Leon Brittan

Leon Brittan
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Name	Leon Brittan
Birth date	25 September 1939
Birth place	North London, England
Death date	21 January 2015
Death place	London, England
Nationality	British
Party	Conservative Party (UK)
Spouse	Diana Clemetson
Alma mater	Trinity College, Cambridge

Leon Brittan was a prominent British politician who served as a Member of Parliament for Richmond (Yorks) and later as a European Commissioner. He was a key figure in the Conservative Party (UK) and held various positions, including Home Secretary and Trade Secretary. Brittan was also a strong supporter of European integration and played a significant role in shaping UK-European Union relations. He was a close ally of Margaret Thatcher and worked closely with other notable politicians, including Geoffrey Howe and Nigel Lawson.

● Early Life and Education

Leon Brittan was born in North London, England, to a family of Lithuanian-Jewish descent. He was educated at Haberdashers' Aske's Boys' School and later attended Trinity College, Cambridge, where he studied law and became friends with Michael Howard and Norman Fowler. During his time at Cambridge University, Brittan was an active member of the Cambridge University Conservative Association and developed strong connections with other future politicians, including Kenneth Clarke and Norman Tebbit. He also participated in debates at the Cambridge Union Society and was influenced by the ideas of Friedrich Hayek and Milton Friedman.

● Career

Brittan began his career as a barrister and later worked as a Queen's Counsel. He was a member of the Bar Council and served as a Recorder (judge) in the Crown Court. Brittan's experience in the legal profession prepared him for his future roles in politics, where he would work closely with other lawyers and politicians, including Lord Denning and Lord Hailsham. He was also a strong supporter of the British Institute of International and Comparative Law and worked with organizations such as the International Bar Association.

● Politics

Brittan's entry into politics was marked by his election as a Member of Parliament for Cleveland and Whitby in 1974. He later represented Richmond (Yorks) and held various positions, including Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Trade Secretary, and Home Secretary. As a member of the Cabinet of the United Kingdom, Brittan worked closely with other senior politicians, including Margaret Thatcher, Geoffrey Howe, and Nigel Lawson. He was a key figure in the Conservative Party (UK) and played a significant role in shaping the party's policies, particularly in areas such as taxation and trade. Brittan was also a strong supporter of European integration and worked with other European Commissioners, including Jacques Delors and Helmut Kohl.

● Personal Life

Brittan was married to Diana Clemetson, and they had two children together. He was a member of the Trinity College, Cambridge alumni association and maintained strong connections with his alma mater. Brittan was also a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and supported various charitable organizations, including the British Red Cross and the Royal National Lifeboat Institution. He was a strong advocate for human rights and worked with organizations such as Amnesty International and the International Commission of Jurists.

● Death and Legacy

Leon Brittan passed away on 21 January 2015 in London, England. His legacy as a politician and public servant is still remembered today, and he is widely regarded as one of the most influential British politicians of his generation. Brittan's contributions to European integration and his role in shaping UK-European Union relations continue to be studied by scholars and policymakers, including those at the London School of Economics and the University of Oxford. He is also remembered for his work on human rights and his support for organizations such as the European Court of Human Rights and the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. Category:British politicians