Peter Ricketts
@lordrickettsp.bsky.social
Former diplomat, Chair Lords European Affairs Cttee, Vice-Chair RUSI, Hon Pres Normandy Memorial. Special Envoy for loan of Bayeux Tapestry. Pop up on media a bit. Views all my own!
Starmer’s convening of Macron, Merz and Zelensky tomorrow is well timed. Witkoff tried to repeat his Gaza gambit by producing a hasty ‘peace plan’ and trying to railroad it. That was never going to work with Ukraine/Russia, and his current roadshow with Kushner won’t resolve the core issues 1/6.
December 7, 2025 at 4:36 PM
Starmer’s convening of Macron, Merz and Zelensky tomorrow is well timed. Witkoff tried to repeat his Gaza gambit by producing a hasty ‘peace plan’ and trying to railroad it. That was never going to work with Ukraine/Russia, and his current roadshow with Kushner won’t resolve the core issues 1/6.
Strongly recommend the Dulwich Gallery show: Anna Ancher: Painting Light. She lived and painted all her life on the N tip of Denmark at Skagen. But she also visited Paris, mingled with the impressionists and developed her own distinctive way of capturing the effects of light. It’s on till March.
December 6, 2025 at 5:24 PM
Strongly recommend the Dulwich Gallery show: Anna Ancher: Painting Light. She lived and painted all her life on the N tip of Denmark at Skagen. But she also visited Paris, mingled with the impressionists and developed her own distinctive way of capturing the effects of light. It’s on till March.
I agree and hope this is widely read on the other side of the Channel. Anand captures well the wider issues raised by the failed SAFE negotiations.
This is very good by @anandmenon.bsky.social. The EU shouldn't be indifferent to the choices the UK makes, merely setting out conditions for UK asks. It should have its own strategic aims on energy, security, export markets, access to Britain's knowledge economy
www.ft.com/content/0e5e...
www.ft.com/content/0e5e...
Will the UK and EU choose to be partners or rivals?
From defence collaboration to energy, the bloc is struggling to decide how to view its former member
www.ft.com
December 5, 2025 at 12:59 PM
I agree and hope this is widely read on the other side of the Channel. Anand captures well the wider issues raised by the failed SAFE negotiations.
Do see the vibrant Kerry James Marshall show @royalacademy.bsky.social until 18 January. His huge paintings are striking and thoughtful, celebrating black American culture adapting many of the conventions of centuries of Western painting. 1/2
December 3, 2025 at 10:45 AM
Do see the vibrant Kerry James Marshall show @royalacademy.bsky.social until 18 January. His huge paintings are striking and thoughtful, celebrating black American culture adapting many of the conventions of centuries of Western painting. 1/2
In the Folketing in Copenhagen for COSAC - Chairs of national European Affairs Cttees. I expect much support for Ukraine and the urgent need for a strong Europe - a good context to regret the disconnect between this and the failure of talks on UK access to SAFE. @lordseuroaffairs.parliament.uk
December 1, 2025 at 9:27 AM
In the Folketing in Copenhagen for COSAC - Chairs of national European Affairs Cttees. I expect much support for Ukraine and the urgent need for a strong Europe - a good context to regret the disconnect between this and the failure of talks on UK access to SAFE. @lordseuroaffairs.parliament.uk
Not surprising. It was bonkers that the EU demanded billions of € as an entry fee to SAFE for UK firms. It shows the disconnect between the shared imperative of increasing Europe’s military power and what looks to be a calculated move by some to keep UK out of SAFE. www.politico.eu/article/eu-u...
EU-UK talks on defense deal break down
London and Brussels clashed over how much the U.K. would have to pay to take part.
www.politico.eu
November 28, 2025 at 5:51 PM
Not surprising. It was bonkers that the EU demanded billions of € as an entry fee to SAFE for UK firms. It shows the disconnect between the shared imperative of increasing Europe’s military power and what looks to be a calculated move by some to keep UK out of SAFE. www.politico.eu/article/eu-u...
