Catalogue Number
NMLH.2001.20.476
Object Name
Photograph
Title
The Minster Of Labour Ernest Bevin, Broadcasting To The Nation On BBC, 12/6/1940
Place
London & BBC & England & UK
People
Bevin, Ernest
Events
Second World War
Date
1940
Creator(s)
Central Press Photos Ltd
Description
Ernest Bevin was born into rural poverty in Somerset in 1881. His life constitutes one of the great success stories of the Labour movement. At the age of 11 he started work as a labourer. He was later a truck driver in Bristol. Between 1914 and 1940 he became national organizer for the Dockers' Union, a founding figure of the Transport & General Workers' Union, and member of the general council of the Trades Union Congress.
In 1940 Winston Churchill formed an all-party coalition government to defend the country against NAZI Germany. He appointed Bevin as Minisiter for Labour. The Emergency Powers( Defence) Act gave Bevin complete control over the labour force and the allocation of manpower. He was one of the most significant members of Churchill's war cabinet. Following the 1945 General election Bevin was appointed as Foreign Secretary.
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