Westlands Controversy | Margaret Thatcher | Leon Brittan | Michael Heseltine | TV EYE | 1986

A studio discussion with David Steel, John Smith and Sir Edward Gardner over the events in the house of commons this afternoon, concerning Leon Brittan, Margaret Thatcher and the Westland Controversy.
First shown: 23/01/1986
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Quote: VT35113

[@BossySwan]

John Smith, what a legend

[@himarkburdett9378]

It's a great shame that he did live longer he would have been an excellent pm

[@alanberkeley7282]

@@himarkburdett9378 Best PM we never had

[@alphabetaxenonzzzcat]

Although I would have been against him on things like devolution and closer EU integration, I think at he had integrity, principles, cared about the UK and was an honourable man - all qualities which the hideous Blair does not possess.

[@Myndir]

@@alanberkeley7282 We'd probably have joined the Euro. There would have been a massive recession in 2008, but it would be worth it to avoid the racism and nationalism of Brexit.

[@paddioche]

​​@@Myndirwhat racism of brexit...oh you mean leftys looting shops ,pulling down statues and throwin them in the river

[@jonathanleblanc2140]

Yessss! ThamesTV you're the best

[@benjaminstiles523]

Danny Bakers let himself go

[@SiVlog1989]

The Westland Affair was in retrospect, a dress rehearsal, or as some put it a precursor, to the events that led to he downfall 4 years later. Again, her handling of government ministers was poor in the face of intercabinet disagreements, again 2 members of her government resigned, again it led to her facing more opposition from within her own party. In 1986, she survived, she wasn't so lucky in 1990

[@majorsharpe5208]

Great to see some John Smith footage on here. Unfortunately Thatcher and her govt. survived the debate on that following Monday. Neil Kinnock, by his own admission, gave a poor speech and despite teetering through the departures of two cabinet ministers - Brittan and Heseltine - the govt survived.

[@himarkburdett9378]

I think Thatcher was complicit over the Westland affair she was lucky not to have been toppled from power over the Westland affair

[@wilsonfisk6626]

Too bad she wasn't toppled. Any of the wets or even Kinnock would have been infinitely better.

[@alanberkeley7282]

If Smith had been Labour Leader on 27th January 1986 she likely would have been.

[@Raukura42]

She then went on to win the 1987 election 😅

[@1ramises]

Unfortunately yes :(