iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Peter Ricketts @lordrickettsp.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

I’m struck that there has been nothing from senior ministers here echoing the very stark public warnings from Macron and Tusk last week of an escalation in Russian hybrid attacks on European countries. And there will no parliamentary opportunity to quiz them on this for three weeks.

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Peter Ricketts @lordrickettsp.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

Walking past the Tower of London, one of William’s first building projects in his newly conquered kingdom.

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Peter Ricketts @lordrickettsp.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

On the afternoon of 11 September 2001, I was the FCO Political Director meeting with Foreign Secretary Jack Straw, Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon and CDS Adm Mike Boyce in Jack’s office. A private secretary called us out to watch TV as smoke billowed from one of the WTC towers. 1/5

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Peter Ricketts @lordrickettsp.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

As the once in a millennium Bayeux Tapestry exhibition at the British Museum opens its doors to the public, I wish everyone who visits in the next 10 months the same sense of awe and wonder I felt at seeing it up close (thanks to the brilliant showcase) with all its clear details and bright colours!

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Peter Ricketts @lordrickettsp.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

Do listen to this absorbing documentary by George Parker of the FT on the politics of the Bayeux Tapestry down the centuries. He has woven together many voices to tell some fascinating stories. Thanks for including me! www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...

bbc.co.uk

Illuminated - The Power of the Bayeux Tapestry - BBC Sounds

George Parker on the political and diplomatic power of the Bayeux Tapestry over centuries.

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Peter Ricketts @lordrickettsp.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

It’s T Day! I’ve been privileged as Special Envoy to support the 🇬🇧🇫🇷professionals as they worked intensively, built trust and solved the unprecedented problems of moving safely and exhibiting the Bayeux Tapestry. Opening ceremony today, public viewing from 10 Sept. 1/4 www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

bbc.co.uk

King Charles, Macron and Burnham to get preview of Bayeux Tapestry at British Museum

British and French leaders will be at the British Museum to see the exhibition of the historic Bayeux Tapestry.

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Peter Ricketts @lordrickettsp.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

Shuckburgh went on to be FO Middle East Director 1954-56. It’s hard to imagine now the outsize role UK played in the region in 1954. We still had 70,000 troops in Egypt and UK technicians ran the Suez Canal. There were RAF squadrons in Iraq and a naval base at Aden. 1/5

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Peter Ricketts @lordrickettsp.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

The best diplomatic diaries put the personal details back into the history of great events. There are rich pickings in ‘Descent to Suez’ the enjoyable diaries of Evelyn Shuckburgh (ES), Eden’s Private Secretary from 51-54. Let’s start with a bad case of Villa envy in Geneva 1/8.

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Peter Ricketts @lordrickettsp.bsky.social · 29/08/2026

Thanks @markurban.bsky.social for quoting me in this cogent assessment of the Ratcliffe mission to Moscow. Whatever his precise talking points, the visit itself was part of the message, and is best followed up by prompt NATO-wide action to up the pressure on Russia in response to provocations.

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Peter Ricketts @lordrickettsp.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

Hugely looking forward to talking about Peace Makers at the renowned Cirencester History Festival on 24 October. If you will be in the area do get tickets!

punchline-gloucester.com

Cirencester History Festival announces full programme

Host of new names join the festival line-up.

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Peter Ricketts @lordrickettsp.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

I really enjoyed this in-depth discussion of my book Peace Makers, about the men and women of the Foreign Office during WWII, with someone who knows a thing or two about this period: the internationally renowned historian, biographer of Churchill and my colleague in the Lords, Andrew Roberts

hoover.org

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Peter Ricketts @lordrickettsp.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

On 3 August 1944, the German V1 campaign against London peaked, with 316 missiles launched and 220 impacting. Air defence guns and the RAF were proving increasingly effective, but it was still a terrifying weapon, with its eerie engine noise then silence as it fell to earth 1/2

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Peter Ricketts @lordrickettsp.bsky.social · 25/07/2026

The Resident Clerks are proving popular! Here is another picture of them at work in 1941. It’s obviously staged as all three appear to be working at the same time. But you get the idea. Admire the monocle and pipe! Anthony Montague Brown’s ‘Long Sunset’ is full of anecdotes. Samples follow. 1/2

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Peter Ricketts @lordrickettsp.bsky.social · 25/07/2026

The Resident Clerks were a Foreign Office institution. Four young bachelors lived in a flat in the FO, and did a roster of nights and weekends, fielding urgent calls and telegrams and waking people up when action was needed. I’ve just come across this fun story about Ernie Bevin. 1/2

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Peter Ricketts @lordrickettsp.bsky.social · 19/07/2026

