Ted Heath dead
Former PM Sir Edward 'Ted' Heath died today. He was PM before I was born, but personally I don't think history would record him as one of the great British Prime Ministers.
As PM, Heath is noted most for securing British entry into what is now the European Union in addition to the infamous "U-turn". The industrial strife of the 1970's also commenced under Heath's premiership.
Hardly any British PM's in recent times can be viewed as "good", from a libertarian perspective. Thatcher may come close from an economic viewpoint, but certainly not in terms of social/personal liberties. The Wilson government from 1964-1970 is worthy of a mention, for legalising homosexuality and abortion. Sadly, our current government cannot be considered very libertarian at all.
Former PM Sir Edward 'Ted' Heath died today. He was PM before I was born, but personally I don't think history would record him as one of the great British Prime Ministers.
As PM, Heath is noted most for securing British entry into what is now the European Union in addition to the infamous "U-turn". The industrial strife of the 1970's also commenced under Heath's premiership.
Hardly any British PM's in recent times can be viewed as "good", from a libertarian perspective. Thatcher may come close from an economic viewpoint, but certainly not in terms of social/personal liberties. The Wilson government from 1964-1970 is worthy of a mention, for legalising homosexuality and abortion. Sadly, our current government cannot be considered very libertarian at all.
posted by Christopher at 18.7.05
