Ulster Unionist Enoch Powell

1 ulster unionist

1.1 1974–79
1.2 1979–82
1.3 falklands conflict
1.4 1983 general election
1.5 1983–87

ulster unionist
1974–79

in sudden general election in october 1974, powell returned parliament ulster unionist mp south down, having rejected offer stand candidate far-right national front, formed 7 years earlier , fiercely opposed non-white immigration. repeated call vote labour because of policy on eec.

since 1968, powell had been increasingly frequent visitor northern ireland, , in keeping general british nationalist viewpoint, sided ulster unionists in desire remain constituent part of united kingdom. 1971, opposed, increasing vehemence, heath s approach northern ireland, greatest breach party coming on imposition of direct rule in 1972. believed survive if unionists strove integrate united kingdom abandoning devolved rule in northern ireland. refused join orange order, first ulster unionist mp @ westminster never member (and, date, 1 of four, others being ken maginnis, danny kinahan , sylvia hermon), , outspoken opponent of more extremist loyalism espoused reverend ian paisley , supporters.

in aftermath of birmingham pub bombings provisional irish republican army (pira) on 21 november 1974, government passed prevention of terrorism act. during second reading, powell warned of passing legislation in haste , under immediate pressure of indignation on matters touch fundamental liberties of subject; both haste , anger ill counsellors, when 1 legislating rights of subject . said terrorism form of warfare not prevented laws , punishments aggressor s certainty war impossible win.

when heath called leadership election @ end of 1974, powell claimed have find not member of cabinet without single resignation or public dissent, not merely swallowed advocated every single reversal of election pledge or party principle . during february 1975, after winning leadership election, margaret thatcher refused offer powell shadow cabinet place because turned on own people leaving conservative party 12 months earlier , telling electorate vote labour. powell replied correct exclude him: in first place not member of conservative party , secondly, until conservative party has worked passage long way not rejoining me . powell attributed thatcher s success luck, saying faced supremely unattractive opponents @ time .

during 1975 referendum on british membership of eec, powell campaigned no vote. powell 1 of few prominent supporters of no camp, michael foot, tony benn, peter shore, , barbara castle. electorate voted yes margin of more 2 one.

on 23 march 1977, in vote of confidence against minority labour government, powell, along few other ulster unionists, abstained. government won 322 votes 298, , remained in power 2 years.

powell claimed way stop pira northern ireland integral part of united kingdom, treated same other of constituent parts. claimed ambiguous nature of province s status, own parliament , prime minister, gave hope pira detached rest of uk:

every word or act holds out prospect unity rest of united kingdom might negotiable itself, consciously or unconsciously, contributory cause continuation of violence in northern ireland.

nonetheless, in 1987 general election lost, powell campaigned in bangor james kilfedder, devolutionist north down popular unionist party mp , against robert mccartney, standing real unionist on policy of integration , equal citizenship northern ireland.

in powell s later career ulster unionist mp continued criticise united states , claimed americans trying persuade british surrender northern ireland all-irish state because condition irish membership of nato, powell claimed, northern ireland. americans wanted close yawning gap in nato defence southern irish coast northern spain. powell had copy of state department policy statement 15 august 1950, in american government said agitation caused partition in ireland lessens usefulness of ireland in international organisations , complicates strategic planning europe . desirable , document continued, ireland should integrated defence planning of north atlantic area, strategic position , present lack of defensive capacity matters of significance.

though voted conservatives in vote of confidence brought down labour government on 28 march, powell did not welcome victory of margaret thatcher in may 1979 election. grim powell s response when asked thought of thatcher s victory because believed renege heath did in 1972. during election campaign, thatcher, when questioned, again repeated vow there no position powell in cabinet if conservatives won forthcoming general election. in days after election, powell wrote callaghan commiserate on defeat, paid tribute reign , wish him well.

when airey neave murdered car bomb on 30 march 1979, powell said sure airey neave have wished nothing better share same end many of innocent fellow citizens house of commons responsible . conservative mp neville trotter, said bitter , twisted comment bitter , twisted mind .