On the night of 5/6 November 1942, a vast Allied convoy passed undetected through the Strait of Gibraltar, carrying the assault forces for the Torch landings in N Africa. It was a major feat of military planning, but its success hinged on the diplomatic skills of our man in Madrid. 1/7

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Peter Ricketts @lordrickettsp.bsky.social · 18/07/2026

Trump’s attacks bridges and energy sites will be no more effective than previous attempts to bomb Iran into submission. With oil back above $80, the Strait virtually shut and Gulf States under attack, expect him soon to veer back to reviving his ‘deal’. www.theguardian.com/world/2026/j...

theguardian.com

US launches seventh night of Iran strikes as Hormuz conflict escalates

Central Command says attacks were designed to ‘continue degrading Iranian military capabilities’

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Peter Ricketts @lordrickettsp.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

It was a great privilege to join France’s Culture Minister Catherine Pégard and British Museum Chair George Osborne to see the Tapestry up close and personal. It lies on its display table before being slid under the protective showcase. All is on track for opening to the public on 10 September!

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Peter Ricketts @lordrickettsp.bsky.social · 15/07/2026

I’m so glad you enjoyed it. And yes some things don’t change!

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Peter Ricketts @lordrickettsp.bsky.social · 15/07/2026

Really appreciate this review of Peace Makers from Lord (Guy) Black. If you are looking for a holiday read, it might help you decide!

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Peter Ricketts @lordrickettsp.bsky.social · 14/07/2026

In July 1942 the Japanese liner Tatsuta Maru left Yokohama with the entire British community in Tokyo, who had been interned for 8 months. She stopped in Saigon + Singapore to collect more allied civilians and docked at Lourenço Marques where they were exchanged for Japanese staff from Europe 1/5

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Peter Ricketts @lordrickettsp.bsky.social · 11/07/2026

The Tapestry is a gift which will go on giving! These 11c images have effortlessly taken to social media.

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Peter Ricketts @lordrickettsp.bsky.social · 02/07/2026

Shocking allegations that King Harold was not spending 3.5% on defence.

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Peter Ricketts @lordrickettsp.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

Someone thought it clever to hide the 4.7bn black hole away in Treasury notes. As a result that’s all the media are talking about. Not the merits of the plan, or the need for a national debate on durably spending more on defence, which I tried to talk about with Cathy Newman on Sky News last night.

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Peter Ricketts @lordrickettsp.bsky.social · 28/06/2026

Powerful advice. But one point jars. On the SDR ‘The review team and previous defence secretary gave assurances to the prime minister and chancellor it was “balanced and affordable”. They were wrong’. The SDR and the Spending Review came out in June 25. But 1/2 www.thetimes.com/article/289f...

thetimes.com

My advice to Andy Burnham as a former head of the armed forces

Britain is respected around the world and the premiership has become a quasi-wartime role. We cannot succumb to the ‘know our place’ brigade

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Peter Ricketts @lordrickettsp.bsky.social · 26/06/2026

As I note here, keeping Powell sends an important and welcome signal of continuity. However it’s easy for Burnham to say he will do less foreign policy and delegate more. He will find the big issues are handled at leader level. To have influence you have to be there. observer.co.uk/news/politic...

observer.co.uk

Coup for Burnham as Jonathan Powell says it his ‘duty’ to...

The highly respected ex-diplomat and former Blair chief of staff has been persuaded to stay in his post to ensure stability amid the current international and domestic turmoil

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Peter Ricketts @lordrickettsp.bsky.social · 25/06/2026

Why isn’t it the UK championing with Mark Carney a multilateral Defence Security and Resilience Bank on the model of World Bank/EBRD? The UK has the expertise, a global financial centre and an urgent need for defence investment. Early support from Burnham would send a powerful signal.

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Peter Ricketts @lordrickettsp.bsky.social · 17/06/2026

Thank you @rusi.bsky.social for hosting a launch event for Peace Makers expertly chaired by FCDO Chief Historian Professor Patrick Salmon. Great discussion with many questions on the FO role in shaping the outcome of the war, and how the war changed the FO esp in breaking down barriers to women.

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Peter Ricketts @lordrickettsp.bsky.social · 15/06/2026

The US/Iran deal winds the clock back to 27 Feb, when the Strait was open and nuclear negotiations ongoing. Except: Tehran has shown it can withstand US/Israeli military power, control Hormuz and hold Gulf States at risk. That’s a new reality. And Iran has made a new linkage with Lebanon

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Peter Ricketts @lordrickettsp.bsky.social · 13/06/2026

Speaking at the Borders Books Festival a great opportunity to immerse in beautiful Melrose including the Abbey and Abbotsford. Thanks to all who came along to make my discussion with @gavinesler.bsky.social about Peace Makers a sellout!

