Brian Barder facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir Brian Barder
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| British High Commissioner to Australia | |
| In office 1991–1994 |
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| Monarch | Elizabeth II |
| Prime Minister | John Major |
| Preceded by | Sir John Coles |
| Succeeded by | Sir Roger Carrick |
| British High Commissioner to Nigeria | |
| In office 1988–1991 |
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| Monarch | Elizabeth II |
| Prime Minister | Margaret Thatcher John Major |
| Preceded by | Sir Martin Ewans |
| Succeeded by | Sir Christopher MacRae |
| British Ambassador to Poland | |
| In office 1986–1988 |
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| Monarch | Elizabeth II |
| Prime Minister | Margaret Thatcher |
| Preceded by | Sir John Albert Leigh Morgan |
| Succeeded by | Sir Stephen Barrett |
| British Ambassador to Ethiopia | |
| In office 1982–1986 |
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| Monarch | Elizabeth II |
| Prime Minister | Margaret Thatcher |
| Preceded by | Robert Tesh |
| Succeeded by | Sir Harold Walker |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 20 June 1934 Bristol, England |
| Died | 19 September 2017 (aged 83) Trinity Hospice, London |
| Spouse | Jane Maureen Cornwell |
| Children | Virginia, Louise, Owen |
| Alma mater | St Catharine's College, Cambridge |
| Profession | Diplomat |
| Website | http://www.barder.com |
Sir Brian Leon Barder (born June 20, 1934 – died September 19, 2017) was an important British diplomat. A diplomat is someone who represents their country in other nations. Sir Brian was also a writer, a blogger, and someone who spoke up for people's rights. He was given a special honor called the Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George (KCMG).
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Sir Brian's Early Life and Career
Brian Barder was born in Bristol, England. He went to Sherborne School and then to St Catharine's College, Cambridge, a famous university. While at Cambridge, he was part of fun clubs like the Footlights, which is a comedy group. He was also involved in the university's boat club and led the Labour Club for a time.
After college, Brian served in the military for two years in Hong Kong. This was called National Service. In 1957, he started working for the government in London. He later joined the Diplomatic Service in 1965. This meant he would work for Britain in other countries.
Working as a Diplomat Around the World
Sir Brian had many important jobs in different countries:
- From 1964 to 1968, he worked at the United Kingdom's mission to the United Nations. He helped countries gain independence.
- He then worked in London, dealing with issues in West Africa.
- From 1971 to 1973, he was a press officer in Moscow, which was then part of the Soviet Union.
- He moved to Canberra, Australia, from 1973 to 1977.
- Back in London, he led the Southern African Department from 1978 to 1982.
He then became an Ambassador or High Commissioner in several countries. An Ambassador is the top diplomat representing their country. A High Commissioner is similar but for countries in the Commonwealth of Nations.
- He was the British Ambassador to Ethiopia (1982–1986).
- He served as Ambassador to Poland (1986–1988).
- He was the High Commissioner to Nigeria (1988–1991).
- Finally, he was the High Commissioner to Australia (1991–1994).
In 1992, he received the KCMG honor for his excellent work. Brian Barder married Jane Maureen Cornwell in 1958. They had two daughters and one son.
Helping During the Ethiopian Famine
Sir Brian was the British Ambassador to Ethiopia during a terrible famine in 1984-1985. A famine is when there isn't enough food for a large number of people, leading to starvation. He played a very important part in helping.
He helped make it possible for the Royal Air Force (Britain's air force) to fly relief supplies into Ethiopia. These supplies were desperately needed in remote areas. His efforts helped save many lives. Later, he even took part in a radio show that brought together others who helped during the famine.
Life After Retirement
After he retired from being a diplomat, Sir Brian continued to be active. He worked on different projects and committees.
- He was part of a group that observed elections in Namibia in 1994.
- He helped train diplomats in Eastern and Central Europe.
- He was a member of the board for the Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability, a hospital that helps people with brain injuries.
- He also became a founding member of a special court called the Special Immigration Appeals Commission (SIAC).
Why Sir Brian Resigned from SIAC
Sir Brian was appointed to SIAC in 1997. This court heard appeals from people who were held by the government. In 2004, he resigned from SIAC. He did this because he believed a new rule was unfair.
The new rule allowed people suspected of terrorism to be held for a very long time without a proper trial. Sir Brian felt this went against basic human rights and international agreements. He believed everyone should have the right to a fair trial. He wrote about his reasons for leaving in newspapers. Later, a high court agreed with his view that the rule was not fair.
Writing and Blogging
After his diplomatic career, Sir Brian became a popular blogger. He wrote about politics and other topics online. He also wrote articles and letters for many well-known magazines and newspapers.
He was an editor for a book called A Dictionary of Diplomacy. He also helped update a famous guide to English language use.
In 2014, Sir Brian published his own book, What Diplomats Do: The Life and Work of Diplomats. This book explains what a diplomat's daily life is like. It was praised as a very informative and interesting book.
Sir Brian also kept diaries during his time working overseas. After he passed away, his daughter Louise edited and published these diaries in 2019. The book is called Brian Barder's Diplomatic Diary.
