The BEMF will be organizing its first ever dinner on November 23rd at 7 p.m. at the outstanding restaurant, Au Petit Victor Hugo, 143 Avenue Victor Hugo in Paris.
Our guest speaker on that occasion will be a most remarkable man, Richard Ashworth, British MEP for the South East Region
Though he is the former leader of the UK Conservative delegation in the European Parliament, Richard, a fierce opponent of Brexit, was expelled from the Conservative party last month in a shock move by party Chairman, Brandon Lewis.
Speaking from Strasbourg, Richard recently stated that “In October 2017, I, along with Julie Girling, voted in support of a European Parliament resolution that said, “Not enough progress has been made, by the EU and the UK, in resolving the question of the Irish border after Brexit”. Only five Conservative MEPs took part in the vote, which was not a political statement but a factual one.”
In light of that vote, Prime Minister Theresa May announced at the following PMQs “I have suspended the party whip from two Conservative MEPs”.
Subsequently, both MEPs, in defiance of the British Conservative delegation, voted to censure the far right Hungarian Prime Minister, Viktor Orban.
Consequently, Party Chairman, Brandon Lewis, announced last month that both Ashworth and Girling had been expelled from the Conservative party.
Richard Ashworth is 71 years old and was born in Folkestone Courageously, he has publicly expressed his concern that the “once broad-church pragmatic Conservative party has deserted the centre ground in favour of far right ideology and intolerance”.
Richard will talk to us about his experiences and beliefs and will answer any questions you may have
We can assure you of a very pleasant and convivial evening with a special menu consisting of an assiette d'hors d'oeuvres variés, magret de canard laqué au miel, potimarron et petits légumes and a choice of desserts. Half a bottle of red wine, mineral water and coffee will be included
If you are interested in coming along to the dinner (whether or not you are formally a member of the BEMF) please contact us on bemf@fastmail.com
