Edward Heath Quotes

34 Sourced Quotes

The end of the negotiations is a blow to the cause of the wider European unity for which we have been striving. We are a part of Europe, by geography, history, culture, tradition and civilization … There have been times in the history of Europe when it has been only too plain how European we are; and there have been many millions of people who have been grateful for it. I say to my colleagues: they should have no fear. We in Britain are not going to turn out backs on the mainland of Europe or the countries of the Community.

Edward Heath
As Prime Minister, I want to speak to you, simply and plainly, about the grave emergency now facing our country. In the House of Commons this afternoon I announced more severe restriction on the use of electricity. You may already have heard the details of these. We are asking you to to cut down to the absolute minimum the use of electricity for heating, and for other purposes in your homes. We are limiting the use of electricity by almost all factories, shops, and offices, to three days a week.

Edward Heath
This would, at a stroke, reduce the rise in prices, increase production and reduce unemployment.

Edward Heath
The historic role of the Conservative Party is to use the leverage of its political and diplomatic skills to create a fresh balance between the different elements within the state at those times when, for one reason or another, their imbalance threatens to disrupt the orderly development of society.

Edward Heath
In excluding me from the shadow cabinet, Margaret Thatcher has chosen what I believe to be the only wholly honest solution and one which I accept and welcome.

Edward Heath
Ocean racing is like standing under a cold shower and tearing up five-pound notes.

Edward Heath
He is not mad in the least. He's a very astute person, a clever person.

Edward Heath
It was wildly exciting. It certainly wasn't the highest feeling I've ever had, but it was one of them. In those days, security was not as good as today. Just afterwards, some chap was able to get at me and stab the back of my neck with a cigarette. It wasn't very pleasant.

Edward Heath
It is bad because it is a negation of democracy … Worst of all is the imposition by parliamentary diktat of a change of responsible party in London government. There cannot be any justification for that. It immediately lays the Conservative Party open to the charge of the greatest gerrymandering in the last 150 years of British history.

Edward Heath
Please don't applaud. It may irritate your neighbour.

Edward Heath
You mustn't expect prime ministers to enjoy themselves. If they do, they mustn't show it – the population would be horrified.

Edward Heath
Do you know what Margaret Thatcher did in her first Budget? Introduced VAT on yachts! It somewhat ruined my retirement.

Edward Heath
It is the unpleasant and unacceptable face of capitalism, but one should not suggest that the whole of British industry consists of practices of this kind.

Edward Heath
They have made a grave mistake choosing that woman.

Edward Heath
Peter Sissons: The single currency, a United States of Europe, was all that in your mind when you took Britain in?
Edward Heath: Of course, yes.

Edward Heath
Interviewer: What three skills should every great Prime Minister have? Did you have them?
Heath: Patience, stamina and good luck. Two out of three isn't bad!

Edward Heath
There's a lot of people I've encouraged and helped to get into the House of Commons. Looking at them now, I'm not so sure it was a wise thing to do.

Edward Heath
Norman St John Stevas had argued with Edward Heath about appearing on a TV program:
St John Stevas: I hope that disagreement about the television program is water under the bridge?
Heath: No, not water under the bridge, promotion down the drain.

Edward Heath
If politicians lived on praise and thanks they'd be forced into some other line of business.

Edward Heath
The opponents of EEC membership inside the Labour Party know how much more difficult it would be to foist their brand of left-wing socialism on the British people if we remain part of a Community based on the principles of free enterprise and the mixed economy. We in the Conservative Party must vigorously oppose this ominous development.

Edward Heath
It was not totally inconceivable that she could have joined me as my wife at No. 10.
On the TV starlet Jayne Mansfield

Edward Heath
This was a secret meeting on a secret tour which nobody is supposed to know about. It means that there are men, and perhaps women, in this country walking around with eggs in their pockets, just on the off-chance of seeing the Prime Minister.

Edward Heath
Our problem at the moment is a problem of success.

Edward Heath
I don't think that modesty is the outstanding characteristic of contemporary politics, do you?

Edward Heath
I think Churchill would be appalled at the Thatcher government.

Edward Heath
We may be a small island, but we are not a small people.

Edward Heath
A tragedy for the party. He's got no ideas, no experience and no hope.

Edward Heath
I have always had a hidden wish, a frustrated desire, to run a hotel.

Edward Heath
Well, popularity isn't everything. In fact it isn't the most important thing. What matters is doing what you believe to be right, and that's what I've always tried to do and I shall go on doing. The question doesn't arise.

Edward Heath
I was interested in being present for its first, and I trust only, performance.

Edward Heath