The Right Honourable Baroness Ashton of Upholland LG GCMG

Baroness Ashton of Upholland served as the EU's first High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and First Vice President of the European Commission (2009–14). In this role she created the European External Action Service, overseeing 140 diplomatic missions and 8 military operations. On behalf of the UN Security Council, Lady Ashton chaired the P5+1 negotiations that produced the Iran nuclear agreement, and negotiated the Brussels Agreement between Serbia and Kosovo, earning a Nobel Peace Prize nomination. Previously, she served as EU Commissioner for Trade in 2008, the first woman to hold that post. 

Lady Ashton studied at Bedford College, University of London. Lady Ashton’s career began in civil society before she entered British politics, serving as a government minister in the House of Lords under the Labour government, including as Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Education and as Leader of the House of Lords (2007–08). Lady Ashton was admitted to the Order of the Garter in 2023 and was appointed Dame Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George (GCMG) in 2015. Lady Ashton was created a life peer in 1999. 

Lady Ashton is a member of the House of Lords European Affairs Committee and chaired an inquiry in UK engagement with space. Lady Ashton is also a Distinguished Fellow at the Woodrow Wilson International Centre and a Senior Policy Advisor to Chatham House.