Change at the Consulate General of the Republic of Poland in Manchester: New Consul for Polish Community Affairs Begins His Mission

Author/Editor Maria Anna Furman

On 13 August 2026, the Consulate General of the Republic of Poland in Manchester hosted a meeting marking a change in the position of Consul for Polish Community Affairs. After four years of service, Radosław Gromski concluded his mission, with Łukasz Kasperek taking over his responsibilities. The occasion provided an opportunity to reflect on the cooperation developed with the Polish community and to discuss the challenges awaiting the new Consul.

The day brought an important chapter in the work of the Consulate General in Manchester to a close while opening a new stage of cooperation with Polish communities across northern England, Wales and the Isle of Man. The meeting focused on Polish community organisations, the relationships built over recent years and the shared responsibility for strengthening the bonds between Poland and Polish people living in the United Kingdom.

The interviews conducted by Maria Anna Furman, Editor at Wyspa TV, featured outgoing Consul Radosław Gromski, his successor Łukasz Kasperek and Ireneusz Truszkowski, Consul General of the Republic of Poland in Manchester.

Reflecting on his four years of service, Radosław Gromski identified his greatest achievement not as any single project, but as the network of relationships established with members of the Polish community, voluntary organisations, schools, institutions and local authorities.

He emphasised that each year brought new partners into cooperation with the Consulate. This made it possible to develop initiatives promoting Poland, Polish culture and the social engagement of Polish people living in the United Kingdom.

The outgoing Consul expressed his satisfaction with what had been achieved and his hope that the initiatives launched during his tenure would continue. Addressing the Polish community, he thanked its members for four years of working together in support of Poland and Polish interests in the United Kingdom.

His message was clear: the Polish community's potential grows when individual involvement develops into responsible cooperation. The Consulate, in turn, remains ready to support valuable initiatives and build partnerships with local communities.

The new Consul for Polish Community Affairs, Łukasz Kasperek, announced his intention to continue the work initiated by his predecessor. He also plans to follow the Polish Government’s strategy for cooperation with the Polish diaspora and Polish people living abroad.

Among his principal priorities, he identified material, cultural and community support, as well as maintaining strong links with Poland. He also highlighted the concept of two-way integration: preserving close ties with the country of origin while participating actively in British society.

Direct contact with people is expected to play an important part in his work. Although the new Consul has already reviewed documents and background materials concerning Polish community activities, he stressed that written information cannot replace personal meetings.

He announced that he would attend Polish community events and expressed his readiness to learn more about the needs of individual organisations and local residents. He hopes that Polish community leaders will approach the initial period of his work with openness, goodwill and understanding. He also declared that he would remain receptive to constructive comments and criticism.

Another important subject raised during the discussion was the situation of Polish people who do not belong to Polish community organisations and remain outside the main networks of social activity. This group may include older or isolated individuals, people at risk of exclusion and those without access to information about available support.

Łukasz Kasperek acknowledged that he must first gain a clearer understanding of the scale of the issue and identify where people requiring assistance are located. Nevertheless, he expressed his interest in addressing the matter and his readiness to respond within the Consulate’s available resources.

Polish supplementary education was one area he intends to support in particular. Polish community schools play an essential role in passing the Polish language, history, culture and national identity on to younger generations. The new Consul also highlighted the importance of preserving the memory of Polish airmen who fought during the Second World War and whose story remains a significant part of the shared Polish-British heritage.

Ireneusz Truszkowski, Consul General of the Republic of Poland in Manchester, spoke very highly of Radosław Gromski’s work. He emphasised his commitment, professional experience and the personal dedication he brought to his relations with the Polish diaspora.

Radosław Gromski’s responsibilities extended beyond cooperation with Polish community organisations. They also included promoting Polish culture, managing social media communications and building relationships with representatives of local authorities. Ireneusz Truszkowski noted that this work often required considerable personal commitment and time that might otherwise have been spent with family.

Above all, the change is intended to ensure continuity in the Consulate’s positive relations with the Polish community. The new Consul is beginning his first posting abroad and will therefore need time to become familiar with the community, its organisations and its recurring events. His first year will allow him to experience the full calendar of Polish community life and build relationships with those he will serve.

The meeting held on 13 August 2026 was more than a formal handover of responsibilities. It symbolically brought together the experience and legacy of Radosław Gromski with the responsibility now being assumed by Łukasz Kasperek.

The principal objective remains a partnership between the Consulate and Polish organisations, schools, scouting associations, media outlets and local community leaders. Members of the Polish community can present their ideas, while the Consulate may, subject to its resources and capacity, support, promote or help organise individual initiatives.

People and stages of professional service may change, but the essence of consular work remains constant. It means being present for people, remaining attentive to the needs of the community and building the trust without which even the most promising projects cannot produce lasting results.

A new chapter is now beginning for the Polish community—one founded on the achievements of those who came before, while remaining open to new needs, new encounters and new opportunities for cooperation.

Author/Editor Maria Anna Furman