Peter Shore

Peter David Shore, Baron Shore of Stepney PC (May 20, 1924 - September 24, 2001) was a British Labour politician noted for his opposition to the European Communities.

Cabinet minister

This Department had been created by Wilson to undertake long-term planning of the economy. Shore declared immediately his belief in state-controlled economic planning, together with regulation of prices and wages. This view was unpopular with the trade unions, who had great influence. Early in 1968 the responsibility for prices and incomes was transferred to another department. The Treasury had never approved of the creation of the Department for Economic Affairs and began reasserting its influence, depriving it of any significant power. The Department was wound up in October 1969.

Related Topics:
1968 - Treasury - 1969

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Shore was retained in the Cabinet as a Minister without Portfolio and Deputy Leader of the House of Commons. He played a key part, behind the scenes, in planning the Labour Party's unsuccessful 1970 general election campaign. In opposition, Shore was appointed as spokesman on Europe, taking the lead in opposing the Heath government's application to join the European Economic Community. Shore had already become convinced that membership of the EEC would be a disaster because it would forbid a British government from taking necessary economic action. However, due to organisation by pro-EEC Labour backbenchers, Heath was able to steer his policy successfully through Parliament.

Related Topics:
Minister without Portfolio - Leader of the House of Commons - 1970 - Heath - European Economic Community

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