The Rt Hon Dame Theresa Villiers MP DBE is a highly accomplished keynote speaker, former senior Cabinet Minister and expert on politics, security, regulation and international affairs. Over a distinguished 25-year career in public life, Theresa has held some of the most senior and challenging positions in UK government, including Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Secretary of State for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, and Minister of State for Transport. Her leadership in managing political crises, shaping landmark legislation, and negotiating complex agreements has earned her a reputation as one of Britain’s most experienced and authoritative public figures.
Theresa’s journey into public service began with a strong academic foundation. After gaining a first-class LLB from the University of Bristol, she completed a BCL at Oxford University. She qualified for the Bar at Inner Temple, practising as a Chancery barrister at Lincoln’s Inn, where she specialised in shareholder disputes, insolvency and professional negligence cases. Theresa also served as a law lecturer at King’s College London, co-authoring a legal textbook before making the transition to politics. In 1999, she was elected as an MEP for London, where she served for six years, becoming Deputy Leader of the Conservatives in the European Parliament and leading on significant financial services legislation as rapporteur for MiFID I.
Following her election to Parliament in 2005 as MP for Chipping Barnet, Theresa quickly rose through the ranks, becoming Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury just seven months after entering the Commons, one of the fastest promotions ever. In government, she served as Minister of State for Transport, overseeing major projects like Crossrail, Thameslink and the London 2012 Olympic transport operation. Appointed Secretary of State for Northern Ireland in 2012, she led two complex cross-party negotiations resulting in the Stormont House Agreement and the Fresh Start Agreement, successfully maintaining stability in devolved government. Later, as Secretary of State for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, she introduced landmark post-Brexit legislation including the Fisheries Act, Agriculture Act and Environment Act, and managed extensive Brexit preparations affecting UK food and farming industries.
Theresa’s vast experience makes her a uniquely qualified speaker on government leadership, crisis management, security, Brexit, environmental policy, regulatory reform, and international diplomacy. She has represented the UK globally, addressing international leaders and contributing to high-level discussions on security, intelligence, and trade. With her depth of knowledge, engaging speaking style and real-world experience at the heart of British government, Theresa brings invaluable insight to every audience she addresses.
The Rt Hon Dame Theresa Villiers MP DBE's official speaker topics are listed below:
- Brexit and Post-Brexit Policy
- Diversity, Inclusion & Women in Leadership
- Environmental and Agricultural Reform
- Government Leadership & Crisis Management
- International Relations & Diplomacy
- National Security & Counter-Terrorism
- Northern Ireland Peace Process & Conflict Resolution
- Regulatory Reform & Innovation
Official Feedback from In-Person & Virtual Events
Feedback from In-Person Events:
"We have had the pleasure of working with Theresa for many years. As well as a being a highly respected and well connected politician, with extensive Ministerial experience, she has the ability to engage with an audience to provide both interesting and informative insights into the workings of Government, and the impact on business and communities. I would highly recommend Theresa as someone who can add valuable content to any event or session." – Robert, Managing Director, Davies Tanner
"Theresa has spoken at many events for the National Federation of Cypriots in the UK and the Cypriot community. She is a great speaker who gives well-informed, thoughtful and sincere speeches. She connects well with audiences and takes time to speak to people individually. We always welcome her contributions to our events." – Christos, President, National Federation of Cypriots in the UK
"Theresa is an inspirational speaker. She has delivered compelling speeches for us on gender equality, condemning the systemic oppression of women under the Iranian regime and affirming the role of women as leaders in democratic change. Her powerful message of solidarity has been an inspiration to women protesting against the regime in Iran. Theresa gets her points across strongly and clearly." – Hossein, UK Office, National Council for Resistance in Iran
"I’ve had the privilege of hearing Theresa Villiers speak on a number of occasions, including at events I have hosted, and it’s always a compelling experience. As a long-standing MP and former Cabinet Minister, her depth of knowledge and insight into public life is remarkable. Whether she’s addressing a formal audience or contributing to a panel discussion, she speaks with clarity, integrity, and a refreshing honesty. Her experience across government and politics makes her contributions not only informative but deeply engaging for anyone interested in the workings of political life and public service." – Keith, Author and Podcaster
- 2024 – Completed tenure as MP for Chipping Barnet after five consecutive election victories
- 2023 – Published Intelligence and Security Committee reports on China and International Partnerships
- 2022 – Contributed to Intelligence and Security Committee report on Extreme Right-Wing Terrorism
- 2021 – Member of the Taskforce on Innovation, Growth and Regulatory Reform
- 2019 – Appointed Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
- 2015 – Delivered the Fresh Start Agreement to preserve Northern Ireland’s devolved institutions
- 2014 – Delivered the Stormont House Agreement
- 2013 – Managed security for the G8 Summit in Northern Ireland
- 2012 – Appointed Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
- 2010 – Appointed Minister of State for Transport; led delivery of Crossrail, Thameslink & London 2012 transport
- 2007 – Appointed Shadow Secretary of State for Transport
- 2005 – Appointed Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury; elected MP for Chipping Barnet
- 2001 – Appointed Deputy Leader of Conservatives in the European Parliament
- 1999 – Elected Member of the European Parliament for London
- 1995 – Appointed Lecturer in Law at King’s College London
- 1992 – Qualified as Chancery Barrister at Lincoln’s Inn
- 1990 – Graduated with First-Class LLB from University of Bristol; BCL from Oxford University
How to hire The Rt Hon Dame Theresa Villiers MP DBE
Contact the Champions Speakers Agency to provisionally enquire about hiring The Rt Hon Dame Theresa Villiers MP DBE for your next event, today. To get in touch, simply call an official booking agent on 0207 1010 553 or email us at [email protected] for more information.
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