Tam Dalyell facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir
Tam Dalyell
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Dalyell on After Dark in 1991
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| Lord Rector of the University of Edinburgh | |
| In office 7 March 2003 – 15 February 2006 |
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| Preceded by | Robin Harper |
| Succeeded by | Mark Ballard |
| Father of the House of Commons | |
| In office 7 June 2001 – 11 April 2005 |
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| Speaker | Michael Martin |
| Preceded by | Sir Edward Heath |
| Succeeded by | Alan Williams |
| Member of Parliament for Linlithgow West Lothian (1962–1983) |
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| In office 14 June 1962 – 11 April 2005 |
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| Preceded by | John Taylor |
| Succeeded by | Constituency abolished |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Thomas Dalyell Loch
9 August 1932 Edinburgh, Scotland |
| Died | 26 January 2017 (aged 84) |
| Political party | Labour |
| Spouse |
Kathleen Wheatley
(m. 1963) |
| Children | 2 |
| Residence | House of the Binns |
| Education | Eton College |
| Alma mater | King's College, Cambridge |
| Military service | |
| Branch/service | Royal Scots Greys British Army |
| Years of service | 1950–1952 |
| Rank | Trooper |
Sir Thomas Dalyell, known as Tam Dalyell, was a Scottish politician. He was born on August 9, 1932, and passed away on January 26, 2017. Tam Dalyell was a member of the Labour Party. He served in the UK Parliament for 43 years, from 1962 to 2005.
He represented the areas of West Lothian and later Linlithgow. He was well-known for creating the "West Lothian question". This question asks if politicians from Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland should vote on laws that only affect England. Tam Dalyell was also famous for his strong views against wars. He spoke out against conflicts like the Falklands War and the Iraq War.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Tam Dalyell was born in Edinburgh, Scotland. He grew up at his mother's family home, the Binns, near Linlithgow. His family had a long history in Scotland.
He went to school at Edinburgh Academy and Eton College. After school, he joined the Royal Scots Greys in the British Army for two years. He served as a trooper.
Later, he studied at King's College, Cambridge. He first studied mathematics but then changed to history. He also studied economics, which he found very challenging. After university, he trained to be a teacher. He taught at Bo'ness Academy for three years. He also worked as a Director of Studies on a ship school called Dunera.
In 1969, Tam Dalyell started writing a column for New Scientist magazine. His column, called Westminster Scene, helped scientists and researchers share their ideas with Parliament. It also helped politicians understand public concerns about topics like diseases and the environment.
A Career in Politics
Tam Dalyell became interested in politics because of the high number of people without jobs in Scotland. He joined the Labour Party in 1956. In June 1962, he was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) for West Lothian. He won a tough election against the Scottish National Party.
From 1983, he represented the area of Linlithgow. He easily kept his seat in Parliament. In 2001, he became the Father of the House of Commons. This title goes to the longest-serving MP in the House of Commons. He also served as a Member of the European Parliament from 1975 to 1979.
Standing Up for His Beliefs
Tam Dalyell was known for having his own strong opinions. He often spoke out even if it meant disagreeing with his own party leaders. For example, he was against Scottish devolution. This was a plan to give more power to Scotland. He was the first to ask the "West Lothian question". This question is still discussed today.
He was very vocal against military actions he thought were wrong. He opposed Britain's involvement in many conflicts. These included the Falklands War, the Gulf War, and the Iraq War. He famously said, "I will resist a war with every sinew in my body." He also supported the Chagossians, a group of people who were forced to leave their homes.
In 2003, he strongly criticized Prime Minister Tony Blair's decision to go to war in Iraq. He was even asked to leave the Parliament chamber during a debate because of his questions. He believed that leaders should always have clear permission from the United Nations before going to war.
Later Years in Parliament
On March 7, 2003, Tam Dalyell was elected as Rector of the University of Edinburgh. This is a special role where he represented the students. He served for three years.
In 2004, he announced that he would retire from Parliament. He left the House of Commons in April 2005. He had been an MP for 43 years, making him Scotland's longest-serving MP at the time. After he retired, Alan Williams became the new Father of the House.
In 2011, he received an honorary doctorate from Heriot-Watt University. This was to recognize his important work.
Personal Life and Passing
Tam Dalyell married Kathleen Wheatley, a teacher, in 1963. They had two children, a son named Gordon and a daughter named Moira. Both of their children became lawyers.
After he retired, Tam Dalyell wrote obituaries for The Independent newspaper. In 2011, he published his autobiography, called The Importance of Being Awkward. In the book, he thanked the people of West Lothian for their kindness during his many years as their representative.
Tam Dalyell passed away on January 26, 2017, at the age of 84, after a short illness.
Images for kids
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Tam Dalyell (centre) on After Dark in 1991
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A bust of Tam Dalyell
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The House of the Binns, Tam Dalyell's family home
See also
- Hans Köchler's Lockerbie trial observer mission
- The Maltese Double Cross – Lockerbie
