News & Info > Headmaster's Lecture by Sir Nigel Sheinwald Headmaster's Lecture by Sir Nigel Sheinwald Our final Headmaster’s Lecture this term was given by Sir Nigel Sheinwald, a former senior British diplomat who has been at the centre of geo-politics for much of the past thirty years. Sir Nigel’s lecture, ‘Diplomacy: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly’ was a fascinating insight into the life of a senior diplomat, the role they play in advising Prime Ministers and promoting and securing the best interests of their country. Sir Nigel was the Ambassador and UK Permanent Representative to the European Union in the 1990s and was central to the extensive and delicate negotiations to extend EU membership to Poland and other Eastern European countries. He was also Ambassador to the United States during the Blair years and worked hard to promote British interests behind the scenes and secure the so-called ‘special relationship’ with America. This lecture was a masterclass for anyone considering a career in the diplomatic service and indeed for politics students wanting to get a better grasp of what diplomacy really means. Sir Nigel ended by setting out the challenges he feels are facing the UK as we prepare to leave the European Union and also the diplomatic challenges that President Trump’s style of leadership presents for diplomacy and Prime Minister Theresa May.