HE Gérard Errera, Ambassador of France.
Monday 9th January 2006
The Ambassador addressed the group in a free and informal way. This was a time of big change in our countries, in Europe and even the Conservative Party.
The challenges that France faces are similar to the UK and we share many interests in our countries and the rest of the world.
Domestic challenges for instance: how to reconcile defence of civil difficulties and defence in the face of the spread of terrorism. There are many models and not just one way for the way forward. We face a new kind of competition from the world – the international economic situation and landscape is changing. We have to ensure the right balance between the public and private sectors.
Main issues of concern:
Pensions
Developed countries have to face socially, politically and financially enormous problems not yet addressed in the UK. France has already made a decision not to extend the number of years before a pension is collected. It is a delicate issue.
Energy
Nuclear energy provides 75% of electricity. Energy independence is at the core of political thinking: it used to be 'arms' but in the future it could be 'energy supply'.
Health Service
Good quality of care and choice in health service in France in the last 50 years.
The main point the Ambassador underlined was that the UK and France have so much in common.
We can and should share our experiences in what we have done whether they are failures or successes
International scene Iraq - challenges posed with weapons of mass destruction Other challenges are defence of the environment, climate change etc..
The big question is the policy that Europeans should have on America and China. Where are the real differences? Differences in methods with US – does UK have a special relationship with the US?
Democracy - big debate is how to spread democracy in the Middle East. Westminster is known as the 'cradle of democracy'. We should spread democracy in the world and do all we can to defend those democratic principles. The basis of successful societies is to be true to democratic principles.
Europe
'Nobody is perfect' –France has a reputation of being very open – we should not, however, lecture anyone on Europe. If Europe exists it is because Winston Churchill in the darkest hour had faith in Gen de Gaulle...
Britain is in Europe and has been part of the European Union for over 20 years. There is no plot from France or anyone else against Britain in building Europe. The question is how can we put our resources together to respond. The idea that building Europe will ruin national identities is a joke. Do you think that France is less French since joining the European Union – or that Britain is less British… Brussels is not a monster – decisions are made by officials. To look at national interests we have to look at realities. Mrs Thatcher was one of the strongest Europeans – she signed the Single Market.
Don’t think that you will be stronger or better without Europe
France and UK
What unites us is stronger than what divides us – no country alone can solve all the difficulties – yet we continue to quarrel – and claim superiority of policies.
Conclusion
It is time to change. The world in which we live may not allow us to continue in this game. Our countries are different and also much alike- therefore rivals. “I hope we find the key to reverse the situation – our similarities should make us stronger. We should join the best of the two countries.
In 15 years from now historians night say there is a very important change in international and national politics. They will look back to where the changes took place. They will decide where we took the right course. We should take the right decisions; for both countries.