From January 2009 to January 2013: Continuity and Change in the British Embassy, Athens

In January 2009, the then newly-arrived Ambassador, Dr David Landsman, OBE walked into my room, accompanied by our then Political Counsellor, for a brief discussion about my work.  Upon leaving, he asked “what is the single area of work that you think will be most important in the period ahead?”  I replied “migration”.  I think we both thought that was a good reply.        

Indeed, in line with my expectations, Policy Delivery Team (PDT) work on migration increased through the years that followed.  In co-operation with UKBA and SOCA colleagues, the team engaged in reporting, holding events, organizing visits to the UK by Greek officials, inward visits by UK Minister and MPs, supporting projects by NGOs and engaging in a range of activities to support Greece in its effort to tackle irregular migration and help reduce the numbers of irregular migrants reaching the UK.  It was the first time that this continuous effort, in the field of migration, endured in such intensity from the beginning to the end of an Ambassador’s term in Athens.

But the fascination of political work is not knowing in the morning what you will be dealing with in the evening.  My reply was only partly on target.  Important as it was, work on migration did not prove to be Policy Delivery Team’s main concern in the years ahead.

 The early elections of October 2009 led to an avalanche of political and economic developments with wide international consequences.  With them came a demand for reporting to match.  I like to think that PDT rose to the challenge.  Economic and political diplomats and officers read thousands of pages  on their screens and desks (not to mention bedside tables), spoke to dozens of contacts, stayed up late at night to watch crucial debates in Parliament and reported back speedily, accurately and in a meaningful way to various departments in London.  Needless to say that the Ambassador was in the front line, combining strategic guidance with first-class draftsmanship.  After all, not everyone can find an apposite use of the Shakespearean “if it were done when ‘tis done then ‘twere well it were done quickly” to comment on Greek financial difficulties at a certain point in time.  From elections to double elections and their aftermath, the years between 2009 and 2013 were interesting, emotional, difficult, challenging years.  Greece changed as never before in recent history and we were there to witness and record that change.

There are many other areas of activity where the Ambassador planned, drove and participated in actions that served, protected or enhanced UK interests in Greece.  Higher education, justice and home affairs, engaging people across the Embassy and across the Greece network to work together in activities like a Royal visit to Athens, lighting the Olympic flame for London 2012, crisis management planning and so much else in the other fields of Embassy activity.

Many things changed since January 2009, in the world, the UK, Greece and the FCO. Dr David Landsman embraced and encouraged change but, happily, not at the cost of the three basic qualities on which he absolutely insisted upon arrival at Athens and which no doubt he will uphold wherever his duty calls him next: Service, Impact, Professionalism.