Book detail: As I said to Denis--: the Margaret Thatcher book of quotations is presented as a focused source page for quotations connected with this book, collection, transcript, or source record.
As I said to Denis--: the Margaret Thatcher book of quotations is a collection of notable statements made by the former British Prime Minister. The volume includes a selection of her most memorable quotes, providing a glimpse into her approach to governance, economic policy, and social issues. The quotations are drawn from various sources, including her speeches, interviews, and personal correspondence, and are presented in a format that captures the essence of her political career and character.
The quotes below use the same card format as the rest of the site, including topics, source notes, copy actions, image creation, and sharing controls.
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“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, equality, fraternity' - they forgot obligations and duties I think. And then of course the fraternity went missing for a long time.”
Source: As I said to Denis--: the Margaret Thatcher book of quotations
“I'll stay until I'm tired of it. So long as Britain needs me, I shall never be tired of it.”
Source: As I said to Denis--: the Margaret Thatcher book of quotations
“A quick cure is a quack cure.”
Source: As I said to Denis--: the Margaret Thatcher book of quotations
“I have never knowingly made a non-controversial speech in my life.”
Source: As I said to Denis--: the Margaret Thatcher book of quotations
“In my view dictators do not surrender. They have to be well and truly defeated.”
Source: As I said to Denis--: the Margaret Thatcher book of quotations
“Freedom under the law must never be taken for granted.”
Source: As I said to Denis--: the Margaret Thatcher book of quotations
“There are too few rich and too few profits.”
Source: As I said to Denis--: the Margaret Thatcher book of quotations
“If a woman like Eva Peron with no ideals can get that far, think how far I can go with the ideals that I have.”
Source: As I said to Denis--: the Margaret Thatcher book of quotations
“This business of the working class is on its way out I think. After all, aren't I working class? I work jolly hard, I can tell you.”
Source: As I said to Denis--: the Margaret Thatcher book of quotations
“John Gummer just did not have the political clout or credibility to rally the troops. I had appointed him as a sort of nightwatchman, but he seemed to have to sleep on the job.”
Source: As I said to Denis--: the Margaret Thatcher book of quotations
“Every Conservative desires peace. The threat to peace comes from Communism which has powerful forces ready to attack anywhere. Communism waits for weakness, it leaves strength alone. Britain must therefore be strong, strong in her arms, strong in her faith, strong in her own way of life.”
Source: As I said to Denis--: the Margaret Thatcher book of quotations
“What happened in Russia in 1917 wasn't a revolution - it was a coup d'etat.”
Source: As I said to Denis--: the Margaret Thatcher book of quotations
“I am always on the job.”
Source: As I said to Denis--: the Margaret Thatcher book of quotations
“Naturally, it is with some temerity that the pupil speaks before the master, because you know more about the Common Market than anybody.”
Source: As I said to Denis--: the Margaret Thatcher book of quotations
“If I were a German today, I would be proud, proud but also worried. I would be proud of the magnificent achievement of rebuilding my country, entrenching democracy and assuming the undoubtedly preponderant position in Europe. But a united Germany can't and won't subordinate its national interests in economic or in foreign policy to those of the Community indefinitely. Germany's new pre-eminence is a fact - and its power is a problem - as much for Germans as for the rest of Europe.”
Source: As I said to Denis--: the Margaret Thatcher book of quotations
“In the same period that the Americans have lived under one constitution our French friends notched up five. A Punch cartoon has a 19th century Englishman asking a librarian for a copy of the French constitution, only to be told: 'I am sorry Sir, we do not stock periodicals.'”
Source: As I said to Denis--: the Margaret Thatcher book of quotations
“A democratic Europe of nation states could be a force for liberty, enterprise and open trade. But, if creating a United States of Europe overrides these goals, the new Europe will be one of subsidy and protection”
Source: As I said to Denis--: the Margaret Thatcher book of quotations
“It took us a long time to get rid of the effects of the French Revolution 200 years ago. We don't want another one.”
Source: As I said to Denis--: the Margaret Thatcher book of quotations
“If there is one instance in which a foreign policy I pursued met with unambiguous failure, it was my policy on German reunification.”
Source: As I said to Denis--: the Margaret Thatcher book of quotations
“I couldn't live without work. That's what makes me so sympathetic towards those people who are unemployed. I don't know how they live without working.”
Source: As I said to Denis--: the Margaret Thatcher book of quotations
“We introduced the Community Charge. I still call it that. I like the Poles - I never had any intention of taxing them.”
Source: As I said to Denis--: the Margaret Thatcher book of quotations
“We intend freedom and justice to conquer. Yes, we do have a creed and we wish others to share it. But it is not part of our policy to impose our beliefs by force or threat of force.”
