Former Thatcher minister Michael Heseltine absolutely slates Brexiteer Tory MPs in House of Lords

Lord Heseltine delivered a powerful speech on Monday ripping to shreds the logic of Brexit supporting MPs during a debate on the Retained EU Law bill.
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[@Spinnaker36]

When Tories were once statesmen. I have never agreed with their policies, but in this man you can see the marked difference in capabilities to the babbling bus stop queue that currently forms the front bench of the commons

[@evolassunglasses4673]

Globalisation destroyed the nation state democracy decades ago unfortunately.

[@2k50neil]

Exactly.

[@petersmith5811]

Clearly, Heseltine was and still is, light-years ahead of the current crop of Tory space cadets.

[@LL-vk9zc]

'Babbling bus stop queue' - This is one I shall use myself. Excellent description, thank you.

[@chrislambert9435]

Graham, I see your point but in my view even Heseltine is not that impressive

[@pauldoyle1864]

"I beg my noble Lord, I am in favour of free and open discussion, I would not want to see you silenced in any way, the floor is yours, please"... There was something very dignified in those words, no shouting or mocking, it felt like a man who knew the right way to do things is by sensible discussion

[@theforeignspeculator]

Elite satire there sir, the silenced urging the silencer and the crowd not to silence him, British satire and sarcasm at its best, don’t read too much nobility in to it.

[@alalalala57]

​@@theforeignspeculator I don't think you understand what satire is...

[@harry130747]

We never had any discussion about joining the EUSSR. He's an old hypocrite

[@jeremybunn8473]

@@harry130747 Oh Oh....look out ....here comes someone from Idiots Corner!

[@JD1010101110]

thats because half of them are asleep and the other half have soiled themselves.

[@McKamikazeHighlander]

Everything he stood for in his time in government is an anathema to me. And yet I find myself wanting to hear more and hearing the kind of sensible words which seem to be such a rarity in modern politics. The Overton Window has indeed shifted in such a way that men we once despised for their policies are some of the last vestiges of genuine statesmanship

[@Elaine-tk7nx]

Totally agree!

[@billyandrew]

Summed up nicely and I'm in total agreement.

[@darreno2428]

I'd like to hear what he has to say about the new EU tourism tax, you know the very secretive one where they have openly said that they don't have to reveal where that tax is going. Don't you just love the EU and their totalitarianism.

[@JavaAndroid]

His belief is irrelevant, the British public demanded OUT, and, he has not been elected. Traitor.

[@dat581]

Or you just fall for any old snake oil salesman.

[@robbiethepict2783]

He was the only Tory MP to take responsibility and went to Brixton and Toxteth after the riots, staying for three weeks and listened to the community problems with employment, housing, education and the police.

[@philldavies7940]

Do you remember how he went on TV in support of the mining communities? Then he shafted them.

[@Alex-pr6zv]

Comparing Michael Heseltine to Boris Johnson is like witnessing the evolution from early hominids to modern humans in reverse.

[@versioncity1]

Don't put down early hominids with such a comparison.

[@foraustralia2558]

Great call ... congrats ...

[@davidjohn64]

Michael Heseltine , has respect and creditability . A quality lacked by Politicians of both political parties today . UK is doomed , well deserved ...

[@tomfinney3416]

both are tory slugs , they could never evolve into humans

[@KarlHamilton]

Excellently put

[@sianscountrylife4925]

Regardless of my strong belief in socialism...I can still recognise that the Conservatives of old - had a degree of sense and integrity .

[@thefirm4606]

Thatcher thatcher milk snatcher???

[@petergaskin1811]

One always forgets that it was Michael Heseltine who introduced Comprehensive Schools to the UK. Now there's not that many people who know that.

[@garyb455]

Socialism has never worked in any Country

[@andrew300169]

Indeed whilst I disliked many of the old Thatcher team they would be considered quite centralist today. One thing you couldn’t argue was they were very competent even in their efforts to remove the mining industry, you may not like it but they were competent

[@bandsaw345]

The like of you should piss off the china and live there for a few years, see if you have the same feeling . Fabian

[@Itscoldupnorth]

'Tis nearly sixty years ago that I heard Mr. Heseltine make a speech. He was campaigning to be an M.P. It were made in some some school or other. My dad, who was with me, and who was not a Tory supporter, said afterwards. "He's good. He'll go far." How right me dad was.

[@msmysticstorytime]

What a magnificent example of articulate English leadership, common sense and history. If only England the UK could once again have dignified, intelligent, leadership and wisdom like this at the upper echelons of our political system, we would all be better off. Lets face it, Brexit is a failure, the current government is an embarrassment and is ruining the legacy and economy of one of the worlds greatest leading nations. We all need to take responsibility for our British government and each other as times are more dire than we think. We are at a crucial turning point in this nation. Do the right thing.

[@calderarecords]

Heseltine is like the opposite of today's conservative; well-educated, sagacious, brave, honest, man of the people, can look beyond flags, & has such foresight due to learning from mistakes. Listen to this man. He is the last of his generation who are not disconnected from their humanity.

[@the195111]

try reading back issues of Private Eye..

[@gdwnet]

@@the195111 There is no comparrison between what we have today and what we had then. Say what you want about Thatcher but she absolutely believed she was helping the country and business. This lot only help themselves.

[@toriesdontgettazered7464]

His nickname was Tarzan and he was as nasty as they came back in the day

[@the195111]

Gary I voted Labour since I became 18 in 1969,BUT swerved them last election.,never voted for the first time,

[@the195111]

@@toriesdontgettazered7464 ..swinging The Mace about in Parliament...OH DEAR..

[@gavinturner5565]

I am NOT a Tory supporter!!! But I respect Mr. Heseltine for speaking truth to the complete lack of leadership and direction his Party is taking this nation. Absolutely down the toilet unless WE THE PEOPLE take back control from this government of the day. Total wrecking ball policies from today's Tories!!!

