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Chris Patten

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Christopher Patten
Born
Christopher Francis Patten

(1944-05-12) May 12, 1944 (age 82)
Thornton-Cleveleys, Lancashire, England
OccupationPolitician
Years active1966–present
Known forLast Governor of Hong Kong, Chairman of the Conservative Party, European Commissioner for External Relations, Chancellor of the University of Oxford

Christopher Francis Patten, Baron Patten of Barnes (; born 12 May 1944) is a prominent British politician recognized for his roles as Chairman of the Conservative Party from 1990 to 1992 and as the 28th and final Governor of Hong Kong between 1992 and 1997. Elevated to the peerage in 2005, he held the position of Chancellor at the University of Oxford from 2003 until 2024. Patten remains one of the two surviving former governors of Hong Kong, alongside David Wilson.

Originating from Thornton-Cleveleys in Lancashire and brought up in west London, Patten pursued history studies at Balliol College, Oxford. Upon completing his degree in 1965, he commenced his career within the Conservative Party.

In 1979, Patten was elected as the Member of Parliament for Bath. He was appointed Secretary of State for the Environment by Margaret Thatcher in 1989, where he managed the implementation of the contentious poll tax. Under John Major's leadership, he assumed the roles of Conservative Party Chairman and Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster. Despite engineering a surprising Conservative triumph in the 1992 general election as party chairman, he lost his parliamentary seat.

As Hong Kong’s last British governor, Patten administered its concluding years under British sovereignty and supervised its handover to China in 1997. His tenure was marked by expanded social welfare initiatives and notable democratic electoral reforms.

Following his governorship, Patten chaired the Independent Commission on Policing for Northern Ireland (1998–1999), playing a pivotal role during the early stages of implementing the Good Friday Agreement. Subsequently, he served as European Commissioner for External Relations from 1999 to 2004 and later led the BBC Trust from 2011 to 2014.


Early life and education

Born into an Irish Catholic family in Thornton-Cleveleys, Lancashire, Patten was raised in west London. His father, Frank—a former jazz drummer who became a music publisher—enrolled him at Our Lady of the Visitation Catholic primary school in Greenford. Patten earned a scholarship to attend St Benedict's School, Ealing, an independent school in west London, before securing an exhibition to study Modern History at Balliol College, Oxford.

He graduated in 1965 with a second-class honours degree and was awarded a William Coolidge Pathfinder Award that enabled him to study in the United States. During this period, Patten gained political experience by working on New York Mayor John Lindsay’s campaign. He joined the Conservative Party in 1966 and subsequently served as desk officer and later as director (1974–1979) of the Conservative Research Department.

Member of Parliament: 1979–1992

Patten stood as the Conservative candidate for Lambeth Central during the February 1974 general election but was defeated by Labour’s Marcus Lipton. He was elected MP for Bath in 1979 and maintained this seat until his loss in 1992.

In government

In 1983, Patten was appointed Parliamentary Under-Secretary at the Northern Ireland Office, followed by a promotion in 1985 to Minister of State at the Department of Education and Science. The following year, he became Minister for Overseas Development within the Foreign Office.

Patten entered Cabinet ranks in 1989 as Secretary of State for the Environment, overseeing the implementation of the divisive Community Charge ("Poll Tax"). Although he initially defended this policy, he later conceded it was an error attributed to Margaret Thatcher. During his tenure, he also introduced significant legislation that culminated in the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

Under John Major’s premiership in 1990, Patten assumed dual responsibilities as Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Chairman of the Conservative Party, directing efforts for party re-election. He is widely regarded as a key strategist behind the unexpected Conservative victory in the 1992 general election; however, he lost his marginal Bath constituency to Liberal Democrat Don Foster, with factors including backlash against the Poll Tax contributing to his defeat.

Governor of Hong Kong: 1992–1997

Following the 1992 election, Patten declined several other positions and assumed the role of the 28th and final Governor of Hong Kong prior to its handover to China on 30 June 1997. Unlike most of his predecessors, he was not a career diplomat; instead, his background was rooted in parliamentary politics. His official Chinese name, Pang Ting-hong (彭定康), conveyed meanings of "stability" and "calmness."

