On Tuesday, April 16, 2019 Mark Garnier MP, the US regional Envoy for the Department for International Trade London, visited Philadelphia with Alexandra Hall Hall, Brexit Counsellor from the British Embassy in Washington, D.C. The BABCPHL had the honor of welcoming Mr. Garnier and Ms. Hall Hall for a VIP luncheon discussion about Brexit at The Palm restaurant in Philadelphia. The visit was perfectly timed as the world watches the UK’s momentous decision evolve.
Appointed by the Prime Minister, Mr. Garnier is the British Government’s US Regional Envoy. He is focused on promoting UK/US trade and investment ties across the US, through engagement with local governments, relevant trade bodies, Congressional representatives in their districts, investors and regional media. Mr. Garnier is supported by the UK’s US network, and plays a key role in helping open markets, unlocking barriers, and promoting deeper trade and investment links. Previously, Mr. Garnier was Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for International Trade from July 17, 2016 to January 9, 2018. He was elected as the Conservative MP for Wyre Forest in May 2010. Before coming to Parliament, Mr. Garnier spent 27 years as an investment banker and investment manager. During this time, he spent 15 years specializing in the emerging markets of South East Asia.
Joining Mr. Garnier was Ms. Hall Hall, Brexit Counsellor at the British Embassy in Washington. Ms. Hall Hall is responsible for spearheading the work of explaining the UK’s departure from the European Union to US audiences, and promoting a continuing strong US-UK relationship post-Brexit. Prior to taking up this position she served as British Ambassador to Georgia from 2013 – 2016, and as a senior Non-Resident Fellow at the Atlantic Council think tank in Washington DC from 2016-2018.
Mr. Garnier and Ms. Hall Hall delivered remarks about the historic and strong relationship between the two nations; the current geopolitical situation in Europe; and the positive outcome Brexit will have, not only for the UK, but for the rest of the world. Attendees were privy to a candid discussion about the complicated process and the careful decisions that must happen to proceed. BABCPHL guests were invited to ask questions, which focused on data privacy, Northern Ireland, party politics, pre-WWII geopolitical sentiments, as well as other issues. BABCPHL members garnered a much greater understanding of how the Brexit process might progress. The open dialogue provided everyone with an invaluable opportunity to more deeply understand the current situation.
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