Sir Malcolm Rifkind enlightens London alumni
Last week saw the London Alumni Network host an entertaining evening with Edinburgh alumnus Sir Malcolm Rifkind CMG, QC, MP.
Sir Malcolm, who currently serves as the Chairman of the Intelligence and Security Committee, and is MP for the London constituency of Kensington, kept the audience in suspense by announcing his topics for discussion on arrival at the University Women’s Club, where the event was held.
Edinburgh, Ukraine and Scottish independence
He began with a short reflection on his days at Edinburgh, which included an anecdote about being escorted out of Edinburgh Castle in the middle of the night by members of the armed forces.
He then moved to talk about the escalating situation in Ukraine, linking neatly on to the current debate over Scottish independence and the upcoming referendum. Sir Malcolm offered his own views on both before taking questions from the floor.
Over 90 alumni of all ages and occupations then enjoyed a drinks and canapés reception with members of the London Alumni Network and staff from the University.
Sir Malcolm's comparative analysis of Ukraine and Scotland effectively managed the balance between being informative and amusing.
Future activities
Ann West, of the London Network committee, concluded the evening by announcing two more network events - a panel debate with a sports theme in October 2014 and a Burns Night celebration in January 2015.
To keep in touch with the network and hear about their full programme of events, please join their Facebook group, or contact us for further information.
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