On 12th August and courtesy of our member Simon Cole, long-serving former Chancellor and Gers-resident Lord Lawson gave a full dining room a lucid exposition of his view of Brexit.
He had been an early advocate of leaving the European Union, having experienced the way in which British membership impeded the reform of the British economy in the 1980s.
He was anxious to stress that, living permanently in France, this position was in no way anti-European but was simply against a political construct designed eventually to lead to a complete union. Britain had been half-in and half-out, having, in his view, correctly avoided the disastrous euro, itself designed to accelerate the political union.
We were able to ask Nigel a number of questions, some reflecting agreement with his position and others concerns aligned with the ‘Remain’ position or simply a fear of impending disaster.
Our chairman, John Baylis concluded this cordial lunch in the Hotel de Bastard in Lectoure by thanking Lord Lawson for his speech. Thanks were also due to Marion for her excellent organisation and to Simon for making the whole event possible. It was indeed a very worthwhile occasion and one to remember as Brexit advances.
John was pleased to see more members and hoped to see many of them (and guests) at the forthcoming AGM.
OUS South West France 