[@craigfowler7098]

Did agree with him in Europe though

[@didierlemoine6771]

people of Britain voted for this party in power !

[@Indigenous1947]

As soon as anyone talks about "taking back control by the people" there is less response to this comment than the others. I wonder why ?

[@RazorMouth]

He doesn't have to worry about being elected though.

[@neilfranklin5644]

Keep on swinging tarzan.

[@donholt3361]

Ah the good old days when politicians were vaguely competent.

[@silkydee2009]

money was harder to come by back then.

[@digitaldiorama]

And when they weren't or were found to lying, had the good grace to resign.

[@mikewood6528]

The dude sleeping on the left, cracked me up 😂

[@Angy_and_Ema]

He's not sleeping. Pay more attention.

[@vinniechenz73]

​@Angy&Ema You won't want him to be your train driver as your coming into Liverpool st.

[@hotspur1974]

🤣

[@billyandrew]

He's waiting for his club to open for luncheon and a good bottle of claret. He's saved his daily allowances for a week and will splurge the grand and a half on a beano.

[@MrHellsteeth]

Older people are hard of hearing. Built into the wooden roses embedded into the seats are loudspeakers. He is most probably trying hard to listen

[@catherinehanner284]

When mps had gravitas, oratorical skills, intelligence, knowledge and a real desire to serve their country.

[@capt.bart.roberts4975]

We've still got one, from his time in parliament, one Jeremy Corbyn. A man with more integrity, than a vast majority of MPs and Lords.

[@petergaskin1811]

Listen to Alyn Smith new SNP Foreign Affairs Spokesman in the Commons. Superstar speaker ain't in it.

[@TrOgaN_]

He's a trator, selling out his country to foreign powers.

[@GOLDSMITHEXILE]

tarzan hesslestein is nothing of the sort. Dont befooled by a spot of slobbering "oratory" He is no more than an opportunistic, obsequious errand boy fixer for the rich and powerful tory donor trans national open borders capitalist interests, always has been, obviously still is. Hesslestein was and still is a thatcherite free market tory. He and his tory collaborators lets not forget, enthusiastically enacted the milton friedmann economic revolution starting in 1979 which was designed to punish the working class of Britain, de-nationalise everything, and make it FAR easier for trans national open borders capitalism to thrive unhindered and unregulated...one reason why he was always a big fan of the eu empire (which was conceived and created by powerful rich european capitalist interests to faciliatate easier trans national business, among themselves of course). All this happening while British manufacturing industry was being deliberately decommissioned to ruin, capital instead decided to exploit china/india/taiwan/viet nam etc for the cheap labour and production costs, and the focus for the thatcherite mentality was (and still is) "the city"

[@jamescoe764]

Serve. That's the key word, rather than asset strip...

[@eightiesmusic1984]

Heseltine has been right in everything he has said about Brexit all the way through. I am a democratic socialist but I have respect for him because he is a patriot wanting the best for the UK. He is/ was a one nation Tory with a belief in public service and the need for the state to provide a safety net for its citizens. On industry he was right in calling for an interventionist state- neither party has had an industrial strategy of any meaning for around 40 years. It would be easy to find fault with the Tories and they have wrecked Britain for over forty years ( longer) but Heseltine deserves respect for his position on Europe.

[@blindstagehand]

You hear sense when you hear it, sounds like bullshit when it's not, downright barefaced lies halftimes, so it's a joy to hear it from someone with deep roots of Conservatism in him.

[@The-Anti-Zionist]

Totally agree, and I’m more left than Mao

[@onlyme8117]

Expert is he? Does he know we are still waiting for brexit to happen?

[@AshOwnz9]

@@onlyme8117 What are you waiting for?

[@fuzzle9392]

@@onlyme8117 "...waiting for brexit to happen?" Can you explain your point, quoted above, in a bit more depth?

[@LarsEllerhorst]

Great speech and one of the rare politicians getting better the older he becomes. He reminds me of the German Chancellor Helmut Schmidt, who became more and more respected after he retired from politics.

[@johnnyguitar6697]

Apt comparison. Giscard D'Estaing was the same in France. He was not much loved as a president, but became very respected in his older days. A voice of reason.

[@kangamangus95]

"They did not know what they were doing" How sad and how long will it take to ever trust our leaders again, if ever.

[@Astraltraveller05]

I vividly remember the morning after the vote to leave Johnson and Gove stood together with cameras flashing then the dawning on both their faces when asked so what now? The pair of them stood stock still like rabbits caught in the headlights of a car, that moment embodied for me my suspicion all through the campaign that there was no plan, nothing, a complete void of any idea what to do next. It wasn’t car headlights rather a juggernaut headlights and they still no idea what to do. There is of course only one answer but all politicians currently have no bottle to utter the obvious.

[@ellastarrr1st149]

Just like now they still don't know what they're doing.

[@alex.velasco]

You highlighted the point of his speech… and the crux of the matter.

[@julesc1665]

Never a big fan of Michael Heseltine but by god at 89 years old he can still wipe the floor with this bunch of clowns and conmen who are currently in government

[@robkeeleycomposer]

That's because they aren't Conservatives any more. Heseltin as as self-serving as any of them.

[@trevoraustin9311]

Your only saying that because you voted remain

[@johannesnicolaas]

This old politician still has some fire in him.

[@seafoodpizza]

The rest of them fell asleep

[@TheScotsalan]

Tarzan 👍

[@frankhyland6333]

@@seafoodpizza Say no more!

[@23715]

He's quite brilliant.

[@FlyingKeo045]

And commitment along with bravery to state the blindingly obvious.

[@jamesgussman1399]

I remember Lord Heseltine from my youth. This commentary is a cautionary tale of what happens when a nation decides to carry out a radical change without working out the particulars beforehand.

[@johnschuh8616]

More like when a country is controlled by an oligarchy that will not submit to the outcome of a referendum they proposed.

