Attlee: The Man Who Built Modern Britain

Tomorrow marks fifty years since the passing of Clement Attlee, Britain's first post-Second World War Prime Minister. His funeral, attended by two thousand mourners, was a testament to a life that profoundly reshaped the United Kingdom and, arguably, a significant portion of the globe. Attlee, often overshadowed by his wartime counterpart Winston Churchill, was a figure of quiet determination whose policies laid the groundwork for the modern British state. This article delves into his remarkable journey, his pivotal achievements, and the complex relationship he shared with Churchill, while also addressing a curious anecdote that has long fuelled debate.

The Early Years: From Putney to Politics

Born in Putney on January 3, 1883, Clement Richard Attlee hailed from a middle-class background. His formative years were spent at Haileybury College, a lesser-known public school, followed by University College, Oxford, where he graduated with a BA in Modern History. Initially embarking on a legal career, he was called to the bar in 1906. However, his path took a significant turn during his charitable work in the impoverished East End of London. The stark reality of poverty ignited a passion for socialism within him, leading to his membership in the Independent Labour Party in 1908.

Attlee's early career saw him develop into a capable public speaker, a skill honed through touring the country to explain the intricacies of the National Insurance Act. He also contributed academically, serving as a lecturer at the prestigious London School of Economics. His wartime experiences during the First World War were also significant. Attlee saw action at Gallipoli and served in Iraq, sustaining wounds before returning to the Western Front, where he finished the war as a Major. Notably, he held no animosity towards Winston Churchill regarding the Gallipoli campaign.

A Partnership Forged in War and Peace

The personal life of Clement Attlee was enriched by his marriage to Violet Millar, whom he met during a holiday in Italy. Twelve years his junior, Violet became a steadfast partner, and their union, blessed with three daughters and a son, provided Attlee with a crucial sanctuary from the often tumultuous world of politics. His respect for her devotion and her ability to create a stable home environment was profound.

His political ascent was steady. He served as Mayor of Stepney, authored his first book, 'The Social Worker,' and in 1922, secured his seat as the Member of Parliament for Limehouse. Ramsay MacDonald appointed Attlee as Under-Secretary for War in 1924. Later, his involvement in the Royal Commission on India solidified his conviction that India should be granted self-rule.

Despite a brief stint in the cabinet of the second Labour government, Attlee famously refused to join Ramsay MacDonald's National Government. This principled stand nearly cost him his parliamentary seat, but he ultimately bounced back. In 1935, he succeeded George Lansbury as the interim leader of the Labour Party. Under his leadership, the party experienced a resurgence in the 1935 general election, leading to his confirmation as Labour leader and Leader of the Opposition in December of that year. Initially hesitant about rearmament, Attlee's stance shifted dramatically with the rise of Adolf Hitler, and by 1938, he was a vocal critic of appeasement.

The outbreak of the Second World War saw Attlee enter the wartime coalition government, serving as Lord Privy Seal under Prime Minister Winston Churchill in 1940. His stature within the government grew, and by 1942, he was appointed Britain's first Deputy Prime Minister. This appointment underscored the significant respect Churchill held for him, and together, they were the only two individuals to serve throughout the entirety of the wartime cabinet. This period of close collaboration, despite their differing styles and political ideologies, was crucial for the nation's war effort.

The Architect of the Welfare State

The post-war landscape presented Attlee with a unique opportunity to implement his vision for Britain. The 1945 general election saw the Labour Party, under Attlee's unassuming leadership, achieve a landslide victory, securing a majority of 196 seats in the House of Commons. This mandate allowed Attlee and his formidable team of ministers, including Ernest Bevin as Foreign Secretary and Aneurin Bevan as Minister of Health, to enact sweeping reforms that fundamentally altered the fabric of British society.

The achievements of the Attlee government are nothing short of transformative:

Remarkably, these profound changes were achieved while maintaining full employment and keeping inflation low. Attlee also played a key role in developing Britain's nuclear deterrent and aligned the nation with the United States during the escalating Cold War. The sheer volume of legislation passed by his government, with over 200 Acts of Parliament between 1945 and 1948 alone, speaks volumes about their reformist zeal.

However, the Labour majority was significantly reduced to just six seats in the 1950 election, partly due to internal party divisions. The subsequent snap election in 1951 saw Winston Churchill and the Conservatives return to power. Attlee stepped down as Labour leader following the party's loss in the 1955 election, concluding a remarkable two-decade tenure as leader, a record that remains unbroken.

Attlee and Churchill: Opposites Attract?