Reposted by Peter Ricketts
Our Chair @lordrickettsp.bsky.social is on this week's Parliament Matters podcast from @hansardsociety.bsky.social (at 21' 25"). He discusses the UK-EU 'reset' & our recent report on it, & Parliament's current & future role in scrutinising UK-EU relations, including prospective dynamic alignment
🎙️ New episode: What really happens after Budget Day?
(Yes — there really are 101 Ways and Means resolutions…)
🧾 How the Budget becomes the Finance Bill
🇪🇺 @lordrickettsp.bsky.social on dynamic alignment with the EU
🔟 More sitting Fridays for the assisted dying bill
🔗 Listen ⤵️ buff.ly/M6S6kdP
(Yes — there really are 101 Ways and Means resolutions…)
🧾 How the Budget becomes the Finance Bill
🇪🇺 @lordrickettsp.bsky.social on dynamic alignment with the EU
🔟 More sitting Fridays for the assisted dying bill
🔗 Listen ⤵️ buff.ly/M6S6kdP
November 28, 2025 at 9:02 AM
Our Chair @lordrickettsp.bsky.social is on this week's Parliament Matters podcast from @hansardsociety.bsky.social (at 21' 25"). He discusses the UK-EU 'reset' & our recent report on it, & Parliament's current & future role in scrutinising UK-EU relations, including prospective dynamic alignment
I represented @houseoflords.parliament.uk at a Summit in Stockholm to remind the world of Crimea’s plight since 2014: killings, children sent to Russian camps, cultural heritage destroyed etc. Zelensky put it powerfully in his speech to us ‘Putin wants legal recognition for what he has stolen’.
November 24, 2025 at 4:53 PM
I represented @houseoflords.parliament.uk at a Summit in Stockholm to remind the world of Crimea’s plight since 2014: killings, children sent to Russian camps, cultural heritage destroyed etc. Zelensky put it powerfully in his speech to us ‘Putin wants legal recognition for what he has stolen’.
The task for the European team in Geneva today should be to channel Trump’s impatience for a ceasefire into a plan which respects Ukraine’s vital interests and its sovereign right to decide its own security arrangements - and doesn’t leave Europe paying the whole bill.
November 23, 2025 at 7:42 AM
The task for the European team in Geneva today should be to channel Trump’s impatience for a ceasefire into a plan which respects Ukraine’s vital interests and its sovereign right to decide its own security arrangements - and doesn’t leave Europe paying the whole bill.
My assessment of what payments the EU are demanding from the UK to turn the aspirations set out at the 19 May Summit into firm agreements, and why their demand for €6.5bn to access the SAFE defence loan scheme is bonkers, its just after 30 mins in here. www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
PM - 14/11/2025 - BBC Sounds
News and current affairs, reporting on breaking stories and summing up the day's headlines
www.bbc.co.uk
November 14, 2025 at 10:39 PM
My assessment of what payments the EU are demanding from the UK to turn the aspirations set out at the 19 May Summit into firm agreements, and why their demand for €6.5bn to access the SAFE defence loan scheme is bonkers, its just after 30 mins in here. www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
If you are puzzled by the proliferating EU demands for UK cash as part of the reset process I will try to see through the fog on BBC Radio 4 PM Programme at around 1730 (or later on BBC Sounds)!
On another point, it’s unbelievable that the EU are asking for €6.5bn as an entry fee to access SAFE. Remember: this is a loan scheme. The Gov’t are willing to contribute to the costs of running it. But a €6.5 bn fee is so off the scale that it suggests some EU members don’t want UK in the scheme.
Thanks to the FT for quoting me on the Lords European Affairs Cttee report. But as I understand the outcome of the Brussels debate on money, a UK contribution to EU cohesion funds w’d only be sought for future access to the Internal Market, not for SPS/ETS deals. This is good news. t.co/8UqLZ7bGn4
November 14, 2025 at 4:16 PM
If you are puzzled by the proliferating EU demands for UK cash as part of the reset process I will try to see through the fog on BBC Radio 4 PM Programme at around 1730 (or later on BBC Sounds)!
On another point, it’s unbelievable that the EU are asking for €6.5bn as an entry fee to access SAFE. Remember: this is a loan scheme. The Gov’t are willing to contribute to the costs of running it. But a €6.5 bn fee is so off the scale that it suggests some EU members don’t want UK in the scheme.
