The passing of Lord Norman Tebbit marks the end of an era in British politics — an era defined by courage, conviction, and an unflinching belief in national identity and responsibility. I had the honour of knowing Lord Tebbit and recall him fondly as a principled politician, a loyal Cabinet minister under Margaret Thatcher, and a man deeply committed to the values of self-reliance, patriotism, and personal responsibility.
As a key figure in Margaret Thatcher’s Cabinet, Lord Tebbit served with distinction in several critical roles — including as Secretary of State for Employment and later as Chairman of the Conservative Party. He was known for his directness and clarity, never shying away from speaking the truth, however uncomfortable it might be. In doing so, he became a voice for the hardworking, aspirational Britons who wanted to make their own way in life — values that resonated deeply with the British Indian and wider immigrant communities.
For many Ugandan Asians like myself, forcibly expelled from our homeland by Idi Amin in 1972, Britain offered a sanctuary and a second chance. Though Lord Tebbit was not directly involved in Edward Heath’s original decision to allow us to settle in Britain, his role in shaping the Thatcher government’s approach to integration and responsibility made him a prominent voice in encouraging immigrant communities to embrace British values while retaining their cultural roots.
Lord Tebbit’s now-famous “Tebbit Test” — questioning whether immigrants supported England at cricket — was often misunderstood or mischaracterised. To some, it was controversial. But to many of us, it was a challenge rooted in a desire for cohesion and loyalty. It was not about exclusion, but about shared identity — a way of asking: if you have made Britain your home, do you feel pride in it? Do you support your country, not just in politics or economy, but in spirit?
As a proud British Indian and a proud Hindu, I have always felt that being British and being true to one’s heritage are not contradictory. They are complementary. I support England in every match, celebrate Diwali in the House of Lords, and sing the national anthem with pride. That is the spirit of integrated patriotism Lord Tebbit stood for — a Britain where people of all backgrounds contribute, belong, and stand together.
Lord Tebbit’s own life was marked by courage and resilience. He and his wife Margaret were victims of the Brighton bombing in 1984, an attack that left her severely injured. Yet he returned to public life with characteristic strength and never allowed bitterness to cloud his judgement.
His passing is a loss to British politics, but his legacy endures — in the values he championed, the debates he provoked, and the loyalty he inspired.
May he rest in peace.
