The Lord Caradon Lectures Trust
The Lord Caradon Lectures Trust was established to commemorate the life and work of Hugh Mackintosh Foot, Lord Caradon (1907-1990). Lord Caradon had himself been involved in the original planning of an annual lecture on international affairs to be given in Plymouth by an eminent speaker. As it happened the inaugural, and by now commemorative lecture, was given in 1991, the year following Lord Caradon’s death. By the terms of the Trust all lectures are open to the public and admission is free.
Lord Caradon
The Aims of the Trust Today
Today, the Trust exists to recognise Lord Caradon’s long and devoted service to the ideals of the United Nations and his work for the United Kingdom’s contribution to those concepts. It aims to extend understanding of international affairs and tolerance of other ideologies, races and religions, primarily through the series of annual lectures. The lectures are always on a theme of international significance related to Lord Caradon’s life and work.
The Trust depends entirely on public voluntary contributions and gratefully acknowledges the continuing assistance provided by the University of Plymouth and Plymouth Marjon University.
This Year’s Lecture
Trustees are delighted to report that Jon Sopel has agreed to be our speaker on 20 November 2025 at 7.30 pm at Plymouth University.
Given the current volatility in world affairs, they will be working with Jon to agree on the most relevant subject for his lecture as the year progresses.
Previous Lord Caradon Lectures
Is Putin’s Russia or Xi’s China the bigger threat to the West?
Ambassador Sir Mark Lyall Grant is one of the United Kingdom’s foremost experts on Global Affairs and International Security.
Africa Today; Perceptions and opportunities
The Lord Caradon Lecture was given by Zeinab Badawi, television and radio journalist.
Is the United Nations now irrelevant?
The Lord Caradon Lecture 2023 was given by Professor Karen Smith who’s main area of research is the “international relations of the European Union”.
Security Challenges in the Next Decade: How should we respond?
The Lord Caradon Lecture in 2022 was given by Mark Sedwill, Baron Sedwill of Sherborne.