[@michaelsteane9926]

You mean joining the EU or leaving it?

[@here_we_go_again2571]

*Both joining the EU and leaving it (Brexit) did not benefit the sovereignty* *of the UK or the British people!*Joining did not respect British culture,laws and history. Leaving was poorly planned and carried out. (Although not having to help pay for a European defense force is a plus for the UK)

[@nicolaablett7790]

And asking the right questions

[@ThoriberoCaroli]

@@johnschuh8616 I mean, the referendum was rather binary, was it not? Leave or stay. There were no additional criteria to judge wether or Brexit got done. Only leave or stay. And the UK has left. So what part of the referendum have they not submited to? You might very well critique British politicans and civil servant for not carrying out a "proper Brexit", but if you would have wanted to hold them responsible to more than just leaving, you should have demanded a more detailed referendum. Your idea of a Brexit was not put up for question. Rather, potentially, 17 410 742 ideas of Brexit. But sure. Instead of inherant difficulites in leaving the most complicate political structure divised by man, it might just be the fault of traitors. In that case, time for a revolution, is it not? ^^

[@gerrywoods1735]

I do wonder what the UK would be like today if MIchael Heseltine had made it as prime minister A man that always makes sense when he speaks

[@kiwitrainguy]

I've heard it said that the job of a journalist is to seperate the wheat from the chaff and then make sure that the chaff gets printed. Perhaps a similar thing applies to the appointment of political leaders.

[@ericteng7725]

We shall never know, now shall we? Sometimes life can be a bitch, sad isn't it?

[@UNKN0WN_1]

People are easily tiered by people that make sense. In fact someone Making Sense undermines other peoples ego more often then not. Unsettling. Mob prefers someone who they do not fear, someone they can resonate with, someone imperfect and not very cleaver.. Someone they feel can be outsmarted by the average joe in the mob. Now Queen and Royalty are the shining ones, different breed, the holy virgin on the hill. A symbol of the Godliness on this world... Even if they are wrong, they are Right..

[@alancooper3331]

In the EU still and the money would be the Euro.

[@FallenPhoenix86]

@@alancooper3331 "In the EU still" - Yes... and that would be a good thing. "and the money would be the Euro." - Maybe, maybe not... you're firmly in crystal ball territory here.

[@TheMrReee]

Never in a million years would I have ever imagined agreeing with Heseltine. But he hit the nail on the head.

[@therealjetlag]

I was just thinking the same thing. If you’d told me, 35 years ago, that I would listen to Heseltine speak and agree with him, I would have spit my snakebite and black right in your face 😂

[@TheMrReee]

@@lloydnaylor6113 Funny how the ignorant always pop up, well done 👏

[@therealjetlag]

@@lloydnaylor6113 Still have nothing constructive to say 🥱

[@donnellykieranj]

It should not come as a great surprise though. He's a decent old one nation Tory, europhile and a man that has consistently talked a lot of sense over this Brexit fiasco. Even though I'm red leaning at heart, he's a man who I've the utmost respect for. In short a Tory I could vote for.

[@TheMrReee]

@@donnellykieranj reluctantly agree 👍

[@parametr]

As much as I don't like the concept of a House of Lords and how they are nominated... At least the honorable and smart ones are the only ones compelled to attend and speak up. Lord Heseltine, elevating the value of what a Lordship is.

[@hardcorelace7565]

I also dislike the house of lords but somehow they seem to be more in favour of the common person than the house of commons. It's weird.

[@MolloyPolloy]

Of you didn't have the house of Lords ANY law could be written by the Tories... Anything. The house of Lords stops MPs acting like cunts. It does, however, need a total overall and should be elected.

[@marcuswardle3180]

Oddly enough the only part of the House of Lords that is even remotely democratic, due to the Reforms, are the original Lords. There are, I believe, 73 actual Lords in the House of Lords left. When one of these dies or gives up his seat any 'real' Lord can apply for the seat. A vote is then taken, but only amongst the 'real' Lords, as to who takes the seat. At least this ensures that the person who takes it is interested in carrying out his duties in the Lord.

[@tokenspirit6140]

Hear! Hear! Michael......this parliament of Great Britain is hard to recognize these days.

[@robertheap2911]

Michael Hesiltine was always one of the good guys in the Conservative party even though there were not many. I could at least respect his arguments and the way he went up against Thatcher

[@benjaminhuston1390]

Interesting, definitely one to follow and respect

[@tiborgolyho7399]

My God that felt good to listen to this! It is a shame that we are going backwards in every single aspect of political life. Including the spine and aptitude of the todays frontline political figures!

[@GOLDSMITHEXILE]

starmers as 2 faced and duff as the torys, cant even tell you what a woman is🤣

[@petergaskin1811]

@@GOLDSMITHEXILE Nitwit.

[@badbatch78]

Going backwards feels apt. Rhetoric and grandstanding was a politician's way in the times of ancient Romans and ancient Greeks. The modern Conservative party has wholeheartedly embraced this approach to whip up the crowd of frothing right-wing lunatics.

[@tokenspirit6140]

Everything is going backward, it would seem. Seniority and master trainers are nowhere to be found. Whatever happened to accountability and qualifications? This is a self-aggrandized world of spoilt younger people, who think they invented the wheel, and can do anything, without being answerable to the process of experiential qualification Let's not forget the Corporate Agenda, which holds power over all....as well as governments!

[@scatmann5839]

It's not just British political life that's going backwards, our entire society is. Sometimes, I wonder if I've teleported into some third world country. Then I realise I live in one! 😔😫

[@XxHaythamKenwayxX]

It's shameful when the unelected House of Lords are more in touch than the elected governing party.

[@dang2651]

Apart from the guy to the right who is just here for nap time. But yeah.

[@chickybiker]

@@dang2651 if by "nap" you mean "leaning towards the embedded speakers in the seats to hear better", yes.

