| Conservative European Forum (CEF) | |
|---|---|
 | |
| President | Amber Rudd |
| Vice President | Baroness Sugg, John Bowis, Dominic Grieve, Dirk Hazell |
| Chairperson | David Lidington |
| Founded | 1969 |
| Website | www.conservativeeuropeanforum.com |
The Conservative European Forum (CEF) was founded in 1969 to promote the UK's entry into the European Economic Community. The organisation is committed to a positive and constructive approach to the UK's relationships with the democracies of Europe, including the European Union.
The organisation campaigned for the UK to remain in the EU during the 2016 referendum. Although CEF accepts the UK's departure from the European Union, it believes that it is in the best interests of the UK, EU and wider world that the UK maintains a close, strategic relationship with its European allies in the future. It is for this reason that CEF was resolutely opposed to a no-deal Brexit.[1]
Sir David Lidington is the current chair and Stephen Hammond is the current deputy chair. Flick Drummond and Liz Spencer are the current vice chairs. Amber Rudd is the president and Baroness Sugg, John Bowis, Dominic Grieve and Dirk Hazell are the current vice presidents.[2]
On 28 January 2021, Lidington and Hammond officially launched the Conservative European Forum (CEF), replacing the Conservative Group for Europe (CGE). The change in name represents the changes in focus, priorities and mission for the organisation.[3] Now that the UK has left the European Union with a deal, CEF offers a home to Conservative supporters who favour close, strategic relationships with Europe. The organisation aims to be the leading centre-right organisation advocating for closer links with the countries and institutions of Europe.[4]
- ^ "DOMINIC GRIEVE: The rebels are the real voice of conservatism". theneweuropean.co.uk. The New European. 25 March 2020. Retrieved 25 March 2020.
- ^ "Our people". Conservative European Forum. Retrieved 2021-09-13.
- ^ "Keynote Speech by CEF Chair, Rt Hon Sir David Lidington KCB CBE". conservativeeuropeanforum.com. Conservative European Forum. 29 January 2021. Retrieved 29 January 2021.
- ^ "CEF Launch Press Release". conservativeeuropeanforum.com. Conservative European Forum. 29 January 2021. Retrieved 29 January 2021.