Every seat in the Holland Room of the Hove Club was taken as members and guests gathered to hear Lord Hennessey of Nympsfield deliver the 2016 Joyce Rolf memorial lecture. His subject “The Kingdom to Come” focused on the challenges facing the United Kingdom after the Brexit vote and the Scottish referendum on independence. The professor of contemporary history considered these challenges in the context of the four major events which, in his opinion, have determined Britain’s place in the world since World War 2; namely the disposal of empire; joining the European Economic Community (as it was called in the 1970s); the collapse of the Soviet Bloc in the early 90s and, most recently, the Brexit vote.
Despite his disappointment with the result of the Brexit vote, his concern at the prospect of Scotland leaving the United Kingdom, and growing international tensions, the professor found many reasons to be cheerful about Britain’s prospects. After such a stimulating talk there were many questions from the floor which were answered with Peter Hennessey’s characteristic grace and good humour.
This story was submitted by the ESU Brighton & East Sussex branch. Please click here for information on this branch and its upcoming events.