1979–82

after riot in bristol in 1980, powell asserted media ignoring similar events in south london , birmingham, , claimed: far less foreseeable new commonwealth , pakistan ethnic proportion sufficient constitute dominant political force in united kingdom able extract government , main parties terms calculated render influence still more impregnable. far less proportion provide bases , citadels urban terrorism, in turn reinforce overt political leverage of simple numbers . attacked false nostrums , promises of apparently monopolise channels of communication. listen, let alone respond, proof nothing short of major movements of population can shift lines along being carried towards disaster?

in 1980, powell described boycott of moscow olympics, following russian invasion of afghanistan, pathetic point of farce . in 1980s powell began espousing policy of unilateral nuclear disarmament. in debate on nuclear deterrent on 3 march 1981, powell claimed debate more political military; britain did not possess independent deterrent , through nato britain tied nuclear deterrence theory of united states. in debate on address shortly after general election of 1983, powell picked on thatcher s willingness, when asked, use nuclear weapons last resort . powell presented scenario of thought last resort be, namely soviet union ready invade britain , had used nuclear weapon on somewhere such rockall demonstrate willingness use it:

what united kingdom do? discharge polaris, trident or whatever against main centres of population of continent of europe or in european russia? if so, consequence? consequence not should survive, should repel our antagonist—nor should escape defeat. consequence would make certain, far humanly possible, virtual destruction , elimination of hope of future in these islands.... sooner power use not in hands of individual in country @ all.

powell went on if soviet invasion had begun , britain resorted retaliatory strike results same, should condemning, not merely death, near may non-existence of our population . powell, invasion take place or without britain s nuclear weapons , therefore there no point in retaining them. said after years of consideration, had come conclusion there no rational grounds on deformation of our defence preparations in united kingdom our determination maintain current independent nuclear deterrent can justified .

on 28 march 1981 powell gave speech ashton-under-lyne young conservatives attacked conspiracy of silence between government , opposition on prospective growth through births of immigration population , added, have seen nothing yet phrase advantage repeat ourselves whenever try form picture of future . criticised believed late , there lies certainty of violence on scale can adequately described civil war . said solution reduction in prospective numbers represent re-emigration hardly less massive immigration occurred in first place . shadow home secretary, labour mp roy hattersley, criticised powell using munich beer-hall language . on 11 april, there riot in brixton , when on 13 april interviewer quoted thatcher powell s remark have seen nothing yet, replied: heard him , thought very alarming remark. , hope heart isn t true .

in july, riot took place in toxteth, liverpool. on 16 july, powell gave speech in commons in said riots not understood unless 1 takes consideration fact in large cities between quarter , half of under 25 immigrant or descended immigrants. read out letter had received member of public immigration included line: continue multiply , can t retreat further there must conflict . labour mp martin flannery intervened, saying powell making national front speech . powell predicted inner london becoming ungovernable or violence described civil war , flannery intervened again ask powell knew inner cities.

he replied: member wolverhampton quarter of century. saw in years of development of problem in wolverhampton has made impossible me ever dissociate myself gigantic , tragic problem . criticised view causes of riots economic: saying long there poverty, unemployment , deprivation our cities torn pieces, police in them objects of attack , shall destroy our own environment? of course not . dame judith hart attacked speech evil incitement riot . powell replied: within judgment of house, within judgment of people of country, , content stand before either tribunal .

after scarman report on riots published, powell gave speech on 10 december in commons. powell disagreed scarman when said black community alienated because economically disadvantaged: black community alienated because alien. claimed tensions worsen because nonwhite population growing: whereas in lambeth 25%, of of secondary school age 40%. powell said government should honest people telling them in thirty years time, black population of lambeth have doubled in size.

john casey records exchange between powell , thatcher during meeting of conservative philosophy group:

edward norman (then dean of peterhouse) had attempted mount christian argument nuclear weapons. discussion moved on western values . mrs thatcher said (in effect) norman had shown bomb necessary defence of our values. powell: no, not fight values. fight country if had communist government. thatcher (it before argentinian invasion of falklands): ‘nonsense, enoch. if send british troops abroad, defend our values. no, prime minister, values exist in transcendental realm, beyond space , time. can neither fought for, nor destroyed. mrs thatcher looked utterly baffled. had been presented difference between toryism , american republicanism.

falklands conflict

when argentina invaded falkland islands in april 1982, powell given secret briefings on privy councillor terms on behalf of party. on 3 april, powell said in commons time inquests on government s failure protect falkland islands come later , although right put issue before united nations, britain should not wait upon organisation deliberate use forceful action now. turned face thatcher: prime minister, shortly after came office, received sobriquet iron lady . arose in context of remarks made defence against soviet union , allies; there no reason suppose right hon. lady did not welcome and, indeed, take pride in description. in next week or 2 house, nation , right hon. lady herself learn of mettle made . according thatcher s friends had devastating impact on , encouraged resolve.

