Ladies and Gentlemen, boys and girls—or perhaps I should say heroes all.
During a recent visit to Washington I had the chance, because my ‘plane was delayed by fog, to go to the Air and Space Museum. It is a terrifically exciting place because it takes you to the very limits of human ingenuity, courage and endurance. And of course human achievement. [end p1]
While I was there I saw the tiny ‘plane which first flew the Atlantic solo. “The Spirit of St Louis.”
I am reminded of that today because I see and feel gathered around me here the Spirit of Great Britain.
It is a moving occasion to be with you because the Daily Star has brought together the kind of people who put the great into Great Britain. [end p2]
The kind of people who are motivated by a concept of duty to their fellows or their profession, who are drawn by a sense of adventure and desire to excel.
The kind of people who ask no more than to work as part of a team—doing good and doing it well. [end p3]
The kind of people who never doubt, or perhaps never really think, how they will respond in a given situation, however frightening—they just know they will do what is right, regardless of the consequences.
The kind of people who want one thing above all—to carry on serving their fellow citizens to the utmost of their ability. [end p4]
And the kind of people who, whether three or eighty-three, have one quality in common: courage—what Charles Barry, the author, called the lovely virtue.
So, just as “the Spirit of St Louis” carried Lindbergh across the Atlantic, so the spirit of Great Britain which is represented here today will carry this country on to greater things. [end p5]
You not only look on the bright side. You make the bright side. You are the bright side.
There's a lot of true grit here today.
There is also a big noise in the ample shape of Melvyn Switzer who, I am told, can snore louder than some pneumatic drills, and so is firmly ensconced in the Guinness Book of Records. [end p6]
I am sure all of you profoundly hope that we speakers don't send Melvyn to sleep. I'll try not to do so.
I would, however, like to say a few words about the Spirit of Great Britain as we find it in 1985.
I believe that the British people have a deep longing to feel proud of their country. They felt a certain kind of glory three years ago, for the Falklands [end p7] campaign was a truly formidable undertaking. And they revel in the triumphs which our sporting heroes, some of whom are to receive Gold Star Awards today, give them. And will, I am sure, long continue to give them.
The British people recognise of course that these relatively small islands will never again be the kind of power in the world that they used to be in the days of Empire. And they most certainly don't [end p8] want to be great again to dominate or dictate to anyone. Rather we want to feel secure in freedom and justice and in influence others for good.
We are at root strivers. Movers and shakers, as they say across the Atlantic. [end p9]
In some ways these yearnings are already fulfilled. The British people see our country still exercising great influence in world affairs, whether through the Atlantic Alliance, the European Community, the Commonwealth or the United Nations or in direct contacts with Russia or other Eastern European leaders.
Usually, where disaster strikes you will find Britons ministering unto the victims, or leading the efforts to build a [end p10] bridge from plenty to hunger, as in Ethiopia.
And we also find our pop stars under Bob Geldof's leadership, converting their musical tribute into food and shelter for the hungry. I would like to add my personal thanks to all who contributed to that inspired piece of music-making. [end p11]
It means so much that those who our young people revere and idolise should give a lead for good. It lifts everyone. It lifts our country.
The British people also derive a sense of great pride from the inventive genius of their scientists who have a great facility for winning Nobel prizes. From their explorers—and here I should mention David Hempleman-Adams who earns our tribute today for walking to the [end p12] magnetic North Pole. And from our modern composers, film makers and impressarios who still take the world's stage—and stage awards—by storm.
We in Britain get a warm, inspirational glow from all this. The world feels a better place when we see a true Brit with true grit doing things for himself and his country. [end p13]
For a long time it has been fashionable to encourage the belief that Governments could deliver everything, including greatness as a nation. The state will provide. It isn't true. A great country is a country of great fearless people.
But where could the State provide the guts of eighty-five year old Granny Fraser who is here today for foiling a wages robbery? The incredible spirit of three year old [end p14] Luke Milligan? What an example to us all! The sheer bravery of Constables Martin Coxon, Stephen Sherwood and Stephen Jones? The courage of Peter Smith from Humberside? The dedication to duty of Nurse Christine Grimshaw or Surgeon Frederic Skidmore? The presence of mind of ten year old Mark Taylor? The dedication of Graeme Souness and Merseyside to his football; Bryan Robson, the England soccer Captain; John Lowe and Sebastian Coe? Or the selfless [end p15] perseverance of Sam Burrows, the charity fund raiser?
The answer is that the state can provide none of these things. They spring from the very fibre and spirit of our people.
And when these qualities have a little something extra on top—the X get—up—and go factor—we see in our award winners today just where it can take you. [end p16]
My aim is to encourage all those who have this get up and go quality to go places for themselves and their country.
It is therefore a privilege to be with you today and to share your success.
I want to thank the Daily Star, Lord Matthews and Lloyd Turner the editor, for inviting me to join you. And to all the award winners, and their colleagues, friends, parents or relatives who have supported them, for making it possible. [end p17]
We salute your triumphs over illness, adversity or age; your courage; and your dedication and gifts.
And now I look forward to making the presentation to the Super Star among our seventeen Gold Stars.
This, Ladies and Gentlemen, really is the way to the stars. We are proud to be with you.
[end p18] (2) BBC Sound Archive: OUP transcript:Michael Buerk, BBC
The Prime Minister came in for some unexpected lobbying today from a pop star. Bob Geldof, winner of a newspaper award for raising millions of pounds for Ethiopia, tackled Mrs. Thatcher about the government's response to the famine and the part of the Band Aid's record profits which went in VAT payments. Michael Sullivan reports:
Michael Sullivan, BBC
Mrs. Thatcher was at a London hotel to meet people cited by the Daily Star newspaper for bravery and perseverance. Seventeen people who, said Mrs. Thatcher exemplified the British spirit, like three year-old Luke Milligan who's learned to walk on artificial feet after having his own deformed feet amputated. The award winners were all suitably awe-struck in the presence of the Prime Minister, except for Bob Geldof who was not pleased at having to pay so much of the money he'd raised back to the tax man.
Bob Geldof
Well we had a bit of a problem with the VAT on the record.
MT
I know, but you know, don't forget, we've used some of your VAT to give back and to plough back. We've given again and again, I mean government has to get taxation from somewhere, so you …
Michael Sullivan, BBC
But Bob Geldof was not deterred and displayed his brand of courage and perseverance by pressing a protesting Mrs Thatcher to do still more for Ethiopia.
Bob Geldof
I mean at the moment you've got a problem with the butter mountain and you don't know how to dispose of it, you sell it to the Russians is the cheapest way.
MT
I'm sorry but butter doesn't do very much good in Africa as you know, it's grain.
Bob Geldof
Well butter oil actually does, it's one of the major …
MT
Butter oil if you can, if you can get down …
Bob Geldof
Well, it is a by-product of butter.
MT
Well, look, a lot is going, a lot of surplus food is going, but don't forget …
Bob Geldof
But Prime Minister there are millions dying and that's a terrible thing.
MT
Indeed.
Michael Buerk, BBC
Difficult to tell who was lecturing who.