Downing Street insists it was just “standard practice” for FCDO staff to attend a party celebrating the Islamic revolution at the Iranian embassy, as reported by the Telegraph:
“It is their job to maintain diplomatic relations with countries across the globe, including ones we fundamentally disagree with.”
On the same day as the party, it was announced that at least 7,000 people had been killed in protests by the regime. Standard practice…
In Henry Mance’s piece today for the FT, lunching with Nigel Farage:
“Splendido!” Farage says, when the drinks arrive; I suppose it’s a step to European reconciliation. We clink glasses, and he lights the first of two back-to-back Benson & Hedges. A few minutes later, we’re back downstairs. “Are you drinking? Good.” He orders a glass of Sauvignon blanc for each of us — not a bottle, “because it’s Lent” — followed by a bottle of claret, to have with our meal. They say Farage drinks less than he used to. They say a lot of things.”