Today in 1990, deputy prime minister Sir Geoffrey Howe resigned. Howe said the reasons for his resignation were the prime minister's policies towards Europe and her opposition to a single European currency. He was the fourth member of the cabinet to leave after disputes over Europe and was the last remaining member of Thatcher's original 1979 cabinet. Labour leader Neil Kinnock said Thatcher had got what she deserved and had been bitten by the man she had treated as a doormat. The Labour MP Dennis Healey once famously said being attacked by Geoffrey Howe was like being savaged by a dead sheep. But the former deputy PM's attack on Thatcher in a dramatic resignation speech on 13 November ultimately led to her downfall. The speech spurred Thatcher's long-time adversary, Michael Heseltine, to stand against her in a leadership contest. When she failed to win the contest outright in the first round, she resigned. Geoffrey Howe retired from the Commons in 1992 and was given a life peerage taking the title Baron Howe of Aberavon.
Impossible to imagine Tory European policies causing such dissent 34 years later, isn't it?
This morning we were treated to a fascinating and truly humbling talk from Paul Samrah about the mission of a lifetime: raising funds for two ambulances and driving them to Kyiv. It was a truly unforgettable experience and one which will live in our memories for a very long time. It was a delight to see Paul again: he retired as a partner in MKS in May and, as we all saw, he has not adopted the pipe and slipper routine. We and Ukraine owe Paul and his colleagues an enormous debt. A founding member of RRR almost ten years ago, Paul is always welcome back with us at Reigate Manor. Paul ocontinues to raise funds: he needs just over £2,000 to reach his goal of £40,000, so please donate here. One tourniquet costs £25 and can save a life: please be generous.
Book in here for our next meeting on 15 November and for our Christmas lunch on 6 December. The menu is here.