Arthur Cockfield, Baron Cockfield, English lawyer and politician, Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills (b. 1916)

Francis Arthur Cockfield, Baron Cockfield, PC (surname pronounced "Co-feeld"; 28 September 1916 – 8 January 2007), was an eminent British public servant, business leader, politician, and European statesman whose multifaceted career profoundly shaped modern Europe. Known universally as 'The Father of the Single Market', his visionary work as a European Commissioner laid the essential foundations for one of the world's largest integrated economic areas.

A Distinguished Career Path: From Civil Service to Cabinet

Lord Cockfield's career was marked by a remarkable versatility, transitioning seamlessly between various demanding roles. He began his professional life as a dedicated civil servant, notably serving at the Board of Inland Revenue where his expertise in taxation was highly valued. His acumen in economic policy then saw him appointed as an economic adviser to the National Coal Board during a critical period for the British coal industry. Following his public service, he transitioned into the private sector, demonstrating his leadership capabilities as a successful company director, including a significant tenure as Managing Director of Sears Holdings, a major retail and industrial conglomerate in the UK.

Key Ministerial Roles in the UK Government

As a prominent Conservative politician, Lord Cockfield held several significant ministerial positions under Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, playing a crucial role in her government's economic and trade policies:

• Minister of State at the Treasury (1979–1982): In this pivotal role during the early years of the Thatcher government, he was deeply involved in implementing the Conservative Party's economic reforms, focusing on supply-side economics and fiscal discipline aimed at curbing inflation and promoting free markets.
• Secretary of State for Trade (1982–1983): Overseeing the United Kingdom's international trade relations and domestic commerce, he worked to foster a competitive business environment and expand global trade opportunities for British industries, playing a key part in the government's economic liberalization agenda.
• Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (1983–1984): This unique, non-departmental ministerial post typically involves a senior minister advising the Prime Minister on a wide range of policy matters and taking on special projects, highlighting his trusted position within the cabinet and his continued influence on government policy.

Architect of the European Single Market

Lord Cockfield's most enduring legacy stems from his impactful four-year tenure as a member of the European Commission from 1984 to 1988. Appointed by Margaret Thatcher, he was tasked with leading the ambitious project to complete the European Economic Community's (EEC) internal market, a goal that had long remained elusive.

Championing European Integration: The White Paper and Single European Act

His groundbreaking work culminated in the publication of the seminal 'White Paper on Completing the Internal Market' in 1985. This detailed blueprint meticulously outlined nearly 300 legislative measures required to dismantle the remaining physical (customs checks), technical (divergent national standards), and fiscal (varying VAT and excise duties) barriers that hindered the free movement of goods, services, capital, and people across member states. This concept, often referred to as the 'four freedoms', was central to his vision for a truly integrated European economy.

The White Paper served as the definitive roadmap that directly led to the negotiation and adoption of the Single European Act (SEA) in 1986. The SEA was a significant amendment to the Treaty of Rome, providing the necessary legal framework and political impetus to achieve the Single Market by the target date of 1 January 1993. Lord Cockfield's unwavering commitment to this project, often in the face of political resistance and complex national interests, transformed the fragmented EEC into a truly integrated economic zone, fostering unprecedented levels of trade, competition, and economic growth across Europe.

Legacy and Political Dynamics

Despite being a Conservative appointee, Lord Cockfield's fervent dedication to the European project, and his belief in the necessary compromises for deeper integration, eventually led to a divergence with Prime Minister Thatcher's increasingly Eurosceptic stance. This tension, reportedly over the pace and scope of European integration and concerns about a loss of national sovereignty, ultimately resulted in his non-reappointment to the Commission in 1988, marking the end of his formal role in European affairs but solidifying his place in history as 'The Father of the Single Market'.

Frequently Asked Questions about Francis Arthur Cockfield

Who was Francis Arthur Cockfield?

Francis Arthur Cockfield, Baron Cockfield, was a highly influential British figure known for his significant contributions across civil service, business, UK politics (serving as a minister under Margaret Thatcher), and especially as a European Commissioner who championed the creation of the European Single Market.

What is Lord Cockfield's most notable achievement?

He is most widely recognized and celebrated as 'The Father of the Single Market' for his instrumental role in conceiving, planning, and driving the implementation of the European Single Market. His 1985 'White Paper on Completing the Internal Market' provided the detailed blueprint that directly led to the Single European Act of 1986.

What was the "European Single Market" he helped create?

The European Single Market (also known as the internal market) is a fundamental concept of the European Union, designed to ensure the free movement of goods, services, capital, and people within the EU's member states. It aims to eliminate barriers, fostering economic integration, increased trade, and enhanced competition.

When was the European Single Market formally established?

While the groundwork was laid significantly by Lord Cockfield's efforts and the Single European Act of 1986, the European Single Market officially came into being on January 1, 1993, removing most remaining barriers to free movement and establishing a unified economic space.