Speeches, etc.

Margaret Thatcher

1987 General Election Address

Document type: Speeches, interviews, etc.
Venue: Finchley
Source: Thatcher Archive
Editorial comments: Item listed by date of adoption meeting. The address would usually have been published immediately after the meeting.
Importance ranking: Major
Word count: 443
Themes: Defence (general), Industry, General Elections, Public spending & borrowing, Taxation, Foreign policy - theory and process

MARGARET THATCHER FOR FINCHLEY

Dear Elector,

It is a great honour and privilege to represent Finchley and Friern Barnet in Parliament. Once again the time has come when Government and elected representatives have to submit themselves to the judgement of the people and ask to be re-elected on the basis of the achievements of the past and the policies for the future.

In this brief election address I should like to put three points for your consideration:

First—the economic strength of the nation and the standard of living of its people depend upon successful industry and commerce.

Changing demands and new technology will bring problems as well as opportunities. We have seen both in business in and around Finchley.

But the fact is that in Britain business is growing and the prospects for the future are good.

Second—from that economic growth and success have come the resources;

— to cut personal taxation for all. The basic rate of tax is down from 33 pence to 27 pence.

— to improve the health and social services. In 1978–79 spending on the health service was nearly £8 billion a year. This year it is £21 billion: spending on pensions and social security was £17 billion in 1978–79. This year it is £46 billion. These are substantial increases which go to benefit those in need.

— to increase the money and manpower devoted to maintain law and order.

Third—Britain's reputation and influence in the world have steadily increased. Our defences are strong, we are a reliable ally and a trusted friend. A strong defence policy is the surest peace policy.

Our radical proposals for a third term will widen choice in education and housing, provide new training for those without jobs, widen ownership further while continuing the policies which have laid the foundations of success.

I have travelled on behalf of Britain to many countries—the United States, the Soviet Union, China, the Middle East and the Commonwealth as well as Europe. Always I have been sustained by the fellowship and warmth of the people of this Constituency, and the knowledge that in representing Britain I am also representing you.

It is my earnest hope that you will support me on Polling Day so that I may serve for another Parliament.

Yours sincerely,

Margaret Thatcher.

MARGARET THATCHER FOR BRITAIN

VOTE CONSERVATIVE ON THURSDAY 11th JUNE

“For me, the heart of politics is not political theory, it is people and how they want to live their lives.”

Margaret Thatcher “Let our children grow tall, and some taller than others if they have it in them to do so.”

Margaret Thatcher