Sir James urged then-Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher to abolish class divisions and replace the House of Lords with an elected second chamber.

Thinker: Politics & Economics – Governance & Political Representation

United Kingdom

Sir James believed union leaders and politicians were out of touch with voters and called for changes to the electoral system to allow more accurate political representation. This included urging then-Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher to abolish class divisions and replace House of Lords with an elected second chamber. The riots and social unease Britain experienced during the early 1980s provided further justification for his ideas.

America, Soviet Union

Sir James spoke numerous times about America’s role in world politics, and urged the country not to make the same mistakes Britain had. He had strong views on the ‘unbundling’ of the Soviet Union, and the opportunities this presented.

Sir James also believed in the importance of cultural diversity, warned against the effects of imperialism, and suggested how cultures and religions could become more environmentally and nature-focused.

Read more in archive