The relationship between Clement Attlee and Winston Churchill is one of the most fascinating political pairings in British history. Despite being lifelong political adversaries, a genuine, albeit understated, friendship developed between them. Their personalities could not have been more different: Churchill, the flamboyant orator and global statesman, often likened to a leading actor on the world stage; Attlee, the reserved committee chairman, focused on effective governance and domestic reform.

Their wartime collaboration as Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister was remarkably effective. Churchill recognized the immense value of Attlee's contributions, particularly his steady hand on domestic policy. A testament to this mutual respect is Churchill's endorsement of the Beveridge Report, which proposed the creation of the welfare state. This report, commissioned during Attlee's tenure, laid the conceptual groundwork for many of the government's post-war policies.

The oft-quoted anecdote suggesting Churchill dismissively remarked, "an empty taxi drew up outside 10 Downing Street and Clement Attlee got out of it," implying Attlee's lack of substance, is a point of considerable historical interest. The associated quote, that Attlee "was a modest man with much to be modest about," further fuels this narrative of Churchillian disdain. However, Churchill himself vehemently denied making such remarks. He stated unequivocally, "Mr Attlee is an honourable and gallant gentleman, and a faithful colleague who served his country well at the time of her greatest need. I should be obliged if you would make it clear whenever an occasion arises that I would never make such a remark about him, and that I strongly disapprove of anybody who does." This forceful rebuttal suggests that the narrative of Churchill's supposed mockery of Attlee is, at best, a misattribution.

The respect was clearly reciprocated. In 1954, during a special tribute ceremony for Churchill's 80th birthday in Westminster Hall, it was Attlee who was the first to rise and eloquently acclaim Churchill as "the last of the great orators to touch the heights." This gesture speaks volumes about the deep admiration Attlee held for his former colleague and rival.

In a poignant turn of events, Attlee outlived Churchill by two years, allowing him the final word, in a sense. In 1965, as Earl Attlee in the House of Lords, he paid a glowing tribute to Churchill, calling him "the greatest Englishman of our time – I think the greatest citizen of the world of our time."

The Lasting Imprint of Attlee's Legacy

The legacy of Clement Attlee's government is undeniable, though its manifestations have evolved. The industries nationalised under his premiership were largely privatised by the Thatcher and Major governments in the 1980s and 1990s. However, the enduring impact of the National Health Service alone ensures that Attlee will never be forgotten. His period in office, particularly the years between 1945 and 1950, represented a golden age of unity for the Labour Party, a level of cohesion rarely matched since.

Upon his retirement as Labour leader in 1955, Attlee had served in the role for an unprecedented twenty years. His contributions were recognised with numerous honours, including elevation to the peerage as an Earl. His grandson, the third Earl Attlee, continues to serve in the House of Lords as a Conservative peer. The Queen bestowed upon him several prestigious awards, including Companion of Honour, Knight of the Garter, and Member of the Order of Merit. Attlee himself, with characteristic wit, penned a limerick reflecting on his distinguished career:

There were few who thought him a starter,
Many who thought themselves smarter.
But he ended PM, CH and OM
an Earl and a Knight of the Garter.

The motto on his ducal coat of arms, "Labor Vincit Omnia" (Labour Conquers All), while perhaps a touch optimistic, encapsulates the spirit of his transformative premiership. For his monumental achievements in building a fairer, more equitable Britain, Clement Attlee deserves to be remembered and celebrated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did Churchill say a taxi drew up outside 10 Downing Street regarding Attlee?

While a popular anecdote suggests Winston Churchill made a dismissive remark about Clement Attlee arriving in an "empty taxi," Churchill himself vehemently denied this, stating he would never make such a comment and disapproved of anyone who did.

What were Clement Attlee's major achievements as Prime Minister?

Attlee's government established the National Health Service (NHS), created the welfare state, granted independence to India and Pakistan, implemented mass council housing programmes, introduced free secondary education, expanded workers' rights, and nationalised key industries.

How long was Clement Attlee the leader of the Labour Party?

Clement Attlee served as the leader of the Labour Party for twenty years, from 1935 to 1955, a record for the party.

What was the relationship between Attlee and Churchill?

Attlee and Churchill were political opponents but developed a mutual respect and a degree of friendship, particularly during their wartime collaboration as Deputy Prime Minister and Prime Minister respectively. They had vastly different personalities but worked effectively together.

What happened on Abingdon Street recently?

Recently, Abingdon Street and surrounding areas, including Parliament Street, were subject to police cordons and lockdowns due to an investigation into an abandoned vehicle. This incident also followed a road traffic collision involving a pedestrian and a bus on nearby Dean's Yard.