on 14 april, in commons, powell claimed difficult fault military , naval measures government have taken . added: in danger of resting our position exclusively upon existence, nature , wishes of inhabitants of falkland islands... if population of falkland islands did not desire british, principle queen wishes no unwilling subjects long ago have prevailed; should create great difficulties ourselves in other contexts, in context, if rested our action purely , exclusively on notion of restoring tolerable, acceptable conditions , self-determination our fellow britons on falkland islands.... not think need nice saying defend our territory our people. there nothing irrational, nothing ashamed of, in doing that. indeed, impossible in last resort distinguish between defence of territory , defence of people .

powell criticised united nations security council s resolution calling peaceful solution . said whilst wanted peaceful solution, resolution s meaning seems of negotiated settlement or compromise between 2 incompatible positions—between position exists in international law, falkland islands , dependencies british sovereign territory , other position altogether... cannot meant 1 country has seize territory of country nations of world middle position must found.... if meaning of resolution of security council, charter of united nations not charter of peace; pirates charter. mean claim anywhere in world had pursued force, , points gained , bargaining position established aggressor .

on 28 april, powell spoke in commons against northern ireland secretary s (jim prior) plans devolution power-sharing assembly in northern ireland: assured people of falkland islands there should no change in status without agreement. yet @ same time assurances being repeated, actions of government , representatives elsewhere belying or contradicting assurances , showing part @ rate of government looking different outcome not approved people of islands. essentially, same has happened on years northern ireland . further claimed power-sharing negation of democracy.

the next day powell disagreed labour party leader michael foot s claim british government acting under authority of united nations: right of self-defence—to repel aggression , expel invader 1 s territory , 1 s people whom has occupied , taken captive—is, government have said, inherent right. 1 existed before united nations dreamt of .

on 13 may powell said task force sent repossess falkland islands, restore british administration of islands , ensure decisive factor in future of islands should wishes of inhabitants foreign secretary (francis pym) desired interim agreement : far understand interim agreement, in breach, if not in contradiction, of each of 3 objects task force dispatched south atlantic. there complete , supervised withdrawal of argentine forces... matched corresponding withdrawal of british forces. there no withdrawal of british force corresponds withdrawal territory of islands of have unlawfully occupied them. have right there; our waters, territory ours , have right sail oceans our fleets whenever think fit. whole notion of corresponding withdrawal , withdrawal of force can possibly restore position, can possibly ensure of objectives have been talked on either side of house, in contradiction of determination repossess falklands .

after british forces recaptured falklands, powell asked thatcher in commons on 17 june, recalling statement of 3 april: right hon. lady aware report has been received public analyst on substance subjected analysis , have obtained copy of report? shows substance under test consisted of ferrous matter of highest quality, of exceptional tensile strength, highly resistant wear , tear , stress, , may used advantage national purposes? replied, think grateful indeed right hon. gentleman. agree every word said . mutual friend ian gow printed , framed , original question , presented thatcher, hung in office.

powell wrote article times on 29 june, in said: falklands have brought surface of british mind our latent perception of ourselves sea animal.... no assault on landward possession have evoked same automatic defiance, tinged touch of self sufficiency belongs nations . united states response different deep instinctual reaction... united states have neurotic sense of vulnerability... 2 coastlines, 2 theatres, 2 navies separated entire length of new world... lives with... nightmare of having 1 day fight decisive sea battle without benefit of concentration, perpetual spectre of naval war on 2 fronts . powell added: panama canal 1914 onwards never quite exorcise spectre.... position of falkland islands in relation route gave , gives them significance—for united states above all. british people have become uneasily aware american allies prefer falkland islands pass out of britain s possession hands which, if not wholly american, might amenable american control. in fact, american struggle wrest islands britain has commenced in earnest fighting on . powell said there hispanic factor : if gather anxieties future in britain cluster around race relations... , attribute them, translated hispanic terms, americans, have of phobias haunt united states , addressed aftermath of falklands campaign .

