Both are addicted to wearing red socks.
In fact former deputy Prime Minister John Prescott once dubbed Sir Christopher, former UK ambassador in Washington " a red-socked fop."
The jib had more than a little to do with Sir Christopher indiscreet diplomatic memoirs, DC Confidential. Prescott's lack of detailed knowledge of international affairs was highlighted and the ambassador noted that some of his political masters were like Masai warriors - other more like political pygmies.
Last night (Jan 12) interviewed on stage at a Media Society event at the London College of Communications Sir Chrishopher, who has worn red socks for 26 years, expressed astonishment that so many politicians had rushed to identify themselves as pygmies and so few saw themselves as Masai.
By any standards Sir Christopher's six year reign at the PCC has been a success. The public have a fast and free method of redressing the predations of the press and the newspaper and magazines industry has escaped statutory regulation.
The PCC chairman who will be succeeded by Baroness Buscombe in April warned however that there was now a great danger that the UK was getting a law of privacy by the back door as judges built up case law interpreting European Human Rights legislation.
You could clarify matters with specific privacy legislation but "it would be messy."
Sir Christopher was however diplomatic to the last.
Asked for his favourite five press "atrocities" the PCC chairman declined on the grounds that if he obliged he would be inundated by complaints from those who had not been included.
Following his sojourn at the PCC the Meyer red socks can next be seen in a four part television series on the history of diplomacy commissioned by BBC 4.
Lets hope it has the same irreverent flavour as DC Confidential.
ends
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