Speeches, etc.

Margaret Thatcher

Speech to Finchley Conservatives (Association Silver Jubilee Summer Ball)

Document type: Speeches, interviews, etc.
Venue: Royal Chase Hotel, Enfield
Source: Barnet Press, 24 June 1977
Editorial comments: 1845. The Finchley Times reported a further remark. "She told her audience that the foundations of the Queen’s considerable understanding of the British constitution and monarchy had been laid by Sir Winston Churchill, who was Prime Minister when she came to the throne".
Importance ranking: Minor
Word count: 234
Themes: Monarchy

Tories toast the Queen

Finchley and Friern Barnet Conservatives took a night off from politics on Saturday to toast the Queen. In the only speech of the evening at their Silver Jubilee Ball in the Royal Chace Hotel, Enfield, Mrs. Margaret Thatcher paid tribute to our “wonderful monarchy.”

The Royal family was very special, said the Finchley MP and Opposition Leader. They provide continuity and stability and “cement the nation together in a way no president can.”

The strength of the monarchy was not in its power but its influence, said Mrs. Thatcher in her loyal toast. It was there to see that governments did not abuse their powers and was able to guarantee the constitutional integrity of Parliament.

The biggest cheer of the evening came when the MP spoke of the seven Prime Ministers who had served the Queen? After listing them she added: “And the eighth?” It was clear from the response of the guests that they knew who the next occupant of No. 10 would be.

Earlier Mrs. Thatcher had said the Queen had been served by one of the greatest people of all generations—Winston Churchill.” There was no greater Briton, she said.

Mrs. Thatcher concluded by saying that despite the changing standards of the past 25 years and the challenges to established conventions, the Queen had led a flawless and faultless life. “She is an example to us all,” said Mrs. Thatcher.