writing in guardian on 18 october, powell asserted due falklands war, britain no longer looked upon , world through american spectacles , view more rational; , more congenial; for, after all, our own view . quoted observation americans thought country unique society... god has put nationalities, races , interests of globe 1 purpose-–to show rest of world how live . denounced manic exaltation of american illusion , compared american nightmare . powell disliked american belief authorised, possibly deity, intervene, openly or covertly, in internal affairs of other countries anywhere in world . britain should dissociate herself american intervention in lebanon: not in britain s self-interest alone britain should once again assert own position. world in american myth , american nightmare go unchallenged question or contradiction not world safe or peaceable human reason, prudence , realism can make .

speaking aldershot , north hants conservative association on 4 february 1983, powell blamed united nations falklands war general assembly resolution of december 1967 stated gratitude continuous efforts made government of argentina facilitate process of decolonisation , further called on britain , argentina negotiate. powell said difficult imagine more cynically wicked or criminally absurd or insultingly provocative action . 102 had voted resolution, britain voting against (with 32 abstentions), claimed not surprising argentina had continually threatened britain until threatening turned aggression: united nations guilt lies breach of peace , bloodshed . un knew no international forum had ruled against british possession of falklands had voted gratitude argentina wanted annexe islands rightful owners. therefore disgraceful britain belong such body engaged in pure spite spite s sake against united kingdom : were, , are, victims of our own insincerity. on thirty years have sanctimoniously , dishonestly pretended respect, if not awe, organisation time knew monstrous , farcical humbug.... moral cease engage in humbug, have happily , self-righteously engaged in generation .

1983 general election

in article sunday telegraph on 3 april powell expressed opposition labour party s manifesto pledge outlaw fox hunting. claimed angling crueler , logical ban boiling of live lobsters or eating live oysters. ceremonial part of fox hunting side of our national character anti-pathetic labour party . in 1983 general election, powell had face dup candidate in constituency , ian paisley denounced powell foreigner , anglo-catholic .

on 31 may powell gave speech @ downpatrick against nuclear weapons. powell claimed war not banished because war implicit in human condition . true case against nuclear weapon nightmarish unreality , criminal levity of grounds upon acquisition , multiplication advocated , defended . thatcher had claimed nuclear weapons our defence of last resort . powell said supposed mean soviet union, seems assumed enemy in question, proved victorious in war of aggression in europe stand upon verge of invading these islands.... suppose further, because necessary alleged case our nuclear weapon defence of last resort, that, in 1940, united states standing aloof contest that, in contrast 1940, britain , warsaw pact respectively possessed nuclear weaponry today. such must surely sort of scene in prime minister asserting britain saved possession of present nuclear armament. can say: 1 must mad think . powell pointed out britain s nuclear weaponry negligible in comparison of russia: if destroy 16 russian cities destroy practically every vestige of life on these islands several times over. use weapon therefore equivalent more suicide: genocide—the extinction of our race—in literal , precise meaning of abused expression. in senses contemplate ought our choice or our choice?

powell further stated continental nations held nuclear weapon in such esteem had conventional forces manifestly inadequate impose more brief delay upon assault east. theory of nuclear deterrence states that, should warsaw pact forces score substantial military successes or make substantial advances side of iron curtain, united states initiate suicidal duel of strategic nuclear exchanges soviet union. 1 can greet idea more emphatic 1 must mad think of . nation staring ultimate military defeat in face choose self-extermination unbelievable enough; united states, separated europe atlantic ocean, regard loss of first pawn in long game necessitating harakiri not describable ordinary resources of language . reason why governments, including in us, supported nuclear weapons enormous economic , financial interests vested in continuation , elaboration of nuclear armaments. believe, however, crucial explanation lies in direction: nuclear hypothesis provides governments excuse not doing have no intention of doing anyhow, reasons find inconvenient specify .

on 2 june, powell spoke against stationing of american cruise missiles in britain , claimed united states had obsessive sense of mission , hallucinatory view of international relations: american nation, have watched proceedings during these last 25 years, not, when atlantic crisis, middle east crisis or european crisis comes, wait upon deliberations of british cabinet, point of view , appreciation of situation different own .

in 1983, local agent jeffrey donaldson, later ulster unionist mp before defecting dup.

