My Place - Lord Steel of Aikwood
Lord Steel has had a home in the Hérault since 2000. His many achievements and positions include leader of the UK political party the ‘Liberal Democrats’ and Joint Leader of the Social & Liberal Democrats as well as being the 1st presiding officer of the Scottish Parliament in 1999
Why did you first visit the Hérault region?
It was in 1999 to visit friends. We first bought a small house in Hérault as our own millennium project in 2000, but our children complained it was too small, so when a larger one came up in the same street but in poor condition we bought it in 2002 and the family spent the next three years doing it up. We get there about three times a year – once for a long break when we come by car and load up with wine, but each of our three children also use it with their families, so it gets well used.
What was it that made you want to have a home here?
I just enjoyed the peace and beauty of the region and having friends who had settled here.
Do you think spending part of your
childhood in Kenya and your father’s stances influenced you?
My four teenage years in Kenya were hugely influential as was my father’s ministry there. Africa remains a great interest which I visit often. I am President of the Africa All-Party Parliamentary Group.
Do you believe that UK political parties should diversify to give a more
individual stance?
Not sure what you mean – if you mean more individual freedom against the party whips, we do enjoy that in the Lords to some extent, and yes I favour that.
The Abortion Act of 1967, speaking out against Israel and their Human Rights
record and leading the British anti-apartheid movement to name three. Do you regret fighting these causes and the impact that they had on you and your family with the death threats and hate mail?
No, I am very proud of my role on these three issues, and I rarely took death threats and hate mail seriously. I have just been made an Honorary Fellow of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists recognising the contribution to women’s health, enjoyed my seven years as president of Medical Aid for the Palestinians, and rejoiced in the ending of apartheid.
You were the President of the British anti-apartheid movement for many years. Although the countries may have changed, do you think racism and segregation
is now more of an issue than it was when it ‘focused’ on countries such as
South Africa?
Whilst institutional apartheid has been abolished in South Africa there are many parts of the world where sectarianism creeps into state policy. I am in favour of diversity with amity and wholly opposed to diversity with enmity, as was well stated by the new Archbishop of Canterbury.
And with the anti-Islamic rhetoric now abundant in western countries do
you have a comment?
I oppose fundamentalism of every kind – Islamic, Zionist, Christian or any other kind. The notion that “I am absolutely right and you are wholly wrong” is an indefensible
attitude in today’s enlightened world.
What do you think about the growth of the far right in France and in Europe generally?
It is worrying not just in France but in nearly every European country, but in the end people are sensible and remember where such creeds led Europe in the past.
Do you believe that without the Falklands War, your statement at the Liberal
Assembly “Go back to your constituencies and prepare for government” would have come true?
Yes indeed, the Liberal-SDP alliance reached 51% in opinion polls before
British politics was side-lined by Mrs Thatcher successfully becoming a combination of
Boadicea and Britannia!
What do you think about the proposed referendum on the UK being in Europe? Do you think that this would have a serious economic impact on the UK and also for expats?
I am concerned at the potential damage to UK interests since the EU is our biggest trading partner, but I don’t think it would seriously affect the expat community.
Would you tell us about your classic cars, and if you could have only one which would you own?
My wife would tell you I have had too many over the years, but actually only one at a time. My current classic car is a twenty-year old Jaguar XJS convertible, which has visited Hérault. My biggest long rally was in 1998 London to Cape Town in an Austin Gypsy. I stupidly sold many years ago a Daimler Barker special sports (an elegant coach built convertible) for £100 but now they fetch over £20,000, so I guess I would choose to have that back.
It is said that you didn’t approve of your wife’s tattoo. Have you softened your stance at all? Maybe a joint one next time?
I did not really disapprove – I just said “I hope that is a transfer!” But it wasn’t, and in fact the leaping jaguar is the crest atop my coat of arms and in carved wood surmounts my stall in the Thistle chapel at St Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh.
You are a keen fisherman. Where are your favourite places to fish? Do you fish at all when you are in Hérault?
I am in a four-man syndicate which takes a boat every Friday in the season on Bowhill Loch near Selkirk where we try for rainbow trout. Usually two or three of us get there each week. I tried to be a “pecheur” locally but following advertising signs only found ponds mainly designed for children.
Is there a quote or comment either by you or to you which has stayed
with you throughout your life?
Too many to select just one.
Who is the most inspiring politician or leader that you have ever met?
Jo Grimond was the greatest personal influence on my political life, and of those I have met Nelson Mandela the most admired.
Do you have a favourite wine from the Languedoc?
Same answer as to question 4 above! They are one of the great joys of Hérault.
