also love Star Wars!

13. Apart of temptation what can't you resist?

I have a sweet tooth, so anything fruity and sugary! Rowntree's fruit pastilles are fantastic.

14. Red wine or white?

Red marginally edges white for me... I'm a fan of Hungarian reds in particular.

15. Book or movie?

Movie

16. Morning person or night person?
Morning

17. Which social issue do you feel most strongly about?

Diversity and equality is very important to me. I lead the FCDO's Race and Ethnicity Network, which is very fulfilling!

18. Buda or Pest side?

Pest

19. Which achievement in your life are you most pleased about?

I'd have to say becoming a diplomat, it's a career I never thought I'd get to do!

20. What would you say is your personal motto?

"You never really know a man 'til you walk a mile in their shoes"? Atticus finch, To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee