Bill Cash facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir Bill Cash
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Official portrait, 2017
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| Chair of the European Scrutiny Committee | |
| In office 8 September 2010 – 30 May 2024 |
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| Preceded by | Michael Connarty |
| Succeeded by | Committee abolished |
| Shadow Secretary of State for Constitutional Affairs | |
| In office 1 July 2003 – 10 November 2003 |
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| Leader | Iain Duncan Smith |
| Preceded by | Position established |
| Succeeded by | Alan Duncan |
| Shadow Attorney General for England and Wales | |
| In office 14 September 2001 – 10 November 2003 |
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| Leader | Iain Duncan Smith |
| Preceded by | Edward Garnier |
| Succeeded by | Dominic Grieve |
| Member of Parliament for Stone |
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| In office 1 May 1997 – 30 May 2024 |
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| Preceded by | Constituency re-established |
| Succeeded by | Constituency abolished |
| Member of Parliament for Stafford |
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| In office 3 May 1984 – 8 April 1997 |
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| Preceded by | Hugh Fraser |
| Succeeded by | David Kidney |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 10 May 1940 Finsbury, London, England |
| Political party | Conservative |
| Spouse |
Bridget Lee
(m. 1965) |
| Children | 3, including William |
| Alma mater | Lincoln College, Oxford |
Sir William Nigel Paul Cash, often known as Sir Bill Cash, is a British politician. He was a Member of Parliament (MP) for 40 years, from 1984 to 2024. He belongs to the Conservative Party.
He first represented the area of Stafford. Later, he became the MP for Stone in Staffordshire in 1997. Sir Bill is well-known for his strong views on the European Union. He believes Britain should have less involvement with it. This view is called Euroscepticism.
In 2019, at 79 years old, he became the oldest sitting MP in the House of Commons. He led a group called the Maastricht Referendum Campaign in the 1990s. He also chaired the House of Commons' European Scrutiny Committee. He announced in 2023 that he would step down as an MP.
Sir Bill was made a Knight Bachelor in 2014 for his work in politics. He also received the Order of the Companions of Honour in 2022. This is a special award for great achievements.
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Early Life and Education
Sir Bill Cash was born in Finsbury, London, on May 10, 1940. He comes from a family with a history in politics. Several of his relatives were Members of Parliament for the Liberal Party. One famous relative was John Bright.
He grew up in Sheffield. He went to Stonyhurst College in Lancashire for his schooling. After that, he studied History at Lincoln College, Oxford. He earned a Master of Arts (MA) degree. In 1967, he became a solicitor, which is a type of lawyer. Since 1979, he has worked as an independent solicitor.
Family Life
Sir Bill Cash married Bridget Mary Lee on October 16, 1965. Their wedding took place at Wardour Castle Chapel in Wiltshire. They have two sons and one daughter. One of their sons, also named William Cash, is a journalist.
Sir Bill and his wife helped restore Upton Cressett Hall in the 1970s. This historic building is now a Grade I listed site. In 2011, it was named the 'Best Hidden Gem' heritage spot in the UK. Sir Bill Cash is also a distant cousin of the famous American country singer Johnny Cash.
His Time in Parliament
Sir Bill Cash first became an MP in 1984. He won a special election for the Stafford area. This happened after the previous MP, Sir Hugh Fraser, passed away. From 1997, he represented the Stone, Staffordshire area. This constituency was newly created at that time.
He has led several important committees in Parliament. He became the Chairman of the European Scrutiny Committee in 2010. This committee checks new laws from the European Union. He was also part of the Select Committee on European Legislation since 1985. From 1989 to 1991, he chaired the Conservative Backbench Committee on European Affairs.
In 2023, he was one of a few Conservative MPs who voted against a report about Boris Johnson. Most other MPs voted to approve the report.
Working on International Issues
Sir Bill Cash chaired several All-Party African committees. These committees focused on countries like Kenya and Uganda. He also led the All-Party Committee on Malaysia. He worked with groups like Wateraid and Tearfund on sanitation and water issues in developing countries.
He introduced a bill called the Gender Equality (International Development) Bill in 2013. Even though it was a private member's bill, it became law in March 2014. This law helps make sure that gender equality is a key part of Britain's overseas aid. Many people praised this law. The Prime Minister, David Cameron, congratulated Sir Bill on this achievement.
His Views on Europe
Sir Bill Cash is famous for being a strong Eurosceptic. This means he believes Britain should have less power given to the European Union. Some people have called him the most Eurosceptic MP.
In the early 1990s, he was a leader in the "Maastricht Rebellion." This was when some Conservative MPs disagreed with their own government. They did not support the Maastricht Treaty, which aimed to create closer ties within Europe. The government, led by John Major, had a small majority. This meant the rebel MPs had a lot of power. Former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher also supported the rebellion.
During this time, in 1993, Sir Bill founded the European Foundation. This group promotes Eurosceptic ideas. He also held other roles in groups that wanted to reform Europe. When Iain Duncan Smith, another Eurosceptic, became the leader of the Conservatives, Sir Bill was given important roles. He was the shadow Attorney general and then Shadow Secretary of State for Constitutional Affairs. He returned to being a regular MP after Duncan Smith was no longer leader. In 2019, Sir Bill supported a "No-deal" option for Brexit. This meant leaving the European Union without a formal agreement.
His Writings
In 2011, Sir Bill Cash published a book about John Bright. He described Bright as "one of the greatest parliamentarians of all time." The book was released to mark 200 years since Bright's birth. Many reviewers praised the book. They said it brought new life to Bright's story.
Sir Bill has also written many books and articles about Britain's relationship with the European Union. These writings explore the Eurosceptic movement. Some of his books include It's the EU, Stupid (2011) and Against a Federal Europe: The Battle for Britain (1991).
About Expenses Claims
In 2009, there were reports about MPs' expenses. Sir Bill Cash had claimed money for rent for a flat. He later agreed to pay the money back. He said he had followed the rules at the time.
He faced a vote of confidence from his local party members. However, he was re-selected with strong support. A judge later reviewed his case. The judge found that there was no evidence of wrongdoing. The judge said it would not be fair to make him repay the money.
