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Regional Security Exercise 1 – France Mrs Samantha Birch
THERE WAS A SENSE of excitement amongst the group on the
Eurostar to Paris as the trip got underway, anticipating a week of
lectures, discussions and visits that would build on studies already undertaken, while developing understanding of security and defence issues from the French perspective, in the post-Brexit decision era.
The opening address at the British Embassy reception was provided
by Edward Llewellyn (Her Majesty’s Ambassador to France) who offered an insightful look into the “neighbourly
relationship”, particularly as it enters a new phase of Anglo-French relations. He highlighted the significance of the long standing commitment between the two countries, citing the Lancaster treaties, and our common interest
in border security. The Ambassador stressed the importance of ensuring commercial trade continued across
the Channel after Brexit because of
the substantial value of trade in both directions. During the visit, the group attended a series of lectures at the École de Guerre (successor to the former Collège interarmées de Défense (Joint Service Defense College)), where teaching is focused on joint warfare, international relations, and planning. This included a brief on the current and future UK French relationship
by Mr Matthew Lodge (Minister and Ambassador of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to UNESCO) which
“
focused on values and the promotion of defence by public servants and the military. He noted that while the two countries have a differing approach to NATO and European defence, this is a relationship of solidarity and mutual support.
Among the many highlights of the trip, and a great honour for me as a flag bearer, was the opportunity to take part in the daily ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, at the Arc de Triomphe. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from the First World War lies beneath the Arc, this is the first eternal flame lit in Europe since the Vestal Virgins’ fire was extinguished in the fourth century.
During the visit, the group also had the pleasure of meeting with members of the Senate, the upper house of the
French Parliament, at the remarkable Luxembourg Palace, which has been the seat of the French Senate of the Fifth Republic since 1958. The students watched French politics in action and participated in Q&A with Senators following a presentation on foreign affairs and the defence committee.
The week was rounded off with a visit to the National Assembly, the lower house of the bicameral Parliament of France, which provided an insight into the eight commissions of the assembly and changes to membership after the appointment of President Macron.
The overall message was reassuring
in that despite BREXIT, little impact is anticipated to ongoing cooperation, with such an enduring common strategic view.
...security
and defence issues from
the French perspective,
in the post- Brexit decision era. ◆◆◆