Gerald Howarth facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Gerald Howarth
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| Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for International Security Strategy | |
| In office 12 May 2010 – 4 September 2012 |
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| Prime Minister | David Cameron |
| Preceded by | The Baroness Taylor of Bolton |
| Succeeded by | Andrew Murrison |
| Member of Parliament for Aldershot |
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| In office 1 May 1997 – 3 May 2017 |
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| Preceded by | Julian Critchley |
| Succeeded by | Leo Docherty |
| Member of Parliament for Cannock and Burntwood |
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| In office 9 June 1983 – 16 March 1992 |
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| Preceded by | Gwilym Roberts |
| Succeeded by | Tony Wright |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
James Gerald Douglas Howarth
12 September 1947 |
| Nationality | British |
| Political party | Conservative |
| Spouse | Elizabeth Jane Squibb |
| Children | 3 |
| Alma mater | University of Southampton |
| Website | www.geraldhowarth.org[Usurped!] |
Sir James Gerald Douglas Howarth (born 12 September 1947) is a British politician. He was a Member of Parliament (MP) for the Conservative Party. He represented Aldershot from 1997 to 2017. Before that, he was the MP for Cannock and Burntwood from 1983 to 1992.
From May 2010 to September 2012, he served as a junior minister. This role was called the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for International Security Strategy. He worked at the Ministry of Defence. He also chaired a group called Conservative Way Forward. In 2016, he joined the advisory board of Leave Means Leave. He decided not to run for re-election in 2017.
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Early Life and Education
Gerald Howarth is the son of James and Mary Howarth. He went to Bloxham School and the University of Southampton. He earned a degree there. In 1973, he married Elizabeth Jane Squibb. They have two sons and a daughter named Emily. Emily is married to another Conservative MP, James Cartlidge.
Howarth joined the Conservative Party in 1964. In March 1968, he was at a protest in Grosvenor Square. This protest was against the Vietnam War. Howarth showed his support for the Americans. He held a US flag during the event. He said police kept him safe from the crowds. In April 1970, he protested outside the Bank of England. He wanted to end rules about money moving between countries.
Early Career and Public Service
Howarth was a qualified private pilot. In 1968, he joined the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. He served as an acting pilot officer until 1969. Later, in 1988, he won an award for parliamentary pilots.
In 1971, Howarth started working at the Bank of America International Ltd. He stayed there until 1977. Then, he moved to the European Arab Bank. After that, he worked for Standard Chartered Bank for two years. He was a Syndication Manager there. He was first elected to Parliament after this.
From 1969 to 1971, Howarth was General Secretary of the Society for Individual Freedom. This was a group that promoted certain ideas. He was also active in the Conservative Monday Club during university. From 1973 to 1977, he directed the Freedom Under The Law Group. He was an elected councillor in the London Borough of Hounslow. He served from 1982 to 1983. He was on committees for planning and finance.
Parliamentary Journey
First Time as an MP (1983–1992)
Howarth was first elected as an MP in 1983. He won the seat for Cannock and Burntwood. This was during a big win for the Conservative Party.
He worked as a Parliamentary Private Secretary for Michael Spicer. This role helps a minister with their duties. He did this from 1987 to 1990. He also supported Margaret Thatcher in a leadership election. When she resigned, he voted for John Major to become the new leader.
He lost his seat in the 1992 general election. He was out of Parliament for five years.
Second Time as an MP (1997–2017)
Howarth was re-elected in 1997. He became the MP for Aldershot.
He strongly supported the British defence industry. In 2009, he spoke at a meeting. He said people who criticize the defence industry should be ashamed. He called it a "noble industry." He also said he would accept the title "Minister for War" if his party won. This showed his belief that the government should support the armed forces.
In 2001, Howarth appeared on a TV show called Brass Eye. This was a comedy show that tricked famous people. He read out warnings for a fake episode.
In 2008, Howarth spoke about Margaret Thatcher's resignation. He told Michael Portillo he was "gutted" when she left office in 1990.
In the 2015 general election, his son-in-law, James Cartlidge, also became an MP. Cartlidge represents South Suffolk. On 20 April 2017, Howarth announced he would not seek re-election. He now lives in Suffolk.
Views on Society
Howarth has shared his views on various social topics.
In 1999, he questioned a report about the police. The report said the police were "institutionally racist." Howarth called this a "grotesque over-reaction."
In 2005, he spoke about Muslims. He said if they did not like the British way of life, they could go to another country.
In 2006, British Airways did not allow a staff member to wear a cross over her uniform. Howarth decided to stop flying with the airline. He said it was strange that showing Christian faith had become unacceptable. He called the cross a "modest symbol."
In 2014, an email from Howarth was leaked. He warned about immigration to Britain. He said Enoch Powell was right in his 1968 speech. He noted that many people of non-Christian faith had arrived.
In 2000, he described lifting a ban on homosexuals in the military as "appalling." He believed "ordinary" soldiers would be upset. He thought many joined the services to avoid some modern society values.
In 2005, he criticized a Labour minister, Peter Mandelson. Mandelson's partner received British citizenship. Howarth called the partner Mandelson's "consort." He suggested he was less deserving of citizenship than others.
In 2013, during a debate on the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill, Howarth warned about "the aggressive homosexual community." He said they saw the bill as a step to "something even further." He did not explain what that "something further" would be.
Expenses and Recognition
After a scandal about MP expenses in 2009, Howarth said he followed the rules. However, he still repaid some expenses. These were identified as unreasonable by an official review.
After a government reshuffle in 2012, he was recommended for a knighthood. He became a Knight Bachelor on 20 September 2012. This means he can use the title "Sir."
In April 2013, he became chairman of Conservative Way Forward. This is a group that supports Thatcherite ideas.
Howarth is now the chairman of Addveritas. This company advises on whistleblowing.
