After qualifying as a teacher of English and French, Helen spent most of her career in the field of English as a Foreign Language, teaching courses in English language and language teaching methodology at home and abroad, latterly at the University of Cumbria in Lancaster. After retiring, she qualified as a patisserie chef, an interest she pursues enthusiastically at home, and she is now a sub-editor at Yorkshire Bylines. She enjoys choral singing and is a tennis player and fan.
Sir Ivan Rogers, former UK permanent representative to the EU, spoke yesterday of his optimism that the UK will eventually seek a closer relationship with the EU again. But he maintained this is not on the government’s agenda at all at the moment. Instead, he foresees a “bumpy” short-term future of “spiky” relationships.