[@dang2651]

@@chickybiker thanks for the correction. I should pay more attention at times.

[@adventtrooper]

That's why we need to get rid of the HoL and replace it with another house of 'elected' party members that can be swapped out every few years. Nothing quite like being able to deselect them to ensure they tow the party line.

[@crazyfishmonster459]

Is it? Why are the elected automatically more likely to be 'in touch' with the electors who put them there? Modern politics is simply the art of promising the smallest possible majority of your polity that you will do some things that they put you there for.

[@tessatriumph4317]

"Another vacuum in the Brexit debate..." wonderful ad lib from M H 👏👏👏

[@anthonysteyning8032]

Now this is high class in its truest formidable sense!

[@drummingtildeath]

It comes to something when I look back on old tories with something akin to fondness

[@grantmcinnes1176]

Right? I detested a lot of their policies, but at least it felt that they were rational adults who were at least *somewhat* interested in governing a country, instead of babbling narcissists with no coherent policy other than their own advancement.

[@drummingtildeath]

@Grant McInnes exactly. I didn't agree with them but they were at least sane.

[@helenswan705]

yes, really, I agree. Not Thatcher tho, but the ones who spoke and could speak well, with integrity.

[@gazsykes67]

It’s shameful what’s happening to this country

[@wumpty93]

Only gonna get worse. The next election isn't till 2025

[@delcamelot]

Why ?

[@Spurioushamster]

@@delcamelot not been paying attention, have you.

[@delcamelot]

@@Spurioushamster That's why I want you to explain .

[@etahenry3377]

Not really,it's a shameful country

[@JavaAndroid]

Trouble with politicians: they truly believe we put them there to do what THEY wish, not what WE order them to do.

[@chrischris8550]

Can't say that i agree with some of his political decisions in life, but i do commend him for the ability to stand up and give a coherent talk on aspects of his working life at such a fine age of 89! Hope he has a few more years in him, he might see us undo our mistake!

[@ganrimmonim]

Oh, when Tories were eloquent and principled (whatever you thought of them) how the standing of our politicians has fallen.

[@MsCharlieBrown78]

hardly.. Thatcher waged a war on the Falklands to boost her ratings.

[@stephanguitar9778]

But still cnts.

[@EggBastion]

_"not ...a, nautural supporter of foreigners"_ aww. Bless yer heart, I cried. I cried a whole rich warm and buttery Werther's Original from my eye.

[@martynhaggerty2294]

A voice of sanity coming from one of their own . You don't see him lounging about on the front bench.

[@belltopcone]

He did extremely well on claiming the farming subsidy for his several farms.

[@spinnetti]

I'd have been shocked if any of the Thatcherites didn't profit from their policies. He wasn't wrong on this one though.

[@jennyd255]

The man who could once have been John Major... from the days when MP's honourably resigned if they didn't agree with something to PM did, rather than clinging on desperately and waiting to be sacked. What a shame he never got his moment to lead.

[@eightiesmusic1984]

How could he have been John Major when he is Michael Heseltine?

[@jennyd255]

@@eightiesmusic1984 I presume you do understand the simple concept of using "a figure of speech..." for humorous effect? and if so the meaning should be pretty obvious! IF the leadership election of the conservative party had gone only slightly differently he would have been Margaret Thatcher's successor as PM... And thus the man who would have had to negotiate at Maastricht... however as things turned out that dubious honour went to John Major.

[@eightiesmusic1984]

@@jennyd255 No, I am too thick to understand. Thanks for enlightening me but it still isn't funny.

[@jmolofsson]

@@jennyd255 I honestly don't know whether it would have made any difference. John Major was surely less unpopular among the Thatcherites. Heseltine was a bit more confrontative. But in the end, Major was also doomed. A new generation of Tory MPs was voted in, who were even more anti-European than Thatcher had been. They directed most of their frustration at the Prime Minister. Heseltine was spared.

[@jennyd255]

@@jmolofsson yes that is a very good point indeed.

[@simonmarshall3869]

The man is 90 years old, hes sharp

[@23715]

Agreed.

[@evilmario6061]

He also has more hair than me and I'm 32

[@jaker3151]

Heseltine is 90 next month. If I reach his age I hope I'm of such sound mind and thought. He looks to be in pretty good physical shape too.

[@helenswan705]

Most interesting to hear Heseltine speak after so long. Thanks for uploading. and his vision seems quite clear. i do hope somebody (conservative) listens.

[@anthonysmith8800]

I was never a fan of Hesseltine, but boy, does he talk a lot of sense now. I'm now proud to agree with him.

[@apathyintheuk265]

'Proud' to a agree maybe with how wrong you were in the past? Or maybe not quite proud enough?

[@anthonysmith8800]

@apathyintheuk Proud to admit I was correct in the past, Proud to agree I'm correct in the present. Hope that clears it up for you.

[@georgeonearth]

@@apathyintheuk265 Is it not possible, do you think, to agree with a specific thing someone says, but not then have to say "Well they were right about everything else as well"? Is it not, in fact, not only possible, but the most common scenario? Or do you just agree with everything someone says once you've agreed with them once?

[@apathyintheuk265]

@@georgeonearth Ah, but this scenario you create of 'agreement' does not necessarily engender the specifics of once, twice, three or more times or indeed never. Quantifiably, it would be innapropropriate to reason any specific outcome.

[@rakhimukerji7937]

I ALWAYS FOUND HIM SENSIBLE.

[@mikemc2937]

I am not a tory never have been and never will be, however I must congratulate the last of the true great Statesmen of British Politics an honest man, with the spine to speak his mind and the truth. We need more people like him regardless of political party, will we see his like again ?

[@elainecameron5545]

They were good back in the day, strong, not any longer.

[@samb2052]

Whoever he or she may be, they’re not appearing in this clip. 😂

[@notrut]

You seem to be unaware of Westland Helicopters being subsumed by the Italians into Leonardo-Finmeccanica ... There's only a Museum left at the UK site .... Jobs gone.

