Sir Peter Westmacott, British Ambassador to France

20th February 2008
Home House, London

Walpole's first Insight Lunch for the year was held on 20th February 2008. The British Ambassador to France, Sir Peter Westmacott gave members an intimate insight into his role, particularly discussing the current French Political climate, the economy and trade.

The event was held at Walpole Member, Home House and the delightful setting attracted a high profile attendee list including Raymond Blanc; James Bidwell, CEO Visit London; Yuki Tan, President, Links of London; and David Hesketh, Director, Laurent Perrier.

Guests were treated to a starter of Serrano Ham with fresh figs, rocket salad, balsamic dressing, followed by Roast corn fed chicken with wild mushrooms and sautéed potatoes.

The lunch gave attendees the opportunity to network and discuss upcoming issues and share information in an open yet intimate setting, before Sir Peter Westmacott's thought-provoking and insightful speech.

Walpole would like to thank Sir Peter Westmacott and Member Home House for their contribution to the lunch.

Sir Peter Westmacott began his diplomatic career when he joined the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in 1972, and his first international posting was as 2nd Secretary in Iran, in 1974. In 1978 he was sent to the European Commission in Brussels, followed by Paris from 1980 to 1984. After a period in London he was sent to Ankara as Head of Chancery from 1987. In 1990 he became Deputy Private Secretary to the Prince of Wales. In 1993 he became a Counsellor to Political and Public Affairs in Washington before becoming Director for the Americas in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in 1997. He was Ambassador to Turkey from 2002 to 2006 before becoming Ambassador to France in March 2007. Sir Peter received the LVO in 1993, and was appointed a KCMG in 2003.

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