Location
The National Archives
This is an opportunity to hear first-hand accounts of what it was like to formulate and implement Treasury policy in Margaret Thatcher’s government. Geoffrey Howe was Chancellor between May 1979 and June 1983, during a period which saw the pursuit of economic reforms, the lifting of exchange controls, the tough budget of 1981, rising unemployment, and the Falklands War.
The discussion will be led by a panel chaired by Dr Catherine Haddon (Institute for Government), and including Sir Adam Ridley and Douglas French (both special advisors to Howe), and Lord Burns (Chief Economist and later HM Treasury Permanent Secretary). Lord Macpherson (HM Treasury Permanent Secretary 2005-16) will offer an introduction to the period and explain why the papers are being released now.
The presentations will be followed by a Q&A session during which you will have the opportunity to put your questions to the panellists.
The evening will finish with a wine reception and document display presented by records specialists from The National Archives.
Please arrive at 17:30 for 18:00 start. The wine reception will follow at 19:30, with the event finishing by 20:30.