Lembit Öpik

Lembit Öpik is a British politician who served as a Member of Parliament for the Liberal Democrats from 1997 to 2010, representing the constituency of Montgomeryshire. During his time in Parliament, Öpik was known for his work on various committees, including the House of Commons Science and Technology Committee and the House of Commons Northern Ireland Affairs Committee. He also held positions within the Liberal Democrats, such as Liberal Democrats spokesperson for Northern Ireland and Liberal Democrats spokesperson for Wales. Öpik's parliamentary career was marked by his involvement in key events, including the Good Friday Agreement and the Iraq War.

● Early life and education

Lembit Öpik was born in Bangor, Gwynedd, Wales, to Estonian parents who had settled in the United Kingdom. He spent his early years in Bangor, Gwynedd, before moving to Mold, Flintshire, where he attended Alun School. Öpik then went on to study Physics at the University of Bristol, graduating with a degree in 1988. During his time at university, Öpik was involved in various extracurricular activities, including the University of Bristol Students' Union and the National Union of Students. After completing his degree, Öpik worked for British Aerospace, a leading British aerospace and defence company, and later for Logica, a British IT services company.

● Career

Before entering politics, Öpik worked in the private sector, holding positions at companies such as British Aerospace and Logica. He was also involved in various community organizations, including the Rotary Club and the Lions Clubs International. Öpik's career in the private sector gave him experience in business and industry, which he later applied to his work in politics. He was also influenced by prominent British politicians, such as Paddy Ashdown and Charles Kennedy, who were leaders of the Liberal Democrats during the 1990s and early 2000s.

● Parliamentary career

Öpik was first elected to Parliament in the 1997 United Kingdom general election, representing the constituency of Montgomeryshire. During his time in Parliament, he served on various committees, including the House of Commons Science and Technology Committee and the House of Commons Northern Ireland Affairs Committee. Öpik was also a strong supporter of the Liberal Democrats' policies on devolution and constitutional reform, working closely with colleagues such as Menzies Campbell and Vince Cable. He was a member of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe and the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, where he worked with international politicians, including Angela Merkel and Nicolas Sarkozy.

● Personal life

Öpik has been married twice, first to Mandie Roberts and then to Sabina Vankova. He has two children from his first marriage and is a stepfather to Vankova's daughter. Öpik is a keen amateur astronomer and has written articles on astronomy for various publications, including The Guardian and The Times. He is also a fan of science fiction and has spoken at events such as the British Science Fiction Association's annual convention. Öpik's interests in science and technology have led him to engage with prominent figures in these fields, including Stephen Hawking and Brian Cox.

● Later career and activities

After losing his seat in the 2010 United Kingdom general election, Öpik went on to pursue a career in public relations and communications. He has worked as a consultant for various companies, including Bell Pottinger and Portland Communications. Öpik has also been involved in various charitable organizations, including the Estonian Institute and the British Estonian Association. He has written articles for various publications, including The Huffington Post and The Telegraph, on topics such as politics, science, and technology. Öpik has also spoken at events organized by institutions such as the Chatham House and the Royal Institution.