| The most European-minded of British prime ministers, Edward Heath signed the Treaty of Rome which took Britain into the European Community in 1973. As such he takes his place in history. His reputation was high in the capitals of Europe, but less so in his own country. He remained an MP for 27 years after he resigned as Prime Minister on 4 March 1974, and was widely regarded as among the least successful of British political leaders, in spite of his European achievement. |