1983–87

in 1984, powell claimed central intelligence agency had murdered earl mountbatten of burma, , assassination of mps airey neave , robert bradford carried out @ direction of elements in government of united states of america strategic objective of preventing neave s policy of integration of ulster united kingdom. then, in 1986, powell stated irish national liberation army (inla) had not killed neave mi6 , friends responsible, powell citing sources such astonishing accusation british parliamentarian information had been disclosed him within royal ulster constabulary. margaret thatcher however, rejected , dismissed these claims.

in late 1985 minor race riots between african immigrant community , police broke out in london , in birmingham, leading powell repeat warning ethnic civil conflict ultimate outcome of foreign mass migration british isles, , re-issue call government sponsored programme of repatriation.

powell later came conflict prime minister thatcher in november 1985 on support anglo-irish agreement. on day signed, 14 november, powell asked in commons: right hon. lady understand — if not yet understand — penalty treachery fall public contempt? , prime minister replying found remarks offensive .

along other unionist mps, powell resigned seat in protest , narrowly regaining @ ensuing by-election.

in 1987, prime minister thatcher visited soviet union, signified powell radical transformation in progress in both foreign policy , defence policy of united kingdom . in speech in commons on 7 april, powell claimed nuclear hypothesis had been shaken 2 events. first strategic defense initiative or star wars : star wars raised terrible prospect there might effective means of neutralising inter-continental ballistic missile, whereby 2 great giants held had become seen balance of terror contract out of game altogether: deterrent switched off invulnerability of 2 providers of mutual terror .

america s european allies brought along acquiesce in united states engaging in rational activity of discovering whether there after defence against nuclear attack... apparent assurance obtained united states engaged in experiment , research, , that, if there danger of effective protection being devised, of course united states not avail of protection without agreement of european allies. first recent event shook foundations nuclear deterrent had lived these last 30 years .

the second event mikhail gorbachev s offer of both soviet union , united states agreeing abolish intermediate ballistic missiles. powell said thatcher s significant point when went on must aim @ conventional forces balance. so, after our journeys of last 30 or 40 years, disappearance of intermediate range ballistic missile revived old question of supposed conventional imbalance between russian alliance , north atlantic alliance .

powell further claimed if nuclear weapons had not existed, russians still not have invaded western europe: has prevented happening was... fact soviet union knew... such action on part have led third world war—a long war, bitterly fought, war in end soviet union have been lose on same basis , in same way corresponding war lost napoleon, emperor wilhelm , adolf hitler. fear, caution, understanding, perception on part of russia , leaders real deterrent against russia committing utterly irrational , suicidal act of plunging third world war in soviet union find confronting combination of greatest industrial , economic powers in world .

powell said, in minds of russians inevitable commitment of united states in such war have come not directly or stationing of american marines in germany, but, came in previous 2 struggles, ultimate involvement of united states in war determining future of europe . thatcher s belief in nuclear hypothesis in context of use of american bases in britain launch aggressive attack on libya, inconceivable have refused demand placed upon country united states. prime minister supplied reason why: said because depend our liberty , freedom upon united states. once let nuclear hypothesis questioned or destroyed, once allow break down, , moment american imperative in country s policies disappears .

at start of 1987 general election, powell claimed conservatives prospects did not good: have feeling of 1945 . during final weekend of election campaign powell gave speech in london reiterating opposition nuclear hypothesis, calling barmy , , advocating vote labour party, had unilateral nuclear disarmament policy. claimed chernobyl had strengthened growing impulse escape nightmare of peace being dependent upon contemplation of horrific , mutual carnage. events have developed aspiration can @ last rationally, logically and—i dare add—patriotically seized people of united kingdom if use votes .

however, powell lost seat in election 731 votes social democratic , labour party s eddie mcgrady, because of demographic , boundary changes resulted in there being many more irish nationalists in constituency before. boundary changes had arisen due own campaign number of mps representing northern ireland increased equivalent proportion rest of united kingdom, part of steps towards greater integration. mcgrady paid tribute powell, recognising respect held both unionists , nationalists in constituency. powell said, rest of life when on 13 years shall filled affection province , people, , fortunes never out of heart . received warm ovation nationalist audience , walked off platform, said words edmund burke used on death of candidate richard coombe: shadows are, shadows pursue . when bbc reporter asked powell explain defeat, replied: opponent polled more votes me .

he offered life peerage, regarded right former cabinet minister, declined it. argued had opposed life peerages act 1958, hypocritical him take one, if willing accept hereditary peerage (which have been extinct upon death had no male heir), thatcher unwilling court controversy might have arisen result.