City event with Simon Fraser, permanent secretary - FCO

25 March 2011

Simon Fraser, Permanent Under Secretary at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office addressed a gathering of TheCityUK's members at a specially convened meeting, hosted by Trowers & Hamlins. Over 50 members of the financial services community attended to hear Simon give his personal insight on recent political developments in the Middle East and North Africa. Simon gave a "tour de force" about the different socio-economic and political issues facing individual countries in the MENA region and the potential impact internally, on their neighbours and the wider global community.

Simon's experience as head of the FCO and previously Permanent Secretary at the Department of Business Innovation and Skills gives him a unique insight into the political and economic issues faced by the MENA countries and what this means for the UK.

Starting with a comment about the need to be humble in examining these matters - as we are living through a period of turmoil where certainties are looking less and less sure, Simon set out his views on the reasons why change is sweeping through the region. Stressing that each country needed to be viewed individually, he gave a fascinating insight into the drivers of change: from the impact of the internet-age, where a nation's leaders no longer control access to information, through to economic factors, he presented a compelling portrait of a region where change was perhaps more certain than stability.

He then set out views on what may happen - and the role of the UK is acting as a positive force. He was keen to stress the importance of the international effort and particularly the role of the EU in steering a course collectively.

In looking to the future, Simon spoke of the opportunities for the peoples of the region and how the UK may help - both in business terms and in forging closer links.

A stimulating questions and answers session followed Simon's thought provoking and comprehensive briefing about this major moment of political change in the region. The effects of which will be felt in the months and years to come.

The FCO has faced a non-stop series of consular and political crisis since January. We were delighted that Simon and members of his FCO team took time out of their demanding schedule to meet members of TheCityUK. We look forward to welcoming him back -hopefully in quieter times.

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