The European Union

Important people, important places(UK)

Sir Edward Heath (Ted Heath)

In 1973, when the united kingdom joined the European Union (EU), “Ted” Heath was the Prime Minister.

Facts and figures

Born – 9th July 1916 in St. Peter’s, KentEducation – Chatham House Grammar School and Balliol

College, OxfordFamily – Edward Heath was the elder of two sons, and was

unmarriedInterests – Music and sailing

Political career

First entered Parliament – 23rd February 1950

Became Prime Minister – 1970, aged 53

Total time as Prime Minister – 3 years, 259 days

What came next?

• Ted Heath was replaced by Margaret Thatcher in 1975 and remained committed to Europe

• He was knighted in 1992

• He retired from politics in 2001

• Sir Edward Heath died in July 2005, aged 89

Into Europe• Securing Britain's entry into

the EEC was Heath's greatest political achievement.

• His original work on the project failed in January 1963 when the French president, Charles de Gaulle, vetoed Britain's application.

• Ted Heath did not give up. Once he became Prime Minister in 1970 he reopened negotiations. On 1 January 1973 Britain finally joined the EEC.

• Part of Ted Heath’s greatest speech: 'We are part of Europe by geography, tradition, history, culture and civilisation. We shall continue to work with our friends in Europe for the true unity and strength of this continent.'

The Houses of Parliament

Facts• The Houses of Parliament, also

known as the Palace of Westminster, are home to the House of Commons, the House of Lords and the famous clock tower Big Ben.

• The UK Parliament is one of the oldest representative assemblies in the world, having its origins in the mid-13th Century.

• The United Kingdom Parliament today comprises members from England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

• The Houses of Parliament are in central London, on the banks of the River Thames.

Big Ben• The Clock Tower is the world's

largest four-faced, chiming clock. The structure is situated at the north-eastern end of the Houses of Parliament in Westminster, London.

• It is often colloquially referred to as Big Ben, which is actually the nickname of the main bell housed within the tower (formally known as the Great Bell).