Thanks to the FT for quoting me on the Lords European Affairs Cttee report. But as I understand the outcome of the Brussels debate on money, a UK contribution to EU cohesion funds w’d only be sought for future access to the Internal Market, not for SPS/ETS deals. This is good news. t.co/8UqLZ7bGn4
https://www.ft.com/content/acf92b43-8c9e-4c6f-9029-60ad4fb16b4b
t.co
November 12, 2025 at 10:40 PM
On another point, it’s unbelievable that the EU are asking for €6.5bn as an entry fee to access SAFE. Remember: this is a loan scheme. The Gov’t are willing to contribute to the costs of running it. But a €6.5 bn fee is so off the scale that it suggests some EU members don’t want UK in the scheme.
Thanks to the FT for quoting me on the Lords European Affairs Cttee report. But as I understand the outcome of the Brussels debate on money, a UK contribution to EU cohesion funds w’d only be sought for future access to the Internal Market, not for SPS/ETS deals. This is good news. t.co/8UqLZ7bGn4
https://www.ft.com/content/acf92b43-8c9e-4c6f-9029-60ad4fb16b4b
t.co
November 12, 2025 at 10:29 PM
Thanks to the FT for quoting me on the Lords European Affairs Cttee report. But as I understand the outcome of the Brussels debate on money, a UK contribution to EU cohesion funds w’d only be sought for future access to the Internal Market, not for SPS/ETS deals. This is good news. t.co/8UqLZ7bGn4
It’s out! Here’s @LordsEUCom Report ‘Unfinished Business: resetting the UK- EU relationship’. The Gov’t have made a strong start, esp on security and defence, but there’s still much to do in turning aspirations and goodwill into workable agreements 1/8
publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld5901/ld...
publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld5901/ld...
publications.parliament.uk
November 12, 2025 at 8:15 AM
It’s out! Here’s @LordsEUCom Report ‘Unfinished Business: resetting the UK- EU relationship’. The Gov’t have made a strong start, esp on security and defence, but there’s still much to do in turning aspirations and goodwill into workable agreements 1/8
publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld5901/ld...
publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld5901/ld...
We will remember them, today and every day.
November 9, 2025 at 7:35 AM
We will remember them, today and every day.
Only one possible viewing option this evening!
November 7, 2025 at 7:09 PM
Only one possible viewing option this evening!
We welcomed our Royal Patron HM The King to @RUSI_org to mark 50 years that HRH The Duke of Kent has been our President. RUSI was the first think tank in the world founded by the first Duke of Wellington in 1831 - and now chaired by the current Duke! An old Institute doing cutting edge research.
November 7, 2025 at 2:19 PM
We welcomed our Royal Patron HM The King to @RUSI_org to mark 50 years that HRH The Duke of Kent has been our President. RUSI was the first think tank in the world founded by the first Duke of Wellington in 1831 - and now chaired by the current Duke! An old Institute doing cutting edge research.
An important mission today in advance of Remembrance Day to lay a wreath at the British Normandy Memorial which my five year old grandson made all on his own.
November 6, 2025 at 9:39 PM
An important mission today in advance of Remembrance Day to lay a wreath at the British Normandy Memorial which my five year old grandson made all on his own.
Reposted by Peter Ricketts
Last week, the @houseoflords.parliament.uk European Affairs Committee was honoured to host a joint meeting with the European Affairs Committee from the French Senate. Following the meeting the respective chairs, @lordrickettsp.bsky.social and Senator Jean-François Rapin, co-signed a Joint Statement
November 6, 2025 at 2:52 PM
Last week, the @houseoflords.parliament.uk European Affairs Committee was honoured to host a joint meeting with the European Affairs Committee from the French Senate. Following the meeting the respective chairs, @lordrickettsp.bsky.social and Senator Jean-François Rapin, co-signed a Joint Statement
Bravo to North Herts Museum for a lovely small show on William Ratcliffe, a Letchworth Gdn City artist who became a first rate Camden Town painter under the influence of his neighbour Harold Gilman. His quiet interiors are ravishing but he sold few, and survived on porridge or boiled onions! 1/2
November 1, 2025 at 2:44 PM
Bravo to North Herts Museum for a lovely small show on William Ratcliffe, a Letchworth Gdn City artist who became a first rate Camden Town painter under the influence of his neighbour Harold Gilman. His quiet interiors are ravishing but he sold few, and survived on porridge or boiled onions! 1/2
A powerful debate today showing the strong bipartisan support for Ukraine - because it’s in the UK’s national interest. I made two main points. First, a ceasefire will only come when Putin concludes that pressure on Russia is jeopardising his hold on power. 1/6 www.parliament.uk/business/new...