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Peter Ricketts @lordrickettsp.bsky.social · 12/06/2026

I hope Jarvis extracted a commitment to more funding. If not the DIP is dead on arrival after Healey’s devastating critique. How can he credibly sell a plan which his far more experienced predecessor condemned as increasing the risk to personal and making the country less safe? Time for boldness!

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Peter Ricketts @lordrickettsp.bsky.social · 12/06/2026

Discussing the damage done by the Healey/Cairns resignations to the UK’s credibility and capacity to lead in Europe on the response to Ukraine, Iran and Trump, on BBC Breakfast around 0830

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Peter Ricketts @lordrickettsp.bsky.social · 11/06/2026

I fully agree. Worth emphasising that it was the PM’s commitment at the NATO summit last year that the U.K. would spend 3% by 2030, not John Healey.

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Peter Ricketts @lordrickettsp.bsky.social · 09/06/2026

Excited to get my copy and can’t wait to read the views of a critical friend of (and no stranger to) Britain. Love the cover too! @helenebismarck.bsky.social

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Peter Ricketts @lordrickettsp.bsky.social · 07/06/2026

Thank you to John Healey and Lord (Vernon) Coaker for your presence at DDay82 at the British Normandy Memorial. We honoured the memory of Lord Coaker’s uncle, Sgt Vernon Coaker, killed on 6 June 1944 at the age of 23, and that of all his comrades who fell under British command in the 1944 battles.

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Peter Ricketts @lordrickettsp.bsky.social · 06/06/2026

Ken Hay, 100, 4th Dorset Regiment, with Alexander Churchill, 11, great great grandson and youth Ambassador for the British Normandy Memorial at our DDay service today. One of the main aims of the Memorial is to transmit the memory of what the heroes of 1944 fought for and why to the next generation.

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Peter Ricketts @lordrickettsp.bsky.social · 05/06/2026

Same here. Much looking to the Borders Books Festival, to chatting with Gavin about my book, catching up with @helenebismarck.bsky.social and, especially, reading her book. Her analysis of the UK as a candid friend who knows us very well and is also a sharp observer will be fascinating. Can’t wait!

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Peter Ricketts @lordrickettsp.bsky.social · 05/06/2026

Great fun talking to Rosie Wright on Times Radio this morning about what is happening behind the scenes to bring the Bayeux Tapestry to the UK while taking every possible precaution to ensure it arrives safe and sound. With the tie to match! Full interview at 0620. www.youtube.com/shorts/_TFzm...

youtube.com

'Of Course We're Going To Give [the Bayeux Tapestry] Back!' | Lord Ricketts

YouTube video by Times News

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Peter Ricketts @lordrickettsp.bsky.social · 03/06/2026

Thanks @kimwillsher.bsky.social for quoting me! It was a light-hearted way of starting my speech - but the lurking suspicion that perfidious Albion will hang on to the Tapestry is one I hear a lot in France, so it wasn’t altogether a joke!

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Peter Ricketts @lordrickettsp.bsky.social · 30/05/2026

DM figures in Peace Makers as a young diplomat in Paris. Personnel Dept sent him in 1938 with this toe-curling comment.’He is a very nice individual indeed and has plenty of brains and keenness. He is nice looking and ought, we think, to be a success from a social as well as work point of view.’ 1/2

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Peter Ricketts @lordrickettsp.bsky.social · 30/05/2026

No prizes for guessing who was born here and which significant birthday will be marked next year!

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Peter Ricketts @lordrickettsp.bsky.social · 28/05/2026

Discussing my book Peace Makers with Iain Dale at the du Maurier Festival at Fowey recently was great fun. Plenty of stories about the surprising exploits of the men and women of the Foreign Office in WWII, and the lessons we can draw for today’s disordered world. podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/3...

podcasts.apple.com

368. Lord Peter Ricketts

Podcast Episode · Iain Dale All Talk · 27 May · 1hr 1min

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Reposted by Peter Ricketts

Quarto Books UK @quartobooksuk.bsky.social · 22/05/2026

Discover the untold story of the British diplomats who shaped WWII – and the peace that followed – in this vivid exploration of a transformative moment in modern history. Peace Makers by Peter Ricketts @lordrickettsp.bsky.social is out now!

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Peter Ricketts @lordrickettsp.bsky.social · 19/05/2026

A Tapestry of Trees awaits the arrival of the Bayeux Tapestry at the British Museum, with a garden of the plants which would have been growing wild in Sussex when William and co stormed ashore. Tickets on sale for this once in 1,000 year opportunity from 1 July at Britishmuseum.org. Don’t miss it!

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Peter Ricketts @lordrickettsp.bsky.social · 19/05/2026

Here is a link to Lord Peter Hennessy’s speech. Worth watching! parliamentlive.tv/Download/Ind...

parliamentlive.tv

Parliamentlive.tv - Download Available

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