[@mikemc2937]

No fully aware of the Westland debacle, also the devastation heaped upon countless communities, the poll tax, or John Knotts Navy cuts in the early 80s.Norman Lamont's disaster with the ERM Millions of people unemployed. Riots in major cities. I could go on, - Never a Tory and never will be. My comment's where directed to the Man not his party or past but he did help the regeneration of Liverpool as Minister for Merseyside. Again I repeat an honest assessment of where we have been directed by those in power. At least he is trying to dispel the mythical Emperors New Clothes being pedalled by the Brexiteers.

[@ericteng7725]

Here! Here!!

[@dalroth10]

This is an excellent and truthful statement on just how little our Brexit shouting politicians actually understood about the whole process of leaving the EU. Great harm has been done to the country and the foolish politicians who told their lies and convinced part of the population who then voted to leave still don't have a clue what to do.

[@vsego17]

The politicians only ever look foolish if you (wrongly) assume that they act with the country's best interest on their mind, instead of their own.

[@pyellard3013]

Should be "our Little Britain" Brexiteer politicans...

[@philrothwell6858]

Still tied to the EU what do you expect

[@pyellard3013]

@@philrothwell6858 We are tied to reality and the world.. Canada has tried to divert exports away from the USA but failed.. The size and geographical proximity of your nearest market matters.. Nevertheless, any tieing is voluntary.. Canada could treat the USA like North Korea or the UK treat the EU like N Korea.. Whether that is practical never mind in one's interest is another matter... Personally, if, for the sake of convenience, we agree to EU veterinary standards... Well, I won't feel under the jackpot of the Fourth Reich... That's because any such agreement will be..... VOLUNTARY...

[@bertrob8733]

I honestly believe this speech will go down in history. Its up there with the greatest.

[@joelposner535]

I agree. It reaches a Shakespearean peak when he's addressing the man who wishes to silence him.

[@julielevinge266]

Never thought I’d respect Heselltine!

[@willumwhitmore9419]

this is what the government is lacking; experience and statesmanship

[@ilokivi]

Based on actual knowledge, of the field of activity brought into question. With a strong sense of purpose to guide strategic planning.

[@peterjump991]

I worked in the defence dept of the British Embassy in Washington in the early 80s. He paid a visit to Washington and a reception was organized for him during which I described my role in procuring American made arms for British forces. He looked confused and asked me why I was buying American stuff. I don’t think he realized that British companies were incapable of making high-tech weapons

[@person.X.]

There is a weird detachment from reality that is very common in the UK. I am an Englishman who has emigrated and I am often in the situation where I point out some down to earth realities to my UK friends and family. More often than not I get this gormless, blank faced, thousand yard stare thing happening which indicates that they simply cannot absorb the reality of the big wide world beyond little Britain and simply stick with comforting fantasy or the ostrich strategy of the head in the sand. It actually frightens me as it is delusional and indicates to me a society that will prove incapable of getting to grips with its problems. The UK is in danger of becoming the next Argentina.

[@Leopar525]

@@person.X. very well said unfortunately. And the next generation coming does not seem up to the task

[@yahyahussein425]

You just made that up didn’t you? Your syntax and spelling are extremely un English, particularly as you claim to have been in Washington in the 80’s which would make you by estimation about 70-80 years of age of which your English should be impeccable. Lastly but more importantly, Heseltine always mastered his brief and would not have spoken to a junior staff member like you. If you were really in the so called ‘defense department’ you would not be on here decribing this episode which surely didn’t occur and besides you would have an officer in the Army of Major’s rank and above and would have been on secondment to the MOD. NOT the ‘defence department’. Another bullshit artist.

[@Skylark_Jones]

I cannot believe I'm about to say this, he may be a Tory, but on this occasion he's my Tory. Heseltine: that's my boy! That is saying something from someone who hates Tories and has never voted for them. Cheers Michael!👏👏👏👏

[@OurnameisLegion66]

They knew exactly what they were doing... They just didn't (and still don't ) care. Stop making excuses for them.

[@realhorrorshow8547]

I think another reading is closer to the truth. They _didn't_ know what they were doing _and_ they just didn't care. The entirety of this Children's Crusade has never been about knowing, it's about feeling. Sure you've got chancers like Rees-Mogg who see the opportunity to evade scrutiny and make a quid. But even for him, the primary purpose is to demonstrate his faith in the dogma. That's what we're up against that's what's most dangerous. As various historical figures are credited with saying: You can't reason someone out of a position they didn't reason themselves into.

[@elizabethbrown8833]

I remember the evening I watched Boris Johnson on the news celebrating with a huge crowd of triumphant Brexiteers. The chill I felt that this was very wrong. It was inexplicable why I should experience such a dark feeling, it felt like a bad omen. Quickly after, Covid 19 hit the UK. Boris Johnson landed in hospital with it and I wondered how many others in that cheering Brexit crowd also caught Covid 19. Brexit always seemed wrong to me The EU Treaty mattered. Why would anyone want that Treaty abolished. Now we have all these National Strikers. But who can blame them when their basic Human Rights are Systematically being denied. 🌌🌎🇬🇧🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿💔🙏

[@matthewsanderson2813]

I don’t think it’s a matter of not caring, I think this is going exactly how they wanted and disaster capitalists like Sunak are revelling in making their mates richer

[@boahnation9932]

Why would they? Their careers flew because of it...

[@timmennel3237]

What a great statesman! As a middle-aged German, I am old enough to remember Margret Thatcher and her ministers. Any one of them towers high above any recent member of the Tory frontbench in my esteem. Just compare Chris Patton or Douglas Hurd to Dominic Raab or Priti Patel. There are many things that are great in Britain, yet its government is not one of them.

[@henryfitch8710]

I've never voted Tory but Michael Heseltine voices the arguments with great clarity that Brexit has nothing to offer. I'm still waiting to hear about the actual Brexit opportunities and benefits.

