1992
Speech to the College of Europe (Bruges II)
Post-premiership reflection on European integration after the Maastricht Treaty.
Speeches & Writings
The words that changed Britain and inspired the world
Margaret Thatcher was one of the greatest orators of the twentieth century. Her speeches combined conviction, clarity, and rhetorical power to change the course of British politics and inspire movements for freedom around the world.
Between 1945 and 2002, she delivered over 8,000 speeches, interviews, and public statements. Explore the most significant below, or visit the Margaret Thatcher Foundation for the complete archive.
Defining Moments
Famous Speeches
September 1988
The Bruges Speech
We have not successfully rolled back the frontiers of the state in...
College of Europe address on European integration concerns.
21 May 1988
Sermon on the Mound
Christianity is about spiritual redemption, not social reform.
Address to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, Edinburgh.
24 October 1985
Address to the United Nations General Assembly 1985
The most important task is the prevention of war.
UN General Assembly 40th anniversary address.
3 July 1982
The Falklands Factor — Cheltenham Speech
We have ceased to be a nation in retreat.
Cheltenham Conservative Conference address following the liberation of the Falkland Islands.
October 1980
The Lady's Not for Turning
You turn if you want to. The lady's not for turning.
Conservative Party Conference; economic recession response.
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4 May 1979
Remarks on the Steps of Downing Street
Where there is discord, may we bring harmony. Where there is error...
Prime Minister inauguration; St Francis Prayer reference.
10 October 1975
Speech to the Conservative Party Conference 1975
A man's right to work as he will, to spend what he earns, to own property...
First conference speech as Conservative Party Leader.
I am not a consensus politician. I'm a conviction politician.
Her Own Words
Writings & Memoirs
1993
The Downing Street Years
Her first volume of memoirs, covering her eleven years as Prime Minister from 1979 to 1990.
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1995
The Path to Power
The second volume of her memoirs, covering her life from childhood through to her election as Prime Minister.
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2002
Statecraft: Strategies for a Changing World
Her final book, analysing international relations in the post-Cold War era and offering strategic guidance for the future.
Learn More →Margaret Thatcher Foundation Archive
The Margaret Thatcher Foundation maintains the definitive online archive of her public statements, with over 8,000 speeches, interviews, and documents from 1945 to 2002. Searchable by date, subject, and keyword.
Visit the Archive