“What exactly do you do ?”

 
This is the question which every son dreads from his mother. But it is one which is frequently put, in different guises, to bilateral Ambassadors and especially those in other European countries. Why do we need Ambassadors when there is the internet, mobiles, Facebook and Twitter? When all the real work is done in Brussels? When everyone in Portugal who is interested knows what's going on the UK via satellite TV? Is there really any point in having an Ambassador at all?  

The speaker will attempt to explain what a 21st century British Embassy does, and why; where the work has changed in the last two decades and where it has stayed the same, and why. 

Alex Ellis was appointed Her Majesty's Ambassador to Portugal in 2007, a country where he cut his diplomatic teeth in the early 90s and served under three different British Ambassadors. His other postings were in Brussels twice, the second time on secondment to the European Commission, and in Madrid. Prior to that he was a teacher.  He is married to a Portuguese diplomat.  His ‘O’ level French teacher is still amazed that he has learnt to speak any foreign language, let alone Portuguese. 

                                                         Wine will be served after the talk

                                               Members: £12        Guests £15    Students £5