The First Brexiteer: The Diaries of Sir Neil Marten, 1970 - 79

These diaries offer a fascinating glimpse into the life of a parliamentarian deeply committed to the cause of parliamentary sovereignty. Sir Neil Marten was not just a politician but also a soldier, spy, husband, father, and grandfather.

A Window into Political History

The First Brexiteer provides an incredible insight into the worlds of politics and Parliament during two pivotal periods in British history:

• The tumultuous Heath administration, dominated by the battle over Britain's entry to the EEC.
• The early Thatcher years in opposition, shaped by Heath's policy U-turns, from which Thatcherism emerged.

Britain's First Brexiteer

Neil Marten was a trailblazer in the Eurosceptic movement:

• He organised the most determined parliamentary campaign to oppose Britain's entry to the EEC.
• He chaired the 'No' campaign in the 1975 referendum to leave the EEC.
• He continued to agitate against ever closer European union throughout his parliamentary career.

Without his activism, the foundations of the Eurosceptic movement would have been significantly weaker.

A Legacy in British Politics

These pages reveal Sir Neil Marten's lasting contribution to British politics and his country.