Patten navigated a complex political environment marked by residual unease after the Tiananmen Square incident, yet he retained strong public support throughout his tenure. He was noted for his direct engagement with Hong Kong citizens, frequently seen taking walks in public areas, which earned him the affectionate nickname Fat Pang (肥彭), a distinction unique among governors.

Departing from established customs, Patten chose not to don the official Court uniform during formal ceremonies. His popularity climbed from 53% in April 1992 to nearly 60% by the conclusion of his governorship.

His most impactful and contentious initiative concerning business and governance was the 1994 electoral reform that expanded voting eligibility for Legislative Council elections. By enlarging the functional constituencies, Patten allowed almost all Hong Kong residents to participate in electing indirectly chosen members, culminating in a fully elected legislature in 1995 with enhanced authority within the colonial framework.

These reforms provoked strong opposition from pro-Beijing factions and officials; Chinese authorities issued severe criticisms, with some branding him a "sinner condemned for a thousand generations." The legislature elected under Patten’s reforms was disbanded following the handover and replaced by a Provisional Legislative Council that lacked democratic powers until elections resumed under previous arrangements in 1998.

At the stroke of midnight on 1 July 1997, marking Hong Kong’s sovereignty transfer, Patten officially handed over control with the declaration: "I have relinquished the administration of this government. God Save The Queen." He left Hong Kong aboard HMY Britannia accompanied by Prince Charles. Patten has described his time as governor as a personally rewarding chapter shared with his family.

Patten government

{{Cabinet table minister 

| title                  = Secretary for Economic Services
| minister1              = Anson Chan
| minister1_termstart    = 23 March 1987
| minister1_termend      = April 1993
| minister1_party        = Non-partisan
| minister2              = Gordon Siu
  ...

Post-governorship

Between 1998 and 1999, Patten chaired the Independent Commission on Policing for Northern Ireland (commonly known as the Patten Commission), which was established under the terms of the Belfast Agreement. On 9 September 1999, it published the Patten Report, featuring 175 proposals that led to dissolving the Royal Ulster Constabulary and founding the Police Service of Northern Ireland. He serves as co-chair of the International Crisis Group, directing its worldwide activities, and is a member of the Global Leadership Foundation, which advocates for effective governance globally. On 23 May 2005, he joined Cadbury’s board as a non-executive director.

European Commissioner: 1999–2004

In 1999, Patten was named UK Commissioner for External Relations within the European Commission during the Prodi Commission, holding office from January 2000 until November 2004. His portfolio included managing EU development and cooperation initiatives and coordinating with Javier Solana, then High Representative for Common Foreign and Security Policy. Patten was involved in managing significant foreign policy challenges, including the EU’s inability to present a unified stance prior to the 2003 Iraq War. Although he was nominated for European Commission President in 2004, he did not secure backing from France or Germany.

According to documents released by WikiLeaks, during EU–Russia ministerial discussions in April 2004, Patten expressed concerns about Europe’s reliance on Russian energy supplies and advocated for engaging with regions like the Caucasus and Central Asia to diversify energy sources. He was also a prominent supporter of Turkey’s bid to join the EU.

US Embassy communications from Brussels (disclosed by WikiLeaks) cite Patten in April 2004 commenting on Russian President Vladimir Putin: while acknowledging Putin’s achievements largely stemmed from elevated energy prices, Patten voiced reservations about his character due to his KGB past. He described Putin as pragmatic regarding Middle Eastern affairs and energy policy but ruthless when addressing issues related to Chechnya and Islamic extremism.

University appointments and peerage elevation

Patten held the position of Chancellor at Newcastle University from 1999 until 2009. Subsequently, in 2003, he was chosen as Chancellor of the University of Oxford.

During the 2016 protests by students seeking the removal of Cecil Rhodes’ statue at Oxford, Patten remarked that those unwilling to embody the magnanimity demonstrated by Nelson Mandela might consider pursuing their education elsewhere.

After a 21-year tenure, Patten stepped down as Chancellor of Oxford on 31 July 2024, shortly before turning 80. The selection process for his successor, The Lord Hague of Richmond, set for a decade-long term, was planned for later in 2024.

On 11 January 2005, Patten was granted a life peerage with the title Baron Patten of Barnes, of Barnes in the London Borough of Richmond.

