The Iron Lady v Fidel

Probably my final post on life almost 30 years ago.

By 1980, I had left active UK party politics, but was still involved in things European. I still had a year to run as Vice Chairman, European Democrat Students.

In June that year, the now relatively new PM, Margaret T hosted a meeting of the European Democrat Union in London. We met at the Grosvenor House Hotel on Park Lane and I remember giving a rather robust presentation which included the ‘F’ word several times. Mrs T was not amused. A Federalist she wasn’t.

In the evening, she hosted a formal dinner at No. 10. The food was not memorable, but the speeches were. This was a time when Cuba was actively involved in the Angolan conflict so The Iron Lady let rip. As she spoke, a couple of waiters worked the tables offering guests a selection of excellent Havana cigars to go with their coffee. Most accepted.

The irony of the moment was not lost.