[@reductio1000]

apparently one : "happy" fish ...

[@henryfitch8710]

@@reductio1000 Explain.

[@reductio1000]

@@henryfitch8710 i give you the "honourable" "sir" Jacob Rees-Mogg regarding the advantages of brexit.....2 years ago... Yes, unbelievable and indicative of the nitwits that pretend to represent us... kzbin.info/www/bejne/m5qunqSPlLeBg6c

[@henryfitch8710]

@@reductio1000 Rees-Mogg is a self regarding buffon who fakes old world charm.

[@here_we_go_again2571]

Not having to help foot the bill for a new EUDF (European Union Defense Force) will be a plus for UK. France will now feel free to apply pressure to Germany. France is the natural and historical power of Europe (in particular Western Europe)

[@elmoelms2743]

When said common market I agreed, but over the years it turned into an empire which is what we never signed up for

[@johnsnow5264]

Yeah right, a united European powerhouse is a terrible thing. European countries divided and alone are much easier to crush and intimidate by enemies of freedom, democracy and human rights. Is that what you prefer?

[@John_Lyle]

Most politicians will refuse to let their opponent to get a word in edgeways in order to win the argument. Heseltine wiped the floor with his detractor by giving him free rein to say what he had to say and nothing got said. Heseltine was, and still is, a genius of politics and the last remnant of a time when this country was led by giants and people of principle.

[@mflehman6880]

No one laughed, but I liked the "vacuum" remark. The Anglosphere - US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand - has quickly gone to shit, with our Mother country in the lead. People like Heseltine who were competent and cared about their country disappeared from politics. We went from Roosevelts and Churchills to Johnsons and Wilsons to Reagans and Thatchers to Trumps and whoever is PM of the UK this month. Clowns and crooks.

[@mjsproat]

This is the House of Lords usual style. It is the Commons that is the jeering bear pit.

[@geoffteece265]

Hear hear

[@johnfisher247]

He was an absolute pain during the time of Thatcher!

[@robjones2408]

Lord Heseltine is a wistful reminder of a long-vanished Tory MP: articulate, compassionate, and thoughtful. His observations on Brexit are spot. We will miss him when he finally departs the stage.

[@dexstewart2450]

Look at your High St: that's due to the Zoning Laws he had changed on behalf of the major Retailers

[@JD1010101110]

Only if you are completely ignorant of history. Articulate? This is a man who resorted to threatening the opposition with the mace because he couldn't win a debate with words. compassionate? he was one of the chief architects of thatcherism which improvished millions reduced social mobility and has led to a more divided society, he is also deeply racist. and thoughtful? you think privatising the water companies was well thought through? As for Brexit he is one of the people who set the concern for Brexit with the idiotic ERM and even more moronic maastricht treaty which moved the EU from economic bloc to evolving federal state which made British exit inevitable. I imagine when he joins Thatcher in hell we'll stamp the dirt down just as we did with her, not sure there is a song celebrating that one of the flying monkeys has died though. Perhaps read a book or too on a subject before commenting, then you wouldn't appear so foolish.

[@davidpinsker7074]

Lord Heseltine has shown intelligence, integrity, courage and wit. I am pleased that so many people commented in his favour. I also hope that people realise the important but limited role the House of Lords plays. Being a thorn in the government’s side is what the House of Lords does with impeccable taste. The next time any political party talks about ‘reforming the House of Lords’ and removing its last remaining checks on government arrogance and over-reach, let’s remember what we might be losing.

[@georgepayne9895]

Absolutely correct. I'm a 'leaver', but I respect the debate, & Heseltine's opinion. More importantly, I think those calling for the abolition - or even a radical overhaul - of the Upper Chamber should realise its true value. I'm in favour of political evolution, but caution against a 'baby & bathwater' sydrome.

[@dnakatomiuk]

The issue with the HoL is that today's MPs are letting anyone in and it's getting bloated and that's the issue that's the biggest issue the UK citizens have with it. The HoL have done some good for us but the amount of bloat is the issue and when they have blocked issues that the the UK people believe they shouldn't get involved in

[@georgepayne9895]

@@dnakatomiuk Good point, but like so much in politics we applaud others' involvement in issues with which we disagree, but resent it when we're in favour...but I believe that taking people who have been in politics all their lives, & putting them in a debating chamber without the restriction of the party whip, or the threat of deselection, is very valuable.

[@alanhat5252]

@@dnakatomiuk you fail to understand how the House of Lords functions, in particular the fact that only those with understanding of (or wish to understand) a topic attend any particular debate so avoiding uneducated comments.

[@alanhat5252]

@@georgepayne9895 many were selected to the House of Lords for their expertise & without first being politicians, Lord Bird, Lord Bilimoria, Baroness Lane-Fox & others spring immediately to mind.

[@peterland2824]

Wow. This reminds me of the UK from a yesteryear. When thought and wisdom played a role. Oh how I pine for those days past.

[@judeirwin2222]

Stop pining. Start organizing voters for the next election. And see if you can find anyone, and I mean anyone, who is fit to lead and govern from any party at all. Good luck with that!

[@peterland2824]

@@judeirwin2222 Your imperative is spot on. Less nostalgia and more action. In the mean time I've to finish off with the conifers ^^. But on a serious note, now that Corbyn is perhaps back in the fray... I'm conflicted with his Brexit stance, but the rest of his agenda I quite like. What say you?

[@Elaine-tk7nx]

Absolutely agree with you! It makes me nostalgic to hear such an erudite, sage summary of his thoughts on Brexit.

[@mattwright2964]

Great man in relation to economic development, industrial policy and the European question. Been proven so right.

[@sitatoenga]

Why is this man one of the few that knows what was happening? I love this man❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@Ianmundo]

puts into perspective how radical the Tory party has become, it’s one economic own goal after another

[@lonelyone69]

Do you not forget when thatcher literally passed legislation to crush strikers that would break the European convention of human rights 😂 they haven't changed...