Chairmanship of the BBC Trust: 2011–2014

Following the recommendation of the Conservative–Liberal Democrat coalition government under Prime Minister David Cameron, Patten assumed the role of Chairman of the BBC Trust on 1 May 2011, succeeding Sir Michael Lyons. Throughout this period, he served as a crossbench member.

BBC coverage of the royal river pageant

In his capacity as Chairman, Patten attended the royal box during the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Concert. Nevertheless, the BBC encountered considerable criticism for its live broadcast of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee River Pageant on 3 June 2012, attracting 1,830 formal complaints. Patten conceded that the coverage was not among the BBC’s "finest hours" and acknowledged that "the tone was wrong."

Departure

On 6 May 2014, Patten resigned from his position as Chairman of the BBC Trust due to health complications following heart bypass surgery. Diane Coyle, Vice Chairman, took over as Acting Chairman until a permanent replacement was appointed. In September 2014, Patten resumed sitting with the Conservative peers in the House of Lords.

In May 2016, Patten expressed concerns over the BBC’s diminishing ambition in areas such as science, philosophy, and history programming. He observed that such content had been confined to BBC Four with constrained funding. He called on government ministers to safeguard the broadcaster’s independence and prevent it from becoming "the plaything of the government of the day," emphasizing that the BBC remains "one of this country's greatest institutions."

Views on China

In September 2020, Patten characterized Chinese Communist Party leader Xi Jinping’s administration as "thuggish," highlighting policies in Xinjiang where over one million Uyghurs have been subjected to detention, forced sterilization, and forced labor—practices widely regarded by international legal experts as genocidal. He also identified Chinese firm Huawei as an instrument of state control.<ref>Patten advocated for a multilateral investigation mission to Wuhan in May 2020 to examine the origins of the COVID-19 outbreak, accusing China of violating its commitments under both the World Health Organization and the 2005 International Health Regulations. While commending Chinese healthcare workers, he criticized Communist Party secrecy and suppression of medical professionals in Wuhan.<ref>

Position on Hong Kong

Following his governorship in Hong Kong, Patten increasingly engaged in public discourse regarding the region's affairs. In a 2013 discussion with The Wall Street Journal, he foresaw enhanced citizen participation in policymaking and underscored the United Kingdom's continuing obligations under the Sino-British Joint Declaration to uphold economic and cultural connections.

In 2014, Patten openly criticized China's white paper on the "One Country, Two Systems" framework for compromising Hong Kong's judicial autonomy. He emphasized the necessity for judges to operate free from political influence and reaffirmed that the Joint Declaration secures Hong Kong’s liberties for a 50-year period. He maintained that Britain bears a moral and political responsibility to ensure China complies with this treaty, regardless of economic incentives.

During the 2014 Umbrella Revolution, Patten advocated for sincere dialogue between Hong Kong’s authorities and demonstrators, denouncing Beijing’s failure to honor commitments while expressing skepticism about a Tiananmen-style suppression given China’s sensitivity to its global reputation.

At a November 2014 session before the Foreign Affairs Select Committee, Patten recognized the professionalism within the Hong Kong Police Force but observed their increasing politicization amid ongoing protests. He pointed out leadership shortcomings within Hong Kong’s administration and highlighted concerns among young people about their future prospects.

In 2015, Patten conveyed optimism regarding Hong Kong's democratic development despite obstacles. By 2016, he opposed independence movements in Hong Kong, viewing them as counterproductive to democratic advancement.

During a visit to Hong Kong in 2016, Patten emphasized that adherence to the rule of law remains central to the city’s achievements and expressed regret over incidents such as the Causeway Bay Books disappearances. Although avoiding direct criticism, he implicitly reproached Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying and called for leadership that more effectively advocates for Hong Kong’s interests in Beijing.

In a 2017 interview on BBC Newsnight, Patten expressed remorse that Britain had not done more to foster democracy during its final years governing Hong Kong. He rejected assertions that Britain compromised its principles for trade benefits with China.

Patten condemned the enactment of the 2020 Hong Kong national security law, labeling it an "outrageous act" designed to dismantle Hong Kong's autonomy. He urged the UK government not to sacrifice principles for economic relations when addressing China’s violations of the Joint Declaration.

In July 2020, he described Chief Executive Carrie Lam as a "lamentable and quisling figure," criticizing her role in facilitating policies that erode judicial independence and political freedoms.

