Norway Debate - Definition

The Norway Debate was a famous debate in the British House of Commons that took place on May 7 and May 8 1940. Ostensibly a debate on the conduct of the Norwegian Campaign, the debate witnessed a massive outpouring of criticism and hostility towards the general conduct of the war and the government of Neville Chamberlain. In the vote at the end of the debate there was a sizable rebellion of government supporters who voted against their own government on what was considered a Motion of Confidence (though it was not worded as such).

Two days later Chamberlain resigned and was succeeded by Winston Churchill.

Notable points in the debate included:

• Former Admiral of the Fleet and Member of Parliament for the naval town Portsmouth Sir Roger Keyes attending wearing full uniform and six rows of medals when he gave a devastating speech attacking the naval conduct of the campaign.
• Prominent Conservative backbencher Leo Amery delivering a fierce attack on his own government, calling for its resignation and using a famous quote from Oliver Cromwell:

"You have sat too long here for any good you have been doing. Depart, I say, and let us have done with you. In the name of God, go".

• "The Man Who Won the [First World] War", former Prime Minister David Lloyd George made his last prominent speech in which he attacked Chamberlain:

He [Chamberlain] has appealed for sacrifice. The nation is prepared for every sacrifice so long as it has leadership. ... I say solemnly that the Prime Minister should give an example of sacrifice because there is nothing which can contribute more to victory in this war than that he should sacrifice the seals of office.

Example Usage of Norway