5 Sept 2025
The Launch of new book: These Divided Isles
The recent book launch for Philip Stephens’s These Divided Isles: Britain and Ireland, Past and Future was more than a literary event - it was a significant gathering that underscored the enduring connections between the UK and Ireland. Hosted at the Embassy of Ireland, the evening brought together a distinguished group of policymakers, officials, and observers with a shared interest in the complex relationship between the two nations.
The Author's Distinguished Career
Philip Stephens is a renowned journalist and political commentator, best known for his long and influential career at the Financial Times, where he served as chief political commentator and a director of the editorial board. His work has earned him numerous prestigious accolades, including the David Watt Prize for Outstanding Political Journalism and multiple Political Journalist of the Year awards. Stephens's access to foreign policymakers has given his commentary a unique depth. He is also the author of several acclaimed books, including Britain Alone and Tony Blair. His latest work, These Divided Isles, offers a timely and in-depth exploration of the turbulent century since the Anglo-Irish Treaty and Partition.
An Illuminating Event
The book launch was a fittingly high-impact affair. The venue, the Embassy of Ireland, set a tone of diplomatic and cultural importance. Attendees included the Irish Ambassador to the UK and his wife, a former Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, current Welsh Minister Nia Griffith, and several former senior officials from both Ireland and the UK. This high-calibre guest list reflected the book's relevance and the respect Stephens commands in political circles.
During the event, Stephens explored the deep connections, conflicts, and shared history between the two islands. He took guests on a journey through the past century, highlighting the roles of political giants such as David Lloyd George, Michael Collins, Winston Churchill, and Éamon de Valera. He also discussed the profound impact of the millions of Irish emigrants who have shaped Britain, painting a vivid picture of a relationship marked by both intimacy and rivalry.
As a former Member of Parliament, I served as the Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Northern Ireland Office, a role that provided direct insight into the political and social dynamics of my home region. Furthermore, my role as a member of the British Irish Parliamentary Assembly gave me a deeper understanding of the institutional frameworks that support cross-border cooperation.
The issues discussed in Stephens's book are not just academic to me; they are part of my personal and community history. Stephens's work and the ensuing discussion underscored the ongoing importance of understanding this complex relationship. It was a powerful reminder that for all the digital advancements in diplomacy, physical events and intellectual conversations like this one remain essential for fostering mutual understanding and shaping the future.