Mr Major’s Doorstep Statement at the International Motor Show – 19 October 1994

Below is the text of Mr Major’s doorstep statement at the International Motor Show in Birmingham NEC, given on Wednesday 19th October 1994.

PRIME MINISTER:

“I spoke to Mr Rabin early this morning as soon as the news came through whom I met also yesterday and I expressed to him my sorrow at what happened there. It’s clearly a despicable act, a very cowardly act and was clearly intended to damage the peace process and to drive it away from the forward movement we have seen over the last year or so. I very much welcome what has been achieved in the Middle East.

This mustn’t be permitted to stop it. I am convinced Prime Minister Rabin and others will wish to continue with the peace process and they will receive our full support in doing so.”

[When asked whether this would damage the peace process he said:]

“I hope not and I believe not, clearly the purpose behind this bomb was to put an end to the peace process. That was what the evil people who set this bomb off intended to do. I believe it’s very important that they don’t achieve that and that’s why my support for the peace process in the Middle East is total and I believe that will be the overwhelming view around the world.”

[The Prime Minister was asked about the Royal family and he said he had nothing to say.]

[He was also asked about Tam Dalyell’s allegations that Mark Thatcher has been administering a Tory slush fund he said:]

“He know’s that’s not the case and why he keeps talking this nonsense is something you’ll have to ask him.”