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Biography
Longden entered the political arena as the Conservative MP for South West Hertfordshire in 1950 having spent his early working life as a solicitor, company secretary and in the service of the Durham Light Infantry, for which he was awarded an MBE (military) in 1945.
He penned his political views in 'A Conservative Philosophy' (1947) and later became one of the founder members of the One Nation group of Conservative MPs. He was active in a number of other bodies including the Council of Europe, Conservative Group for Europe, the Great Britain-East Europe Centre, United Nations, British Atlantic Committee and British Council.
Sir Gilbert was outspoken on other issues and notably voiced his opposition to apartheid in South Africa and in later years his pro-Israeli stance through Chairmanship of the All-Party British Israel Committee. He was Knighted in 1972, and died in 1997.
Main Areas of Interest
Conservatism in the 20th century, the 'One Nation' group of Conservative MPs, late 20th century European and international developments and home affairs.
Catalogue
A catalogue of the collection is available on the Archives catalogue|.
Further information
Contact LSE Archives: Contact details|.
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