Tuesday 1st May 2007, is the Tercentenary of the founding of Great Britain. The Bruges Group will be hosting a gala dinner to mark this auspicious date, and to send a powerful message to those that want to divide it.

The time has come for us to recognise the positive influence the UK has in the world and for both Scotland and England.

Lord Tebbit of Chingford, former Chairman of the Conservative Party, will address this dinner. Tomorrow he will say,
"Few could deny the mutual benefits brought to both Scotland and England by the Treaty of Union over the past 300 years. The formula of one Crown and two Parliaments was tried and failed. The Union has succeeded. Long may it last.

"There could be few stranger sights than a campaign to achieve ‘independence’ for Scotland by withdrawing from the Parliament which makes 20% of Scottish legislation whilst remaining subject to the Brussels bureaucracy which is responsible for 80% of Scottish legislation."

Historian and broadcaster, Andrew Roberts, shall also address the dinner, he will say,
"From the charge of the Scots Greys at Waterloo to the building of the British Empire to the Highlanders at D-Day, Scotland has a glorious place in our island tale. As H.E. Marshall wrote in her book Scotland’s Story: ‘Union would not mean bondage but a truer freedom’."

AGENDA:

Sparkling Reception: 7pm - 7.40pm
Three Course Dinner: 7.45pm - 9.15pm
The Loyal Toast: 9.15pm
Speeches: From 9.15pm

DRESS CODE: Lounge Suit

LOCATION:
Over-Seas House
6 Park Place
St James’s Street
London SW1A 1LR

The Countess of Mar, whose ancestor the 23rd Earl of Mar ‘persuaded’ the Scottish Parliament to ratify the Treaty of Union, will also address the event giving an amusing account of how Great Britain was created.