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Samuel BrittanEnglish journalist and author
Date of Birth: 29.12.1933
Country:  Great Britain |
Content:
Biography of Samuel Brittan
Samuel Brittan, an English journalist and author, was the first correspondent for the 'Financial Times' to cover economic issues. He has long been an observer for this daily newspaper, providing the latest international business news. Brittan is a member of the Academic Advisory Council of the think tank known as the 'Global Warming Policy Foundation'. This center challenges the 'extremely destructive and harmful policy' adopted by the British government regarding anthropogenic global warming.
Early Life and Education
Samuel Brittan, the son of a doctor, was born on December 29, 1933, in London. He received his education at Kilburn Grammar School and later attended Jesus College, Cambridge, where his teachers included Peter Bauer, one of the leading post-war economists, and Milton Friedman, the Nobel laureate in economics. Brittan recalled receiving one of the best and most cutting remarks he had ever received in his life from Friedman. Brittan said, "Friedman mentioned a letter he received from Arthur Burns, telling him that everything went well with Eisenhower's appointment as President. I expressed my surprise, to which Friedman replied, 'Firstly, Burns knows much more about Eisenhower. Secondly, even if you knew as much, I would prefer his opinion to yours'."
Career
In 1961, Samuel was appointed as the editor of economic news for 'The Observer' newspaper. He remained with the newspaper until 1964, and then in 1965, he became an advisor in the Department of Economic Affairs. In 1966, Brittan became a correspondent for the 'Financial Times', where he was responsible for covering economic topics.
In March 1981, when 364 leading economists wrote a letter to 'The Times' criticizing Margaret Thatcher's economic policies, Brittan was one of the few correspondents who openly defended the conservative government's policies. From 1985 to 1986, Brittan was one of those responsible for the critical review of financial matters in the 'Peacock Committee', a committee established by the Thatcher government in collaboration with the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC).
Samuel Brittan received the George Orwell Award, a monetary prize from the Harold Wincott Foundation, and the Ludwig Erhard Award. In 1993, he was knighted "for services to economic journalism". In 1994, he was awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Essex.
Family Connections
Samuel's brother, Leon Brittan, served as the Chief Secretary to the Treasury under the Thatcher administration, Home Secretary of the United Kingdom, and President of the Board of Trade before becoming one of the European Commissioners. Samuel and Leon are second cousins of Malcolm Rifkind, who served as the Secretary of State for Scotland, Minister of Defense, and Minister of Foreign Affairs under the Thatcher and John Major administrations. Samuel, Leon, and Malcolm are also related to Mark Ronson, a DJ, music producer, and Grammy winner. Brittan claims to have always adhered to the principles of liberal individualism.