Members consider the situation in Ukraine
Russo-Ukrainian War at heart of Lords debate. Find out more
www.parliament.uk
October 31, 2025 at 9:41 PM
A powerful debate today showing the strong bipartisan support for Ukraine - because it’s in the UK’s national interest. I made two main points. First, a ceasefire will only come when Putin concludes that pressure on Russia is jeopardising his hold on power. 1/6 www.parliament.uk/business/new...
That’s the conundrum Matt Collins faced. He couldn’t put words into the mouth of the previous government which they hadn’t used. For all the rhetoric now, their stated policy (IR 2023) was that China was an ‘epoch-defining challenge’. Collins instead assessed the threat of specific Chinese actions.
Which accords with what I thought here.
I can understand why many think there was enough to prosecute, but it’s still a difficulty if your witness isn’t able to be clear that China is actually an enemy. You’ve got to be confident you’ve got a 50%+ chance of conviction.
bsky.app/profile/publ...
I can understand why many think there was enough to prosecute, but it’s still a difficulty if your witness isn’t able to be clear that China is actually an enemy. You’ve got to be confident you’ve got a 50%+ chance of conviction.
bsky.app/profile/publ...
FWIW I can understand why the CPS didn't proceed given these statements. You'd need to be confident of your witness's answer to the question "was China considered a threat to the national security of the UK", & if they're not prepared to give assurance on that, you've got a problem.
October 18, 2025 at 1:16 PM
That’s the conundrum Matt Collins faced. He couldn’t put words into the mouth of the previous government which they hadn’t used. For all the rhetoric now, their stated policy (IR 2023) was that China was an ‘epoch-defining challenge’. Collins instead assessed the threat of specific Chinese actions.
My thoughts on the China spy case are in the first 10 minutes here. I found the Matt Collins witness statements totally professional and a powerful basis for a prosecution. There was no sign of the Gov’t trying to collapse the case, or any real change in China policy. www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
The Week in Westminster - 18/10/2025 - BBC Sounds
George Parker assesses the latest developments at Westminster.
www.bbc.co.uk
October 18, 2025 at 11:30 AM
My thoughts on the China spy case are in the first 10 minutes here. I found the Matt Collins witness statements totally professional and a powerful basis for a prosecution. There was no sign of the Gov’t trying to collapse the case, or any real change in China policy. www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
If you are settling down with a coffee at 1100, have a listen to The Westminster Hour on BBC Radio 4 where the FT’s George Parker, Bns Helena Kennedy and I discuss the ins and outs of the disappearing China spy case.
October 18, 2025 at 9:20 AM
If you are settling down with a coffee at 1100, have a listen to The Westminster Hour on BBC Radio 4 where the FT’s George Parker, Bns Helena Kennedy and I discuss the ins and outs of the disappearing China spy case.
It’s striking what a professional job Matt Collins did in these witness statements. The first describes in forensic detail the threat from Chinese intelligence operations and how this was ‘prejudicial to the safety or interests of the state’. 1/2 www.gov.uk/government/p...
Witness statements in relation to alleged breach of Official Secrets Act on behalf of China
As the Prime Minister said in the House, he has carefully considered this matter and, following legal advice, the Prime Minister decided to disclose the witness statements in full.
www.gov.uk
October 16, 2025 at 8:34 AM
It’s striking what a professional job Matt Collins did in these witness statements. The first describes in forensic detail the threat from Chinese intelligence operations and how this was ‘prejudicial to the safety or interests of the state’. 1/2 www.gov.uk/government/p...