The British government nominated Lord Turnbull as its representative to Zambia’s celebrations of 50 years of independence last month; people were disappointed that the British were once again sending someone with a low profile and they wondered why. In the event, Lord Turnbull missed a connection and decided to go home rather than arrive late. The snub was noticed.
A party of retired colonial civil servants and other remnants of the empire who had paid for themselves to travel to Lusaka for the celebrations found themselves feted by the Zambian government, invited to official functions and mentioned by the vice-president – the bus allocated bore a sticker saying “UK Delegation”. We tried very hard to look official, but probably failed dismally.
Soon there will be a state funeral for President Michael Sata (Zambia British immigrants’ son named interim leader; Obituaries, 30 October). Perhaps Britain could spare someone of some status to demonstrate that it values its old ties to this peaceful democracy (with a burgeoning economy).
Pamela Shurmer-Smith
Portsmouth
