On 3 June 2016, the Centre for Political and Foreign Affairs (CPFA) in Paris hosted a discussion moderated by Renaud Girard, featuring Norman Lamont, former Chancellor of the Exchequer of the United Kingdom, and Yaşar Yakış, former Foreign Minister of Turkey. The event focused principally on developments in the Middle East, including the worsening situation in Syria and regional security implications for Europe and neighbouring states.

During the talk, Norman Lamont shifted the conversation to Brexit, which was then fast approaching: the UK referendum on European Union membership was held just a few weeks later on 23 June 2016.  Lamont had publicly declared his support for leaving the EU prior to the referendum, arguing that Britain would benefit from regaining sovereignty and reducing what he viewed as overreach by EU institutions. 

Yaşar Yakış focused his remarks on the Middle East’s evolving dynamics, particularly in Syria, and discussed how regional states needed to adapt to shifting power balances and humanitarian crises. Lamont’s Brexit commentary underscored how European political developments were being watched closely in the Middle East, with potential implications for alliances, trade, and regional cooperation.