Posted on 07/17/2005 2:09:42 PM PDT by Borges
LONDON (AFP) - Former British prime minister Edward Heath, who took Britain into Europe during his period of office from 1970 to 1974, died at age 89, his spokesman said.
Earlier in the day the spokesman said Heath was "nearing the end of his life".
Heath, who turned 89 earlier this month, represented the Conservative Party in the House of Commons for more than 50 years, only stepping down at the 2001 election.
His most notable achievement during his single term as prime minister was taking Britain into what was then the European Economic Community, the forerunner to the European Union.
He led the Conservative Party from 1965 to 1975 when he was succeeded by Margaret Thatcher
"Taxman, Mr. Wilson...taxman, Mr. Heath!"
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