Hurd, Douglas
Hurd, Douglas,
1930–, British politician. Educated at Eton and Trinity College, Cambridge, he worked in the diplomatic service (1952–66) and later served as Prime Minister Edward HeathHeath, Sir Edward Richard George,1916–2005, British statesman. Educated at Oxford, he served in the Royal Artillery during World War II, rising to the rank of colonel.
..... Click the link for more information. 's political secretary (1970–74). He entered the House of Commons in 1974 and held a succession of junior posts in Prime Minister Margaret ThatcherThatcher, Margaret Hilda Roberts Thatcher, Baroness,
1925–2013, British political leader. Great Britain's first woman prime minister, nicknamed the "Iron Lady" for her uncompromising political stance, Thatcher served longer than any other British prime minister in the 20th
..... Click the link for more information. 's government before serving in the cabinet as secretary for Northern Ireland (1984–85), home secretary (1985–89), and foreign secretary (1989–95). A moderate, he played a leading role in defining Great Britain's position in the European Community (now the European Union). After Thatcher's resignation in 1990, he entered the leadership race but was unsuccessful. He remained foreign secretary under Prime Minister John MajorMajor, John,
1943–, British statesman, b. John Major Ball. Raised in a working-class area of London, he was elected to Lambeth borough council (1968–71) and entered Parliament as a Conservative in 1979.
..... Click the link for more information. and was praised for his handling of Britain's role in the Persian Gulf WarPersian Gulf Wars,
two conflicts involving Iraq and U.S.-led coalitions in the late 20th and early 21st cent.
The First Persian Gulf War, also known as the Gulf War, Jan.–Feb.
..... Click the link for more information. . Conservative party "Euroskeptics" opposed to Hurd's advocacy of British integration in the European Union forced his resignation as foreign secretary in 1995.