[@thirdeyeblind6369]

Two more years until a GE as well. Slowest suicide in political history.

[@diabl2master]

Radical doesn't seem like the right word

[@sandramurray5879]

Pity the Tories don't have the intelligence and common sense of Lord Heseltine. They should watch and learn.

[@glenparker8458]

You’re a good man lord hesletine u talk absolute sense brexit is dead

[@evelynmccabe3855]

He's is a great man. Very good minister in his time and ofcourse what he has just said is 100% accurate.

[@belamoure]

How refreshing to hear his exposé and to follow him in the meandrous dedale that alas has become of the Conservative Party now.

[@DevilbyMoonlight]

He speaks the truth...

[@peterarthur3380]

Heseltine is still the business.... incredible.... even if you are not a Conservative, you have to admit the guy is phenomenal!

[@truth121]

Peter, are you joking?? 🤣😂🤣

[@ghengis430]

A phenomenal swine when he was in govt. We were more than relieved that he didn't become leader. It's easy to be reasonable when you're away from the scrum of greed.

[@andymain9080]

I can admit that he should know all about not having a plan. The Tory Party of which he was a member had no plan for the post industrial north beyond the long since debunked myth of trickle down economics. He has since admitted that that was a major error, Great, but it doesn't put food on people's plates. It doesn't help them pay the exorbitant utility bills that are the result of another failed Tory Policy namely, attempts to impose a market on a natural monopoly.

[@bobjohnbowles]

What marks Heseltine out from most of his peers was that he _listened_ to the electorate. I remember him for the work he did in Liverpool to turn round the dereliction and decay.

[@dreamdiction]

In Liverpool he succeeded in convincing the voters that they run their own country so the government could betray them today.

[@BenWilcox-vl8ed]

He what??

[@janvierr9906]

@@BenWilcox-vl8ed Yeah, it's pretty amazing. Look up the cabinet papers released under the 30 year rule. If it weren't for Heseltine, Thatcher's government would have put Liverpool through a "managed decline".

[@versioncity1]

Indeed, I was a kid when Thatcher came in, and she was far from liked in Liverpool, but I remember Heseltine coming up to Merseyside & manchester in the early 80's and many ardent left wingers (like my dad) had a lot of respect for what he said and then followed through with.

[@bluemotion14]

He had nothing to do with the funding the development of Liverpool, the money came from the EU. The Conservatives done back then what the current Conservative government is doing now and managing the server decline of the city. How can you dare give the Tory party any credit for the funding given to Liverpool by the EU for the redevelopment

[@peterbuonaquisti544]

Never ever voted for him or his party but I wholeheartedly agree with his comments and will gladly continue to support him in his efforts to reveal the nonsense that is Brexit

[@stewartmitchelmore1257]

The gulf in quality between Heseltine and the politicians of today is heartbreaking

[@Black-Country-Rider]

Never in my life did I think I would ever say this...... "Well said Mr Heseltine 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏, well said.

[@carlyleroad]

I met and spoke with Michael Heseltine about ten years ago. He was sharp as a razor, providing advice and praise on the project I was running. He's a man with the utmost integrity - they don't make 'em like him any more.

[@philrothwell6858]

This guy got thousands from the EU for being a land owner it is in his own interest to have brexit reversed

[@patrickmorris3721]

Funny I remember listening to thatcher back in the 198es about the eu membership I think looking back now how right she was how it would turn out

[@scarletoharabia3801]

She was bang on!

[@annamariadangelo7296]

Lord Hesletine! You are a true Lord. Thank you for speaking out. Greetings from Essex

[@steves7013]

Well said Michael, a Tory talking sense & from the heart!👏Never thought I would be saying that!

[@kev643]

Our children will read in their history books" HOW THE UK WAS CONNED"

[@bryanbelshaw7725]

When were British self Interests in Europe dominant before Brexit? Must've missed that memo.

[@Tridhos]

Could you imagine for one moment the likes of Heseltine or Clarke ditching their principles just to become PM which is exactly what May, Johnson and Truss did.

[@Sobchak2]

May, Johnson and Truss had no principles.

[@matchbox555]

I would leave May off that list, but the other 2 are less than worthless.

[@RobertJonesWightpaint]

An important point, because no - I just cannot imagine either Heseltine or Clarke compromising their most basic principles for office. Indeed, Heseltine resigned on principle - Clarke never disguised his core beliefs - Lord Carrington took the rap over the Falklands - an earlier Tory MP whose name I've unfortunately forgotten resigned over an error for which no one would resign today. That generation believed in high standards in public life: didn't need a Lord Nolan to spell out what should have been obvious (not that Nolan's expected standards of conduct in public life have been observed); current Tories seem to think that principles are old hat, out of date, naive - there may be exceptions - but if there are, they're very hard to find.

[@ironmantooltime]

Honestly I think that only applies to Johnson. The other two are just idiots.

[@MrDaiseymay]

@@Sobchak2 just 4 traitors

[@alimitchell5346]

I'm never a Tory...but that was bloody eloquent and a kick in the nuts to the present Tory government.

[@akula9713]

No one objects to a common market, but what we do object to is the loss of sovereignty and the creation of a federal superstate.

[@davidevans916]

Man alive you’re still buying that crap 😂

[@sheilamiller9605]

At last the voice of reason and from a Thatcherite!!😮🤯

[@xhogun8578]

He wasn't a Thatcherite.

[@sukyatwal1754]

Couldn’t agree more. I often wonder what would have happened if he became PM. Talks a lot of sense. Keep going MH.

[@bazzacuda_]

It shows something that Lord Heseltine commands respect on all benches (not everyone agrees with him but they still respect). It is only the government's representative in the house that wanted him to give way.

[@radman8321]

And he graciously did even though the muppet had nothing to say.

