He has a deep contempt for Britain, the British people and parliamentary democracy. He is trying to climb back to power via the Treaty of Rome, and put Britain under government from Brussels for ever. In 1970 Mr Heath solemnly promised that he would not take Britain into the Common Market without the full-hearted consent of the British people. He broke his pledged word then, and he now says he will not accept a 'No' vote on Thursday. Heath promised more jobs and higher living standards inside the EEC. These promises were all broken, and he now tells us we are so poor we cannot come out; beggars can't be chooses. That is false, too. Heath's leadership has been a total disaster for the British people. The Tory Party threw him out.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Tony Benn accuses Edward Heath of betraying Britain by joining the Common Market against the people's will and breaking promises made before the 1970 election.
- In plain terms
- Heath is criticized for putting Britain under Brussels rule and breaking his promises about jobs and living standards.
- What can you take from it?
- Hold leaders accountable when they break promises regarding national sovereignty and economic benefits.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How should leaders be held accountable for broken political promises?
- Is consent more important than economic advice?
Another view
Supporters might argue that leaving the EEC caused more economic harm than staying in.
More from Tony Benn
Britain's continuing membership of the Community would mean the end of Britain as a completely self-governing nation and the end of our democratically elected …
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Permalink to quote #17 What we lack in Government is entrepreneurial ability.
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