231 Quotes filtered by Margaret Thatcher
The spirit has stirred and the nation has begun to assert itself. Things are not going to be the same again.
Margaret Thatcher
following the Falklands War
Category: Falklands War, English Identity
The spirit of the South Atlantic was the spirit of Britain at her best. It has been said that we surprised the world, that British patriotism was rediscovered in those spring days. It was never really lost. But it would be no bad thing if the feeling that swept the country then were to continue to inspire us. For if there was any doubt about the determination of the British people it was removed by the men and women who, a few months ago, brought a renewed sense of pride and self-respect to our country.
Margaret Thatcher 08/10/1982
Category: Falklands War
We have ceased to be a nation in retreat. We have instead a newfound confidence - born in the economic battles at home and tested and found true 8,000 miles away. And so today, we can rejoice at our success in the Falklands and take pride in the achievement of the men and women of our task force. But we do so, not as some flickering of a flame which must soon be dead. No, we rejoice that Britain has rekindled that spirit which has fired her for generations past and which today has begun to burn as brightly as before. Britain found herself again in the South Atlantic and will not look back from the victory she has won.
Margaret Thatcher 03/07/1982
On winning the Falklands War
Category: Falklands War
We believe in a free Europe, not a standardised Europe. Diminish that variety within the member states, and you impoverish the whole Community. We insist that the institutions of the European Community are managed so that they increase the liberty of the individual throughout the continent. These institutions must not be permitted to dwindle into bureaucracy. Whenever they fail to enlarge freedom the institutions should be criticised and the balance restored.
Margaret Thatcher 07/1979
Category: European Integration
Ron, I'm not handing over. I'm not handing over the islands now. I didn't lose some of my best ships and some of my finest lives to leave quietly under a ceasefire without the Argentines withdrawing.
Margaret Thatcher 31/05/1982
To Ronald Reagan
Category: Falklands War
It is exciting to have a real crisis on your hands, when you have spent half your political life dealing with humdrum issues like the environment.
Margaret Thatcher 26/05/1982
Category: Falklands War
The Government wants a peaceful settlement. But we totally reject a peaceful sell-out.
Margaret Thatcher 14/05/1982
Scottish Conservative Party Conference
Category: Falklands War
I'm standing up for the right of self-determination. I'm standing up for our territory. I'm standing up for our people. I'm standing up for international law. I'm standing up for all those territories - those small territories and peoples the world over - who, if someone doesn't stand up and say to an invader 'enough, stop', would be at risk.
Margaret Thatcher 26/04/1982
Category: Falklands War
Just rejoice at the news and congratulate our armed forces and the Marines. Rejoice!
Margaret Thatcher 25/04/1982
To journalists, following the retaking of South Georgia
Category: Falklands War
Just rejoice at the news and congratulate our armed forces and the Marines. Rejoice!
Margaret Thatcher 25/04/1982
To journalists, following the retaking of South Georgia
Category: Falklands War
Ah, Francois, it's you. You are with me.
Margaret Thatcher 10/04/1982
To Francois Mitterand, who had pledged her his support on the Falklands conflict
Category: Falklands War, France
I don't want to fight any wars; if you can get them off before we get there, you do it, but off they go.
Margaret Thatcher 08/04/1982
To Alexander Haig on the Falklands
Category: Falklands War
The people of the Falkland Islands, like the people of the United Kingdom, are an island race. They are few in number but they have the right to live in peace, to choose their own way of life and to determine their own allegiance. They way of life is British; their allegiance is to the Crown. It is the wish of the British people and the duty of Her Majesty's Government to do everything that we can to uphold that right. That will be our hope and our endeavour, and, I believe, the resolve, of every Member of this House.
Margaret Thatcher 03/04/1982
House of Commons speech
Category: Falklands War
If they are invaded, we have got to get them back.
Margaret Thatcher 02/04/1982
to Defence Secretary John Nott
Category: Falklands War
The Kosovo campaign was a just and necessary war. And I believe that Blair - of whom I have many criticisms - in this case showed real determination in conducting it.
Margaret Thatcher 03/2002
Category: Kosovo, Tony Blair (quotes about)
Europe is... a monument to the vanity of individuals, a programme whose inevitable destiny is failure.
Margaret Thatcher 03/2002
Category: European Union , European Constitution, European Federalism, European Integration, Eurosceptic
Human rights did not begin with the French Revolution, [they] really stem from a mixture of Judaism and Christianity. [we English] had 1688, our quiet revolution, where Parliament exerted its will over the King. It was not the sort of revolution that France's was - 'Liberty, quality, fraternity' - they forgot obligations and duties I think. And then, of course the fraternity went missing for a long time.
Margaret Thatcher 1989
Category: France, Human Rights
They are all a rotten lot. Schmidt and the Americans and we are the only people who would do any standing up and fighting if necessary.
Margaret Thatcher 07/1979
On fellow European leaders
Category: Europe & America, Germany
It has been suggested by some people in this country that I and my Government will be a 'soft touch' in the Community. In case such a rumour may have reached your ears, Mr Chancellor, it is only fair to advise you frankly to dismiss it, as my colleagues did long ago! I intend to be very discriminating in judging what are British interests and I shall be resolute in defending them.
Margaret Thatcher 05/1979
At a dinner with Helmut Schmidt
Category: Germany, Europe & Britain