[@adventtrooper]

@@radman8321 A demonstration of his oratory skills that he was able to hold the audience despite the interruption.

[@rogerbannon3595]

What a brilliant orator with a powerful energy driven by deeply felt beliefs.

[@Rael_486]

Don't worry about it. It might not ever happen. Oh that's right it already did.

[@petergaskin1811]

Edited 10th Feb. For the first time in my life, and I have spoken with him in the past, I find myself in total agreement with Michael Heseltine. BTW Tarzan, it was Louis 16th not 14th who lost his head to Madame la Guillotine.

[@truth121]

Daddy FABIAN

[@genome616]

Let's not mention his nice earnings he gets from the EU as a hasbeen politician, he can't be biased can he?

[@jgreen2015]

Just to clarify... Pro-eu has ALWAYS been a right wing position. Being anti-eu has ALWAYS been a left wing position I do not understand how and why that suddenly flipped when the referendum was called. I do not understand how and why labor voters can claim to be left wing when they voted in alignment with thatcher and Cameron who both campaigned in favour of the EU in their respective states in their respective referendums

[@officialsimonharris]

@@genome616 are you a has been or a hasn't been?

[@Demun1649]

@@officialsimonharris Clearly a has NEVER BEEN

[@KrisHughes]

Things I couldn't have imagined myself saying twenty years ago: "Heseltine gave a great speech in the Lords today."

[@SB-jt2vx]

I agree. Strange days indeed.

[@apathyintheuk265]

Was it that 'great' tho? Time on your hands to pick through the historical mistakes of others..... Oh, Alf, 2-0 up against the Germans and you take off the attacking potency of Bobby Charlton for the defensive midfield rigidity of Colin Bell. What could go wrong?

[@mywestsussex5749]

That's because you are a remainer

[@SB-jt2vx]

@@mywestsussex5749 Thank goodness for that.

[@johnlocke6506]

Probably because he didn't.

[@dickyt1318]

i remember he was on question time and basically said that once people had voted him into power he would act in whatever capacity he felt was right. Now in the House of Lords he doesn't even need a popular vote for his self-interested views !

[@disct1597]

They knew what they were doing. They have lined their pockets as expected without giving a damn about British people they proposed they cared about.

[@CG-or1re]

most brexit voters wouldn't even get the robespierre reference

[@DropdudeJohn]

Did Robespierre capitalise his sentences and his name, just a question from somebody who voted for Brexit

[@helphelpimbeingrepressed9347]

@@DropdudeJohn Fair enough but no full stop! 😁😉

[@DropdudeJohn]

@@helphelpimbeingrepressed9347 .

[@Bolachas25]

@@helphelpimbeingrepressed9347 No question mark either…😂

[@matthewrice3432]

@@Bolachas25 👍🤣🤣🤣

[@chrislees8951]

I never thought in a million years I would agree with Hesletine. What is the world coming too 😂

[@kernowman2768]

Surely this can't be the same Michael Heseltine who got £90,000 a year in EU land subsidies 🤣

[@zweigackroyd7301]

Do feel free to indicate why he's wrong. Conflicts of interest can be a problem, but I guess when you don't have logic or facts you go with innuendo?

[@petergaskin1811]

So what?

[@notrut]

Is Heseltine still receiving EU Subsidies to his farmland to NOT grow crops ....???

[@geraldcapon392]

Thank you tarzan very well said.

[@iansammy620]

I have never supported the Tory party, but this man has always been brilliant!

[@alansharp1528]

A master of his craft. Tarzan at his best entertaining the Lords. Bless em all.

[@joelonsdale]

Unfortunately, like everything, the term "worse" has been horribly devalued by the current government. Back in the 80's, governments REALLY one how to be worst.

[@andrewneil6027]

To little to late 👏 As a whole this government failed, pretending to be behind the wheel at this point is just embarrassing…!

[@erica.5620]

What? You know the House of Lords isn't able to do much against the Common's because of the power they revoked from them? The Lords are substantially more competent than the self-serving snakes in the other house.

[@monkeymox2544]

Michael Heseltine isn't in the government...

[@andrewneil6027]

Not part of our elected government… Do you recognise the room?

[@monkeymox2544]

@@andrewneil6027 he's not in government full stop. He's in parliament. They're different things. The government is the executive (ie ministers). Heseltine isn't a minister.

[@andrewneil6027]

Most bills can begin “either” in the House of Commons or in the House of Lords. Your welcome to believe that and argue technically BUT the public doesn’t dictate bills governments do….. 👌

[@paulwild4330]

Just like we didn’t know what we were doing when we voted in a Tory government

[@JRattheranch]

You didn't! That's the point! Back in Michael's day, you got what you voted for.... Sadly no longer applies to any of us.

[@petergaskin1811]

You haven't got a Tory Government, you have an ERG sanctioned Crypto-Fascist Crime Family running the show.

[@bobjohnbowles]

The tory press (ie most of the media) saw to it as many of us as possible did not know what we were voting for.

[@abdulmismail]

I did. Never voted Labour in my life (to be honest, I only ever voted strategically anyway) but at least with Corybn, he would never have allowed Labour to profiteer from the pandemic. He would never have abandoned 3.8 million self employed without furlough. He would never have allowed nurses, firefighters, police etc. to be living on shit wages. All he wanted to do was increase corporation tax to 26% from 19% - which is what the Tories have done anyway. Yet, the tabloids labelled him as a Commie. Blame the morons who believe the tabloids for this brazen Tory party. I mean, did they think that the Tories would ever only "Get Brexit done?". The whole thing was a ruse and the electorate fell for it.

[@JRattheranch]

@trixiek942 Sadly, I'm in total agreement 🤝, with the proviso that if we don't establish real democracy soon, Russia will look like "Utopia"! 🤔🥺

[@paulweir5031]

Slightly confused; Robespierre followed Louis XVI to the guillotine, not the fourteenth.