Bevan, Aneurin, << BEHV uhn, uh NY ruhn >> (1897-1960), was a leading British Labour politician during the 1940’s and 1950’s. He became famous for his fiery oratory and radical views. When the Labour Party came to power in 1945, Bevan was appointed Minister of Health. He set up the National Health Service and carried out a huge housing program.
Bevan became Minister of Labour and National Service in January 1951, but he resigned in April. He disagreed with the government’s rearmament policy, and he also resented the introduction of prescription charges for dentures and eyeglasses. In 1955, Bevan became chief spokesman on foreign affairs for the Labour Party. In 1957, he surprised the party conference by urging the delegates to reject a motion opposing nuclear weapons.
Bevan was born on Nov. 15, 1897, in Tredegar, in Gwent, Wales. He began work as a coal miner at the age of 13. He entered politics after working in trade (labor) unionism and local government and was elected member of Parliament for Ebbw Vale in 1929. For five years, he edited the socialist weekly Tribune. He died on July 6, 1960.
