Interview with Sir Malcolm Rifkind: Commonwealth Oral History Project

Interview with Sir Malcolm Rifkind, conducted at Portcullis House, Westminster, on Tuesday 8th January 2013 (part 1) and Tuesday, 12th March, 2013 (part 2) as part of the Commonwealth Oral History Project. The project aims to produce a unique digital research resource on the oral history of the Commonwealth since 1965 through sixty oral history interviews with leading figures in the recent history of the organisation. It will provide an essential research tool for anyone investigating the history of the Commonwealth and will serve to promote interest in and understanding of the organisation. Biography:Rifkind, Rt. Hon. Sir Malcolm. KCMG 1997; PC 1986. Born 1946. Lectured at University. of Rhodesia, 1967–68. Vis. Prof., Inst. for Advanced Studies in the Humanities, Edinburgh Univ., 1998. Called to Scottish Bar, 1970. Contested (C) Edinburgh, Central, 1970; MP (C) Edinburgh, Pentlands, Feb. 1974–1997; contested (C) same seat, 1997, 2001. Opposition front bench spokesman on Scottish Affairs, 1975–76; Parly Under Sec. of State, Scottish Office, 1979–82, FCO, 1982–83; Minister of State, FCO, 1983–86; Secretary of State: for Scotland, 1986–90; for Transport, 1990–92; for Defence, 1992–95; for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, 1995–97; Opposition front bench spokesman on work and pensions, 2005. Jt Sec., Cons. Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs Cttee, 1978; Member: Select Cttee on Eur. Secondary Legislation, 1975–76; Select Cttee on Overseas Develt, 1978–79; Chm., Intelligence and Security Cttee, 2010–. Non-exec. Dir, Unilever plc, 2010–.