Source: As I said to Denis--: the Margaret Thatcher book of quotations
“We do not believe that if you cut back what government does you diminish its authority. On the contrary, a government that did less, and therefore did better, would strengthen its authority.”
Source: As I said to Denis--: the Margaret Thatcher book of quotations
“I calculate that I was responsible for proposing the elevation to the Lords of some 214 of its present numbers.”
Source: As I said to Denis--: the Margaret Thatcher book of quotations
“The National Health Service is safe with us. The principle of adequate healthcare should be provided for all regardless of ability to pay must be the function of any arrangements for financing the NHS. We stand by that.”
Source: As I said to Denis--: the Margaret Thatcher book of quotations
“I exercise my right as a free citizen to spend my own money in my own way, so that I can go on the day, the time, to the doctor I choose and get out fast.”
Source: As I said to Denis--: the Margaret Thatcher book of quotations
“You can present people with ideas they may come to believe in, and as a result of them they will act, if they have the opportunities. Presenting people with opportunities is part of what politics is about.”
Source: As I said to Denis--: the Margaret Thatcher book of quotations
“I've got my teeth into him, and I'm not going to let go.”
Source: As I said to Denis--: the Margaret Thatcher book of quotations
“We went back on a very similar manifesto to things I believe in. The difference is that after eighteen months to two years he did the biggest U-turn on policy of all time and started to go the wrong way. In the end, that cost us the next election.”
Source: As I said to Denis--: the Margaret Thatcher book of quotations
“The legal system we have and the rule of law are far more responsible for our traditional liberties than any system of one man one vote. Any country or Government which wants to proceed towards tyranny starts to undermine legal rights and undermine the law.”
Source: As I said to Denis--: the Margaret Thatcher book of quotations
“If someone is confronting our essential liberties, if someone is inflicting injuries and harm, by God I'll confront them!”
Source: As I said to Denis--: the Margaret Thatcher book of quotations
“The election of a man committed to the cause of freedom and the renewal of America's strength has given encouragement to all those who love liberty.”
Source: As I said to Denis--: the Margaret Thatcher book of quotations
“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.”
Source: As I said to Denis--: the Margaret Thatcher book of quotations
“Our judgement is that the presence of the Royal Marines garrison is sufficient deterrent against any possible aggression.”
Source: As I said to Denis--: the Margaret Thatcher book of quotations
“Gentlemen, I have spent the night thinking about this Peruvian (peace) initiative and I have to tell you that if it is your decision to accept then you will have to find another Prime Minister.”
Source: As I said to Denis--: the Margaret Thatcher book of quotations
“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.”
Source: As I said to Denis--: the Margaret Thatcher book of quotations
“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.”
Source: As I said to Denis--: the Margaret Thatcher book of quotations
“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.”
Source: As I said to Denis--: the Margaret Thatcher book of quotations
“Just rejoice at the news and congratulate our armed forces and the Marines. Rejoice!”
Source: As I said to Denis--: the Margaret Thatcher book of quotations
“I want my money back!”
Source: As I said to Denis--: the Margaret Thatcher book of quotations
“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.”
Source: As I said to Denis--: the Margaret Thatcher book of quotations
“The Government wants a peaceful settlement. But we totally reject a peaceful sell-out.”
Source: As I said to Denis--: the Margaret Thatcher book of quotations
“They [Federalist European Politicians] divide their time between court room, prison and debating chamber - giving a whole new meaning to the term 'conviction politician'.”
Source: As I said to Denis--: the Margaret Thatcher book of quotations
“It seems like cloud cuckoo land. If anyone is suggesting that I would go to Parliament and suggest the abolition of the Pound Sterling - no! We have made it quite clear that we will not have a single currency imposed upon us.”
Source: As I said to Denis--: the Margaret Thatcher book of quotations
“We shall take whatever action is necessary to contain the growth of the money supply. The government, unlike so many of its predecessors, will face up to economic realities.”
Source: As I said to Denis--: the Margaret Thatcher book of quotations
“We have made too much of one or two people, and we think that they can win or lose elections for us. Don't be depressed if one particular person transgresses. It doesn't lose an election unless the Party loses faith in itself.”
Source: As I said to Denis--: the Margaret Thatcher book of quotations
“The secret of happiness is to live within your income and pay your bills on time.”
Source: As I said to Denis--: the Margaret Thatcher book of quotations
“You can't buck the market.”
Source: As I said to Denis--: the Margaret Thatcher book of quotations
“I do wish I had brought my cheque book. I don't believe in credit cards.”
Source: As I said to Denis--: the Margaret Thatcher book of quotations
“Everything a politician promises at election time has to be paid for either by higher taxation or by borrowing.”
Source: As I said to Denis--: the Margaret Thatcher book of quotations