Divisions Within The Conservative Party Over Europe Flashcards
What were divisions in the cons party like when thatcher become PM?
-between the wets and the dries
-decade progressed the dries began to dominate c Thatcherite ideals prevailed
What was the initial attitude towards EEC wit Th as PM?
-early 80s most cab members pro-European + favoured its expansion
-creation + strengthening of free market across members of EEC in line with Th econ foals
Why were some difference becoming visible?
-Westland affair
-about whether European ties should be encouraged above others
What was the wetland affair in the surface about?
-who would take over failing br helicopter company Westland
What did this affair show?
-this dispute showed deep divisions about role of gov in econ decisions
-Th style of leadership + br relations with Europe
How did Heseltine feel?
-Heseltine as defence sec favoured no interference from gov even if meant company go to US company Sikorsky
-Heseltine believed Th blocked discussion about decision in cab + not let concerns about US takeover be heard
What did thatcher say about the issue?
-Th later said the issues was the closest she ever came to resigning
What was the impact of the single European act debate in br?
-only few cons such as Powell against it
-even MPs who became eurosceptics voted for it without complaint
