Work
11.November 2008 - 00:00
Belgian Banquet on Climate Change(4th Energy Industry delegation)
My Lord, ladies and gentlemen – all my life I have longed for the occasion to say that.
It sounds a bit like the announcement of a championship fight, well maybe it is, we will see.
I am sorry for my husky voice that reveals that my nose is running – running very fast. Maybe it is the flue – or maybe it is because I just flew from Japan.
Before introducing our distinguished guest, I must thank the MEUC for bringing you all here and British Energy for sponsoring this banquet. In particular I would mention British Energy’s man in Brussels: Jon Coniam who is simply the best known and most respected industry representative in Brussels and the reason I, and many of my colleagues, agreed to participate again this year.
Or, to be honest, actually it was my vanity. Jon Coniam reminded me that last time one year ago I was not properly dressed. I had lost my luggage and had barely nothing decent on me. This time you get a possibility to impress them, Coniam told me.
Now, our most distinguished guest: Baron Lawson of Blaby. As Nigel Lawson, he was Margaret Thatcher’s Finance Minister during much of the privatization of State utilities. I wonder what he thinks of the re-nationalization of some significant energy companies – though the nation is different now – Bien Sur?
Apart from that significant, even historic, role – he HAS BEEN an energy minister, he HAS BEEN many years in The House of Lords – but he is no ‘HAS BEEN' as we will hear in a moment.
I understand you resigned from Mrs Thatcher’s government after a disagreement – but I do hope you have forgiven her now. After all, I imagine it cannot be easy being a blonde in Politics – ask Boris Johnson – or ask me.
On the subject of the evening: Climate Change, its causes, consequences and remedies, I don’t imagine we will agree on all details but this is the beauty of political debate, industry/political interface and fine wine.
Lord Lawson will speak for about 15 minutes and then it’s over to you – the audience. Or as I prefer to call you in this election year: The Electorate. I have instructed the Bibliotheque services only to continue serving those tables who raise intelligent questions and remarks. It’s a kind of “management by motivation” that you will all recognise.
So, My Lord, Ladies and Gentlemen, I have the great honour to give the floor to Lord Nigel Lawson.
My Lord, ladies and gentlemen – all my life I have longed for the occasion to say that.
It sounds a bit like the announcement of a championship fight, well maybe it is, we will see.
I am sorry for my husky voice that reveals that my nose is running – running very fast. Maybe it is the flue – or maybe it is because I just flew from Japan.
Before introducing our distinguished guest, I must thank the MEUC for bringing you all here and British Energy for sponsoring this banquet. In particular I would mention British Energy’s man in Brussels: Jon Coniam who is simply the best known and most respected industry representative in Brussels and the reason I, and many of my colleagues, agreed to participate again this year.
Or, to be honest, actually it was my vanity. Jon Coniam reminded me that last time one year ago I was not properly dressed. I had lost my luggage and had barely nothing decent on me. This time you get a possibility to impress them, Coniam told me.
Now, our most distinguished guest: Baron Lawson of Blaby. As Nigel Lawson, he was Margaret Thatcher’s Finance Minister during much of the privatization of State utilities. I wonder what he thinks of the re-nationalization of some significant energy companies – though the nation is different now – Bien Sur?
Apart from that significant, even historic, role – he HAS BEEN an energy minister, he HAS BEEN many years in The House of Lords – but he is no ‘HAS BEEN' as we will hear in a moment.
I understand you resigned from Mrs Thatcher’s government after a disagreement – but I do hope you have forgiven her now. After all, I imagine it cannot be easy being a blonde in Politics – ask Boris Johnson – or ask me.
On the subject of the evening: Climate Change, its causes, consequences and remedies, I don’t imagine we will agree on all details but this is the beauty of political debate, industry/political interface and fine wine.
Lord Lawson will speak for about 15 minutes and then it’s over to you – the audience. Or as I prefer to call you in this election year: The Electorate. I have instructed the Bibliotheque services only to continue serving those tables who raise intelligent questions and remarks. It’s a kind of “management by motivation” that you will all recognise.
So, My Lord, Ladies and Gentlemen, I have the great honour to give the floor to Lord Nigel Lawson.