Sir Roderic Lyne

I was a diplomat from 1970 to 2004 and served as the foreign affairs adviser to the Prime Minister (1993-6), UK Ambassador to the international organisations in Geneva (1997-2000) and UK Ambassador to Russia (2000-04). I subsequently served as a member of the Iraq Inquiry (2009-16); Deputy Chairman of the Royal Institute of International Affairs (2008-16); and Chairman of the Governors of Kingston University. I have been involved with businesses working in Russia and have visited that country about 50 times since 2004; and have written many articles and reports on it as well as giving lectures and broadcasts. I have also lectured on the Iraq conflict, the Northern Ireland peace process, the United Nations and wider aspects of international affairs. I have been a mentor to sixth form pupils, university students and a young diplomat.