In a 2022 conversation with London-based Hong Kong YouTube channel Green Bean Media, Patten voiced frustration over Hong Kong’s deterioration under authoritarian rule but commended emigrants who have made positive contributions to British society.

By March 2023, Patten joined 46 fellow UK parliamentarians in appealing to Hong Kong authorities for the humanitarian release of former legislator Claudia Mo.

On Northern Ireland

Patten was instrumental in post-conflict transformation efforts in Northern Ireland, serving as the principal author of the Patten Report, which reformed policing following the Good Friday Agreement. Leading the Independent Commission on Policing for Northern Ireland from 1998 onward, he proposed replacing the Royal Ulster Constabulary with the Police Service of Northern Ireland. Patten has described this initiative as his most significant accomplishment, underscoring its importance within his professional legacy.

Personal life

On 11 September 1971, Patten wed Lavender Thornton, a practicing barrister. The couple has three daughters, among them the actress Alice Patten.

In 2005, he released his autobiography titled Not Quite the Diplomat: Home Truths About World Affairs. Four years later, in 2009, Patten was invited as the Chief Guest at The Doon School in India, an event linked to the UK’s Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference.

A devout Catholic, Patten played a key role in managing Pope Benedict XVI's visit to the United Kingdom in 2010. That same year, The Tablet recognized him as one of the most influential Catholics in Britain.

He took on the presidency of Medical Aid for Palestinians in 2010 but resigned from this position in 2011. In 2014, Pope Francis appointed him to serve as a media strategy advisor for the Vatican, a post he held until 2016.

In the media

Patten contributed to the 2006 BBC television documentary series Tory! Tory! Tory!, where he discussed the emergence of Thatcherism.

His period as Governor of Hong Kong was captured in a five-part documentary titled The Last Governor, filmed during his administration and highlighting significant moments such as the 1995 elections and his final day in office.

The 1996 Hong Kong satire Bodyguards of the Last Governor includes a character named 'Christ Pattern', an unmistakable parody of Patten that references his appearance, Conservative Party ties, and family background. The film portrays his replacement occurring one month before the handover. Noel Lester Rands plays this role.

Additionally, Patten is represented in the video game Hong Kong 97, where he is depicted as ordering a massacre of mainland China's population.

Honours

Patten was appointed a member of the Order of the Companions of Honour (CH) during the 1998 New Year Honours. In April 2023, he was elevated to Knight Companion of the Order of the Garter (KG) by King Charles III.

In November 2016, he was awarded the title of Commander of the Legion of Honour, presented by Sylvie Bermann, then French ambassador to the UK, at Kensington Palace Gardens.

Awards

In 2003, Patten was conferred an honorary LL.D. by the University of Bath. Two years later, in September 2005, he was named a Distinguished Honorary Fellow at Massey College, University of Toronto—a distinction rarely granted except to eminent personalities such as Chancellors of Cambridge and Edinburgh Universities and Prince Philip. That same year saw him receive honorary degrees including a D.S.Litt. from Trinity College, Toronto, and a D.Litt. from the University of Ulster. In March 2009, South East European University awarded him a Doctor honoris causa.

Books

  • Patten, Chris (1983). The Tory Case. Longman Higher Education. ISBN 0-582-29612-9.
  • Patten, Chris (1997). Letters to Hong Kong. Information Services Department, Hong Kong.
  • Patten, Chris (1998). East and West: The Last Governor of Hong Kong on Power, Freedom and the Future. Macmillan. ISBN 978-0-3337-4787-2.
  • Patten, Chris (2005). Not Quite the Diplomat: Home Truths About World Affairs. Allen Lane. ISBN 0-7139-9855-5.
  • Patten, Chris (2006). Cousins and Strangers: America, Britain, and Europe in a New Century. Times Books. ISBN 0-8050-7788-X.
  • Patten, Chris (2008). What Next? Surviving the Twenty-First Century. Allen Lane.
  • Patten, Chris (2017). First Confession: A Sort of Memoir. Allen Lane. ISBN 978-0-241-27559-7.
  • Patten, Chris (2022). The Hong Kong Diaries. Allen Lane. ISBN 978-0-241-56049-5.

Analyses and critiques of Patten's contributions

What follows?
  • Sumption, Jonathan (4 October 2008). "A practical perspective". The Spectator. 308 (9397): 38.

Bibliography

External links

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